Often, the issue is: Can you sue Lyft following an accident?
Usually, under Lyft’s third-party liability policy, the claim covers wounded passengers in a Lyft crash brought on by their driver.
If another, non-Lyft driver were responsible for the crash, you would sue that driver, but you might also be eligible for Lyft’s uninsured or underinsured coverage.
Although some remedies are available under workers’ comp or state laws, arbitration and contractor status create challenges for Lyft drivers suing their company.
To make a good case, one must first understand this complexity and get smart legal assistance from a seasoned Fresno car accident injury attorney.
Understanding Lyft’s Liability Framework
Lyft drivers are independent contractors, not employees. That classification allows Lyft to limit direct liability, but the company still provides multi-layered insurance coverage activated based on the driver’s app status:
- Period 0 (App off):
No Lyft coverage; individual drivers rely on personal auto policies.
- Period 1 (App on, awaiting a ride):
Lyft’s contingent liability covers $50K per person/$100K per accident for bodily injury, plus $30K for property damage.
- Period 2 (Ride accepted/in progress):
Primary coverage up to $1M per accident for third-party injuries, uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage, and contingent collision/comprehensive coverage for vehicle damage.
Knowing these periods is crucial when evaluating Lyft accident claims—misreporting the app status can derail your recovery.
Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident? Liability Paths
Suing the At-Fault Driver
If another motorist caused your rideshare car accident, file a third-party claim against their insurer. This is often the fastest route, provided they have sufficient coverage.
Suing the Lyft Driver
When the Lyft driver is negligent—speeding, distracted driving—you file under their policy first. Lyft’s contingent or primary corporate policy steps in if its limits are exhausted.
Suing Lyft Directly
Direct suits against Lyft are rare due to arbitration clauses in the Terms of Service. Exceptions include:
- Claims by non-parties (e.g., pedestrians or bicyclists) who didn’t agree to arbitration.
- Cases involving sexual assault or intentional misconduct by drivers.
In most situations, your lawyer will navigate arbitration rather than the court. Specific state laws may override arbitration requirements for wrongful-death actions.
Protecting Your Rights: Essential Steps After a Lyft Accident
Following a Lyft accident can be frantic and taxing. Still, your capacity to pursue a strong claim for your injuries and losses will be much influenced by the decisions you make right away.
Here is a more thorough look at the vital actions to defend your rights, as, like a consoling purr on a difficult day, you need someone on your side when you’re injured.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Your health comes first. Even if your injuries look minor at the scene, some, such as abdominal problems or whiplash, may not show symptoms right away.
Your health and your claim depend on your medical examinations and treatments being documented from the start.
Save detailed notes on every doctor’s visit, therapy session, and medical bill.
Call 911 and Obtain a Comprehensive Police Report:
A police report is an objective, unbiased documentation of the incident.
It usually covers essential information, including the date, time, and crash site; road and weather conditions; witness comments; and the preliminary fault assessment of the investigating officer.
Get a copy of this report; it can be vital proof of culpability.
Report the Incident Directly Through the Lyft App:
Lyft has a dedicated process for doing this. Right away, go to the “Help” part of the Lyft app and choose “I was in an accident.”
This guarantees Lyft receives official notice and may start its internal review process.
Note the date and time you reported the incident.
Thoroughly Document the Accident Scene:
Thoroughly document the accident scene; visual evidence has excellent power.
Take many pictures and videos of anything pertinent using your smartphone: the damage to every vehicle involved, the whereabouts of the cars following the crash, any apparent injuries, road conditions (e.g., potholes, obstacles, traffic signals), and any pertinent signage.
Gather Complete Witness Information:
Independent eyewitness reports can significantly support your claim by validating your version of events.
Ask any onlookers who witnessed the accident for their complete names, phone numbers, email addresses, and whether they would be ready to offer a quick statement on scene or later.
Meticulously Preserve All Relevant Evidence:
Compile and protect all medical records about your injuries as well as all evidence about your Lyft journey, including your ridesharing receipt, screenshots from the Lyft app displaying driver’s information and trip details, and when wondering, “Can you sue Lyft for an accident?” this data will be vital to support a strong case.
Consult with an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney Promptly:
One of the most crucial actions you can take is early in the process.
Contact our Fresno car accident lawyers at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.
An attorney focused on rideshare accidents knows the complexity of these cases and can counsel you on your rights, handle correspondence with insurance companies (preventing them from using strategies to minimize your recovery), conduct their investigation, and guarantee you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
Early legal engagement balances the odds of a fair settlement or a victorious lawsuit.
Following these guidelines carefully lays a strong and well-documented basis for your pursuit of a Lyft crash claim or lawsuit, therefore safeguarding your right to just compensation for your losses and injuries.
Special Considerations for Lyft Drivers
Drivers sometimes ask, Can I sue Lyft as a driver? Because drivers are 1099 contractors, typical employment protections (workers’ comp) don’t apply. However:
In Period 2, Lyft’s primary policy may cover driver injuries, subject to rider injuries.
Independent contractor claims under state law may allow suit for negligence in processing expense reimbursement or providing safe vehicles.
Subrogation: If you’re injured by a third party while driving for Lyft, your health insurer may step in and then sue the at-fault driver or Lyft’s insurer.
Navigating contractor status requires specialized expertise—lean on a qualified lawyer to assess your options.
Lyft vs. Uber: Understanding Liability Differences
While both Lyft and Uber employ similar models, classifying their drivers as independent contractors, the specific regulations and insurance requirements governing these rideshare companies can differ, impacting whether you can sue Lyft for an accident effectively.
For instance, state law in California requires similar insurance coverage for both. Still, the specifics of Lyft’s multilayer insurance plans and arbitration policy approach could not be exactly like Uber’s.
Similarities:
While the company’s insurance usually covers Lyft and Uber drivers when actively running rides, this coverage covers third-party and passenger injuries under liability.
Potential differences:
Lyft and Uber could have different exact coverage amounts, deductibles, and access to that coverage. Furthermore, their methods of settling problems, especially about arbitration, may differ.
You might approach a lawsuit against Lyft differently than one against Uber. Knowing these subtleties is essential while thinking about whether you might sue Lyft for an accident.
If you were hurt in a Lyft accident, call our knowledgeable Fresno rideshare accident lawyers at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers right now for a free consultation to go over the specifics of your case and how these variations could impact your claim.
Why Turn to Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers in Fresno?
Particularly in cases involving the complexity of rideshares like Lyft, big commercial vehicles, or the terrible death of a loved one, you need a legal team with strong local roots and an established track record when you are dealing with the fallout from a significant accident.
Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is unique in Fresno for the following:
Deep Fresno Expertise in Complex Crash Claims:
We’re not just any personal injury firm.
We have a strong and established presence in Fresno and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in a wide range of complex crash claims.
Whether you’re grappling with the unique liability issues of a rideshare accident, the high stakes of a collision with a commercial truck, or the heartbreaking process of a wrongful death claim, our local expertise ensures we understand the specific laws and legal landscape of the Central Valley.
Proven Success You Can See:
We believe in results, and our verdicts & settlements archive speaks for itself.
Here, you can read about real victories we’ve achieved for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to fighting tirelessly and securing the compensation they deserve.
This tangible proof of our success offers you confidence and reassurance during a challenging time.
A Client-Focused Approach That Puts You First:
You’re not just a case number at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers.
We prioritize clear and transparent communication every step of the way, ensuring you’re always informed about the progress of your claim.
And our commitment is clear: you don’t pay attorney fees unless we win your case. This client-first approach underscores our dedication to your best interests.
Comprehensive Representation From Start to Finish:
We take the burden of your legal battle off your shoulders.
Our experienced team handles every aspect of your claim, from meticulously collecting crucial evidence and skillfully negotiating with stubborn insurance companies to aggressively representing your interests in arbitration or, if necessary, taking your case to trial.
We are prepared to fight for you at every stage to achieve the best possible outcome.
When you choose Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, you select a dedicated Fresno team with the experience, resources, and commitment to guide you through even the most complex accident claims.
Don’t Face Your Lyft Accident Alone – Discover Your Legal Options Today
Whether you were a passenger depending on the service, a driver trying to make a living, or an innocent third party caught in the collision, time is of the essence if a Lyft automobile accident left you harmed. Do not negotiate the convoluted aftermath and complex legal concerns on your own.
Our knowledgeable Fresno team at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is here to assist you in comprehending your rights and investigating your options, including whether you might sue Lyft for an accident.
Start the vital first path for recovery and justice. Get in touch right now to get a free, no-obligation consultation.
Allow us to provide you with the unambiguous direction and committed advocacy required for further progress. Visit our contact page or call right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Legal Action Be Taken Against Lyft When Their Driver Is Not at Fault?
Correct.
If a third-party driver’s negligence causes the Lyft accident, the primary legal path is to seek a claim against that at-fault party. Additionally, Lyft’s insurance policy covers underinsured and uninsured motorist (UM) protections.
This means that, should the culpable third-party driver have inadequate insurance or none at all, you, as an injured passenger, could pursue more compensation through Lyft’s UM/UIM policy. For injured people, this offers a vital safety net.
As a Passenger, Is Insurance Coverage Available Even if the Lyft Driver’s Personal Insurance Has Expired?
Certainly, designed primarily to cover passengers and third parties should the Lyft driver be at fault for an accident while the driver is actively on a ride, the corporate third-party liability insurance offered by Lyft.
From the moment the driver takes a ride request and is on route to the passenger until the passenger is dropped off, this active period spans Period 2.
Therefore, regardless of the driver’s motor insurance policy, Lyft’s insurance should apply should the driver’s negligence result in an accident during one of these periods.
What Legal Options Exist if Lyft Denies an Accident Claim?
See legal counsel with ridesharing accident experience if Lyft or its insurance company rejects your claim.
Several legal approaches are possible. Frequently recommended under Lyft’s terms of service, arbitration provides alternative dispute resolution whereby a neutral third party makes decisions.
Pursuing a lawsuit against a non-Lyft driver in civil court is still a reasonable course of action should the accident result from that careless individual.
Furthermore, a separate legal action for bad faith insurance practices could be considered should evidence point to Lyft acting in bad faith in resolving your claim, say by unjustifiable denial or irrational delays.