Rideshare services like Lyft have revolutionized how people get from one place to another. With the tap of an app, a driver can arrive at your location in minutes, offering convenience and affordability. However, rideshare services are not immune to accidents like any form of transportation. When a Lyft accident occurs, those involved can sustain serious injuries. If you suffered an injury in a Lyft accident, you might be wondering, can I sue Lyft after an injury accident?
The answer is generally no, but you can sue Lyft’s insurance company or the Lyft driver’s insurer. For most people, that’s a distinction without a difference. Either way, you can recover compensation.
Consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney when you suffer an injury in a Lyft accident. A lawyer can provide personalized guidance and take all necessary steps to secure just compensation for your injuries and losses.
What Causes Lyft Accidents?
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can happen for a variety of reasons. Like all drivers, Lyft drivers are subject to the same laws of the road and are prone to the same mistakes and risks as anyone else, such as:
Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of any traffic accident is distracted driving. In the case of Lyft drivers, distractions can stem from using the Lyft app, GPS navigation, or even texting while driving.
Since Lyft drivers often mount their phones in their cars for easy access to the app, they can easily get distracted and make errors while driving.
Reckless Driving
Rideshare drivers may be tempted to drive aggressively or recklessly to complete trips quickly. Speeding, tailgating, or running red lights to meet high demand can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident.
Driver Fatigue
Lyft drivers are often on the road for long hours, trying to maximize their earnings. While some drivers exclusively drive for Lyft, others work additional jobs, increasing fatigue.
Fatigue can impair reaction times and judgment, leading to accidents. Like truck drivers or other professionals who drive for extended periods, Lyft drivers face a greater risk of falling asleep behind the wheel or making poor decisions when exhausted.
Inexperienced or Untrained Drivers
Although Lyft requires that drivers meet certain minimum qualifications, a driver new to ridesharing, with limited experience, or lacking proper training can make mistakes that result in accidents.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
A car that is not properly maintained can lead to mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or engine trouble, all of which can cause collisions.
Rideshare drivers must maintain their vehicles in good condition, but not all drivers keep their vehicles safe for operation.
Other Drivers’ Negligence
Not all accidents involving Lyft vehicles are the fault of the Lyft driver. Other drivers may engage in negligent or reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence, distracted driving, or ignoring traffic signals, which can contribute to or cause an accident.
Types of Injuries Victims Can Sustain in Lyft Crashes
Rideshare accidents can cause a wide range of injuries. The extent of the injuries largely depends on factors such as the speed of the crash, the severity of the collision, and the location of impact. Common injuries resulting from Lyft accidents include:
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents, particularly rear-end collisions. The sudden head jerking can cause neck strains, sprains, or damage to the vertebrae and surrounding muscles. In some cases, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability.
Head Injuries
Head trauma can occur in any crash, no matter the speed or force. Concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are all potential outcomes. TBIs can lead to permanent cognitive issues, motor skill impairment, and memory loss.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The spine is particularly vulnerable during car accidents, especially in high-impact collisions. Spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis, loss of sensation, and other long-term consequences that may require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones
Fractures of the limbs, ribs, or pelvis can occur during a Lyft accident. These injuries can require surgery, physical therapy, and lengthy recovery periods and may result in long-term disabilities.
Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma during a car accident can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ rupture, or other life-threatening injuries. These injuries may not immediately appear, so victims should always seek medical attention after an accident.
Emotional and Psychological Harm
An accident can cause lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety over riding in vehicles. You need a lawyer to account for these debilitating invisible injuries when pursuing compensation.
Who Can You Hold Liable for a Lyft Accident?
In general, liability for a Lyft accident depends on the circumstances of the accident and the factors that led to the crash.
Lyft Driver
If the Lyft driver’s actions caused the accident (e.g., driving recklessly or distracted), you can hold them responsible for the injuries and damages. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, but they still must drive responsibly and follow traffic laws to keep themselves, their riders, and others safe.
Lyft
In some cases, you can hold Lyft itself liable for accidents that occur while a driver provides a ride, particularly if Lyft failed to enforce its policies, training, or hiring practices.
Other Drivers
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident (e.g., a rear-end collision caused by another vehicle), you can hold the other driver. This is often the case in accidents that involve multiple vehicles.
Can You Sue Lyft After an Accident?
Generally, you cannot sue Lyft after an accident. But if you are a passenger, other driver, or pedestrian injured in a Lyft accident, you may pursue compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the liable insurance company.
Your lawyer can look at the details of the incident and determine the best path forward.
Understanding Lyft’s Liability Insurance
Lyft drivers must carry their auto insurance, which meets state minimum requirements. However, Lyft also provides liability insurance for its drivers as added protection. The coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
When the Driver is Offline
If the driver is not using the Lyft app, Lyft’s insurance does not apply. You will file a claim with the driver’s insurance in this case.
When the Driver is Online and Waiting for a Ride Request
If the driver is logged into the app but not yet assigned a passenger, Lyft’s insurance provides coverage for up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
When the Driver Is En Route to Their Passenger or On a Ride
If the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a passenger, Lyft’s insurance provides more robust coverage, including up to $1 million in liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage.
Pursuing Compensation After a Lyft Accident
The path toward compensation following a Lyft crash depends on the situation, including who is liable for causing the collision.
If your Lyft driver is at fault, you can file a third-party insurance claim through their auto insurer. Although they were working at the time of the accident, you will still file a claim with their insurance company.
You may also have the opportunity to file a claim through Lyft’s insurance if the driver’s insurance is not sufficient to cover your damages.
When another driver causes your Lyft accident, you can file a claim through their insurance instead.
Filing a lawsuit is not always necessary, particularly if you can receive adequate compensation through an insurance claim. However, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be an option if, for example, the insurance company is unwilling to settle your claim fairly.
When you hire a rideshare accident lawyer, they can determine the best course of action for your case. Your attorney will do whatever is necessary to secure full and fair compensation.
What to Do Following a Lyft Crash
After a Lyft accident, to protect your legal rights and ensure the best chance for compensation:
Receive Medical Attention
Regardless of how you feel physically after a rideshare accident, seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show immediate symptoms. Getting medical care helps document your injuries and ensure you receive proper treatment.
Document the Accident
Maintain evidence of your crash, including photos of the accident scene and your injuries and witness contact information. Evidence can play a significant role in rideshare accident cases.
File a Police Report
If the police were called to the accident scene, you don’t have to file an additional report. However, if law enforcement was not called, file a police report. You may need a police report to file insurance claims and pursue legal action. Ensure the report accurately reflects the details of the accident.
Report the Accident to Lyft
Notify Lyft of what occurred. Contact Lyft through their app or customer service to report the accident.
Consult an Attorney
An experienced personal injury attorney who handles rideshare accident cases can oversee the entire legal process, protect your rights, and ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve. Time is limited to take action after a rideshare accident. Therefore, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
The Importance of Hiring a Rideshare Accident Attorney to Handle Your Claim
Hiring an experienced attorney is one of the most important steps after being injured in a Lyft accident.
Attorneys who regularly handle rideshare accident cases understand the challenges of these cases, including how to handle insurance claims with Lyft and the driver’s personal insurance. They can handle all the legal paperwork, communicate with insurance companies, and negotiate on your behalf for fair compensation.
An attorney will also gather evidence, consult medical experts, and present a compelling case in court if necessary. By hiring legal representation, you can focus on your physical and mental recovery while knowing that your legal interests are being protected every step of the way.
After a Lyft Accident, Discuss Your Legal Options With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
After a Lyft accident, you may pursue compensation. While insurance claims are the most common method for securing financial recovery, in some situations, you may sue Lyft directly for the wrongdoing that contributed to your accident.
Consult a local rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible. By consulting a seasoned attorney, you can maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages.
After a Lyft accident, do not hesitate to contact an attorney who is well-versed in rideshare accident claims. With their experience, skill, and resources, you can protect your best interests and get the financial recovery you need to move forward after your injury.
