With the quickly rising popularity of ridesharing services, more people than ever are relying on these options for getting somewhere fast. However, Lyft cars are not subject to the same stringent regulations of standard taxis, which means drivers may not have the same caliber of training. Even with a safe driver, if you take a Lyft car to get around, you can still be involved in a car accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with a Lyft driver it is important that you contact a Lyft car accident attorney from the Law Offices of David Kohm.
What Should You Do After a Lyft Accident?
Just like a cab driver, Lyft drivers are required to use a reasonable level of care when transporting passengers from one place to another. They have a high duty of care, meaning they are expected to safely operate their vehicle while driving a passenger to a destination and should be careful to not get into an accident. The degree is higher for a Lyft driver than an ordinary driver because passengers are relying on them to keep them safe while transporting them to a place they wish to go. With that said, accidents do happen.
If you are involved in a car accident with a Lyft rideshare driver, your first priority should be the health and safety of everyone involved in the accident. If people are injured call 9-1-1, and even if no one is injured contacting the police is always a good idea, especially when substantial property damage is involved. A police report can make your legal case easier later.
The Lyft driver should have personal car insurance, but Lyft may also have a policy for drivers, as well, especially when the Lyft driver is “on duty” carrying a passenger or driving to get one. It is imperative that you obtain the insurance information from the Lyft driver that you were involved in a accident with.
If you were a passenger inside a Lyft vehicle that was involved in an accident, the Lyft app itself may be able to display coverage information directly on your phone; otherwise, you’ll have to ask the driver for that information. Even if you feel completely fine, you should get medical attention immediately. The symptoms of some injuries may take hours or even days to manifest, so it’s best to get checked, especially if there are internal injuries you cannot see. You can also have documentation of your injuries from the emergency room, so that can be used if you opt to sue the Lyft driver or the driver of the other car involved in the accident. You will also want to get the Lyft driver’s full name, license number, address, and phone number. In addition to the Lyft driver’s personal information you will need the make, model, and license plate of every vehicle involved in the accident. You should also get the information of the other driver involved in the accident. In addition, you will want the phone numbers of the drivers and personal information and phone numbers of any witnesses.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work with Lyft?
Insurance coverage for drivers of Lyft and other ridesharing services can be complex. If you are injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver, there is varying coverage depending on the situation. Generally, there are three scenarios involved:
- The driver wasn’t logged into the Lyft app: If the driver was not logged into the Lyft app at the time of the accident, it means they were not working when it occurred. In other words, you would have to go through the driver’s regular car insurance, the coverage of which can be $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident as per the requirement in Texas.
- The driver was logged in but waiting on a fare to be assigned: After the driver is logged in, Lyft gives the driver liability insurance coverage worth $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $25,000 for property damage.
- The driver was assigned a fare: After a driver is assigned a fare, Lyft provides them with $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage as well as uninsured and underinsured driver coverage.
If you are involved in any type of car accident, but especially an accident with a Lyft driver, call the Law Offices of David Kohm today to speak with a Lyft car accident attorney at any of our convenient locations and get a free consultation.
Arlington (817) 522-4451
Denton (940) 222-4060
Dallas (972) 362-6848
Fort Worth (817) 764-1375
Cedar Hill (972) 338-9427
McKinney (469) 522-3688
Lewisville (972) 354-4605
Frisco (972) 725-7681
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