Lyft is a great service for commuting and getting where you need to go. While it is usually safe and reliable, accidents do happen. What happens if you’re in a Lyft at the time of the accident? A Lyft accident lawyer at The Joel Bieber Firm can provide personalized answers to your questions and concerns.
What to Do if Your Lyft Driver Gets into an Accident
Similar to any other type of collision, there are certain steps you should take after an accident in a Lyft. The following steps can help protect your rights and assist you with building a future compensation claim.
Dial 911
If no one else does it before you, call 911. Let the operator know there’s been an accident, request law enforcement assistance and get a Lyft accident lawyer.
Police officers play a critical role after collisions. They survey the scene, gather necessary details, and speak to all parties involved to paint a better picture of what occurred and who caused the crash.
Once officers have everything they need, they create a police report with important details regarding the accident. Accident reports can help strengthen accident claims and answer many pressing questions, like who and what caused the accident.
Seek Medical Aid
Some injuries require immediate attention, so allow emergency medical services to render aid and treat your injuries on the scene. If your injuries are serious enough, they’ll transport you to the hospital for further care.
However, it is important to note that even if you believe you’ve walked away from your Lyft accident unscathed, it’s still a good idea to get a medical evaluation. Because of the nature of accident injuries and how the body reacts to traumatic events, you may have injuries you’re unaware of.
The quicker you begin your medical treatment, the sooner you can get on the road to recovery. Additionally, getting medical care can help you avoid any potential complications from accident injuries.
Gather Information and Evidence
If you’re able, start collecting any information or evidence at the scene of the accident. This could include:
- The Lyft driver’s information, including their name and contact details
- The other driver’s information
- Insurance details for both drivers
- Vehicle information for all cars involved, including make, model, and license plate
- Witness contact information
- Pictures and videos of the vehicles and accident scene
All of this information can be helpful in the future. All other additional evidence, like police accident reports or medical records, can be obtained by your Lyft accident lawyers as it becomes available.
Report the Accident on Lyft’s App
Lyft’s app allows you to report problems with your trip, including collisions. Make sure to get on the app and do so as soon as you’re able.
Speak to a Lyft Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Lyft accidents are unique and not as straightforward as some other types of collision cases could be. It’s vital to schedule an appointment to talk to a Lyft accident lawyer soon after your accident, as the law limits your time to take legal action for collision cases.
Your personal injury attorney can review the details of your accident, examine your evidence, and provide preliminary advice and guidance regarding your matter. They can inform you of the best way to proceed with your claim to work toward favorable compensation for your injuries and losses.
Getting Compensation After a Lyft Collision
As a general rule, the person at-fault for a collision is financially responsible. However, Lyft cases are a bit more complicated.
If Your Lyft Driver Was at Fault
Drivers are legally required to carry car insurance, and Lyft drivers have additional insurance protection provided by Lyft’s insurance company.
Because Lyft drivers are working at the time of their accident, their own insurance is unlikely to cover them for the collision. Therefore, Lyft’s insurance will kick in, and you’ll have the opportunity to pursue compensation from them.
If the Other Driver Was at Fault
If the other driver is at-fault for your Lyft accident, they are responsible for covering your expenses. You’ll file a third-party insurance claim with that driver’s insurer to pursue compensation. A Lyft accident lawyer is best equipped to help you with this.
Understanding How Lyft Handles Insurance
It’s helpful to understand how Lyft insurance works. The exact protection a driver is entitled to depends on their status.
When a driver is not working and their app is off, their personal insurance coverage applies.
When the driver has their app turned on, and they’re waiting for a ride request, Lyft coverage can include:
- $50,000 coverage per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 coverage per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 coverage per accident for property damage
If the driver is working at the time of the accident and is either en route to pick someone up or is currently driving someone, coverage includes:
- Third-party auto liability: $1,000,000
- First-party coverages: This includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), medical payment (MedPay), and occupational accident coverage
- Lyft coverage: When the driver has comprehensive and collision coverage under their insurance, Lyft maintains comprehensive and collision coverage for the value of the car
Insurance and coverage can be complicated. Fortunately, when you have a Lyft accident lawyer working on your case, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed handling your own claim.
Consult with a Lyft Accident Lawyer at The Joel Bieber Firm
Dealing with insurance companies is challenging in and of itself but especially when you’re involved in a Lyft accident. The Joel Bieber Firm has extensive experience helping clients deal with their Lyft claims and obtaining the fair compensation they’re entitled to.
When you’re involved in a Lyft accident, contact us to schedule your initial consultation.
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