Can I Sue Lyft After an Injury Accident?

Since its founding in 2012, Lyft has become a major player in the rideshare industry, providing convenient transportation for millions of people across the United States. While many passengers enjoy safe and efficient rides, accidents involving Lyft vehicles do occur and sometimes result in passengers and others sustaining severe injuries. 

“Can I sue Lyft for a rideshare accident?” is a question we often hear in legal discussions and forums about the topic. The answer is generally yes, but accidents aren’t always that simple. The real answer may depend on the unique circumstances of your accident and all of the parties involved.

Here, we will take a look at the legal issues surrounding accidents caused by negligent Lyft, the rideshare company’s insurance policies, and the measures you can take to protect your rights. Whether you were a Lyft passenger, another motorist, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist, you may be eligible to obtain compensation from Lyft for all your injuries and losses.

The Evolution and Risks of Rideshare Services

Rideshare services like Lyft have revolutionized transportation by offering a more convenient and often more affordable alternative to taxis. Unfortunately, the rapid growth of app-driven rideshare services has introduced new safety concerns and complex legal issues. 

In recent years, ridesharing has been linked to an uptick in vehicular crashes. A study by the University of Chicago and Rice University found that rideshare services have increased traffic fatalities by 2-3% annually. Additionally, incidents of assaults and other safety issues have raised concerns among riders.

Concerns have also arisen regarding the safety of the vehicles themselves. Reports of insufficient maintenance, such as faulty brakes or worn tires, suggest that not all drivers adhere to Lyft’s vehicle safety standards. 

While Lyft has implemented measures like background checks and safety education programs, these efforts are not foolproof. Accidents and safety breaches continue to occur, leaving victims with serious injuries and financial burdens.

Lyft’s Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards

To ensure passenger safety, Lyft imposes specific requirements for its drivers and their vehicles. Drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old (or older in certain regions)
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Have at least one year of driving experience in some states
• Pass a criminal background check and driving record review
• Carry personal auto insurance that meets state minimum requirements
• Complete a community safety education program

Additionally, vehicles used for Lyft rides must:

• Meet minimum age requirements, which vary by city
• Have four doors and at least five seatbelts
• Pass an annual inspection

Despite these standards, safety gaps still occur. Negligent drivers and improperly maintained vehicles continue to operate, contributing to Lyft accidents and injuries.

Lyft’s Insurance Policies Explained

Lyft provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the extent of this coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:

• When the app is off: If the driver is not logged into the Lyft app, their personal insurance applies, and Lyft’s coverage does not.
• When the app is on but no ride is accepted: Lyft’s insurance provides limited coverage, including $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
• When en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip: Lyft’s insurance includes $1 million in third-party liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (with a $2,500 deductible).

How Lyft Accidents Differ from Other Crashes

Lyft accidents present unique challenges due to the driver’s status as an independent contractor, not an employee. This classification limits Lyft’s liability because the company is generally not held directly responsible for drivers’ actions while they are on the job. However, this does not mean Lyft is entirely off the hook. Under certain conditions, Lyft’s insurance policies provide significant coverage to protect both passengers and third parties.

Driver Liability

When a Lyft driver causes an accident due to negligent behavior such as distracted driving, speeding, or ignoring traffic laws, they may be held personally liable. The driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies if the driver was not actively logged into the Lyft app at the time of the crash.

If the driver was logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage acts as a backup if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the damages.

Lyft’s $1 Million Liability Coverage

Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage comes into play when a driver is actively transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up. This coverage applies to third-party claims for injuries and property damage caused by the driver. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which protects passengers if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.

For example, if you are injured as a passenger in a Lyft vehicle, the $1 million policy can cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if the Lyft driver caused the accident. However, this coverage does not absolve the driver of their responsibility and is intended to supplement their personal liability.

When Lyft May Be Directly Liable

Lyft’s liability extends beyond insurance policies in cases where the company’s negligence contributed to the accident. Examples include:

• Failing to conduct proper background checks on drivers.
• Allowing drivers with a history of unsafe behavior to continue operating on the platform.
• Failing to address repeated complaints about a driver’s conduct or vehicle condition.

In these situations, an injured party may pursue a claim against Lyft directly, arguing that the company’s lack of oversight played a role in the crash.

Overlapping Insurance Policies

The potential overlap between the driver’s personal insurance, Lyft’s corporate policies, and possibly other third-party insurers can make it difficult to determine who is responsible for covering damages. An experienced attorney can clarify which policy applies to your case, help gather the necessary evidence, and advocate for fair compensation on your behalf.

The Role of Fault in Lyft Accidents

Determining fault after a Lyft accident is essential for identifying who should pay for your injuries and losses. Fault in rideshare accidents may lie with:

• The Lyft driver: If the driver was engaging in negligent behaviors like speeding, texting while driving, or failing to obey traffic signals, they could be responsible for causing the crash.
• Another motorist: If another driver acted recklessly by breaking traffic laws or failing to yield the right of way, they may bear responsibility.
• Lyft itself: In certain cases, Lyft may share liability if the company failed to properly screen its drivers, ignored reports of unsafe driving, or allowed an unfit driver to remain on its platform.
• External factors: Poorly maintained roads or defective vehicle parts might contribute to accidents. However, in such cases, the responsibility often shifts to the driver’s failure to adapt their driving to the conditions or to hold manufacturers accountable for unsafe equipment.

Establishing fault is a process that often involves examining accident reports, witness statements, and any available video footage. Fault matters because it determines who you can pursue for compensation and how much coverage may be available to you under applicable insurance policies. If more than one party shares liability for an accident, the claims process can become even more complex, requiring legal skill to untangle.

Common Causes of Lyft Accidents

Lyft accidents often result from behaviors or circumstances that could have been avoided with better judgment or precautions. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Distracted driving: Lyft drivers often rely on their phones to navigate unfamiliar areas and communicate with passengers, which takes their attention off the road.
• Speeding: In a rush to complete rides and maximize earnings, some drivers may drive over the speed limit.
• Aggressive driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, or making sudden lane changes can create hazardous situations for everyone on the road.
• Driving under the influence: Drunk driving and impaired driving remain a dangerous possibility with devastating consequences for passengers and others.
• Driving too fast in adverse conditions: In a rush to start or end a trip, a Lyft driver may fail to adjust their driving in snow, ice, fog, heavy rain, and in construction zones that demand extra caution,
• Failing to yield: Ignoring right-of-way rules can lead to preventable collisions at intersections or pedestrian crossings.
• Ignoring traffic laws: Running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs or other violations increase the likelihood of an accident.

Every accident has unique circumstances, and pinpointing the exact cause requires a careful review of evidence like traffic camera footage, witness statements, and vehicle data. A clear picture of what went wrong helps a car accident lawyer identify liability and pursue compensation from each responsible party. 

Common Injuries in Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents can lead to injuries that disrupt every aspect of a victim’s life, from physical well-being to financial stability. Lyft passengers and others involved in these accidents often face severe injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones and fractures
• Whiplash and other neck injuries:
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Facial lacerations and scarring
• Soft tissue injuries

Seeking medical attention as soon as possible is critical for both your health and your legal case. Prompt treatment not only improves your chances of recovery but also creates essential documentation that can support your claim for compensation.

Recoverable Damages After a Lyft Accident

Victims of Lyft accidents may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Current and future costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost income: Wages lost due to time away from work, as well as diminished earning capacity.
• Property damage: Costs to repair or replace damaged personal property, such as a vehicle.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Disability: Damages for permanent impairments that affect your quality of life.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Compensation for visible scars or other permanent injuries.

You deserve full, fair, and complete compensation for any injuries you suffered because of a negligent Lyft driver. Calculating damages requires a thorough evaluation of your losses, both economic and non-economic. An experienced rideshare attorney can help ensure you account for all potential damages when filing your claim.

Filing a Claim After a Lyft Accident

Filing a claim after a Lyft accident isn’t just a lot of paperwork; it’s a complex process where every detail can impact your compensation. 

Unfortunately, many people trust insurance companies to do the right thing and pay what their claim is worth. They may leave it to the insurance company to determine their claim’s value. This is almost always a very costly error.  

Insurance companies are not on your side. Their primary goal is to minimize payouts, and they employ a variety of tactics to achieve this. You might face low settlement offers, delays, or even outright denials of your claim. Insurers often leverage accident victims’ lack of legal knowledge to undervalue their damages.

A rideshare accident lawyer can protect you from these tactics and help you secure the compensation you deserve. They’ll handle negotiations, ensuring that any settlement offer accurately reflects the full scope of your losses, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If Lyft or its insurer refuses to offer you a fair settlement, your attorney can escalate your case by filing a lawsuit and representing you in court. This not only shows insurers that you mean business but also maximizes your chances of obtaining full, fair, and complete compensation. 

Protecting the Worth of Your Rideshare Accident Claim

Protecting the value of your personal injury claim after a rideshare accident starts with taking proactive steps. Follow these guidelines to safeguard your rights and ensure fair compensation:

1. Report the accident to Lyft: Use the Lyft app or website to report the crash. This creates an official record, which is essential for accessing Lyft’s insurance coverage. However, do not accept any settlement offers or negotiate with Lyft or their insurance representatives before consulting your lawyer. They will help ensure that any discussions protect your claim’s full value.
2. Hire a rideshare accident lawyer: Working with a qualified lawyer is the most important step you can take to safeguard the value of your claim. They will negotiate with the insurance company, investigate your case, gather evidence, calculate all your damages and losses, and take your case to trial if necessary. 
3. Keep all medical appointments and follow-ups: Consistent medical care is not only essential for your recovery but also provides clear documentation of your injuries. This record strengthens your claim and shows the ongoing impact of the accident on your life.
4. Preserve evidence: Preserve your medical records, any photos or videos of vehicle damage, your injuries, witness contact information, and any hazards that may have contributed to the accident. These materials will help support your claim.

The Role of a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Handling a Lyft accident claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with injuries and mounting medical bills. An attorney can:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence
• Identify all liable parties
• Calculate the full extent of your damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• Represent you in court if necessary

With legal representation, you can focus on your recovery while your attorney works to secure the compensation you deserve.

Fuicelli & Lee Can Help with Your Colorado Lyft Accident Claim 

Accidents involving Lyft vehicles can leave you facing significant physical, emotional, and financial harm. Fuicelli & Lee Injury Lawyers can lead rideshare accident victims in the Denver area and beyond through the complex legal challenges that these cases present. We provide compassionate client care while taking on difficult cases, including many cases that other lawyers and law firms bring to us. 

Our goal is to obtain full, fair, and complete compensation for your injuries and losses, and we won’t back down until we do. If a negligent Lyft driver injured you or a loved one and you are in Colorado, call Fuicelli & Lee today at (303) 444-4444 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. You can also reach us through our online contact form. If you are not close to Denver, we offer convenient virtual case management.