Lyft Car Accident Insurance Claims
It’s easier than ever before to get a ride somewhere. In the not-too-distant past, getting a ride meant hailing a cab or calling a taxi company and hoping that they sent a driver. Today, you can get a ride with just a few taps – and you don’t even need cash on hand to pay for it. As convenient as ridesharing apps may be, they do come with some dangers. Drivers for companies like Lyft and Uber don’t need much more than a driver’s license and a vehicle to get started – and they’re often distracted by the very apps that they use to arrange rides. When you’re in an accident with a rideshare driver, the question of who is responsible for your losses can get very tricky. In comparison to regular car accident cases, Lyft accident claims are more complicated because the crash may be covered by the driver’s insurance policy or Lyft’s insurance, depending on what was happening at the time of the crash. Our team of lawyers will advocate for your right to full compensation after a Lyft accident – and won’t charge you a fee unless we recover money for you. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney in our San Rafael, California personal injury law firm. What to Do If You’ve Been in an Accident with Lyft If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident with a Lyft driver, then there are certain steps that you can take to protect yourself. This is true regardless of whether you are a passenger in the vehicle, another driver, a pedestrian, or a bicyclist who was hit by a Lyft driver. Lyft policy is for its drivers to call 911 after an accident, to make sure that their passengers are OK, and to make sure that everyone who needs it gets medical attention. If the driver does not call 911, you may want to call yourself. When the police arrive, they will write an accident report that could be used to support your claim. One of the most important things that you should do is to get medical care – even if you don’t think that you were badly hurt. Seeing a doctor right away can help you get a prompt diagnosis and treatment for any injuries. It can also establish a link between the crash and your injuries. If you are able to do so, gather information while you are still at the accident scene. This may include: If you can, take pictures and/or videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Once you have gotten medical treatment and are able to do so, schedule a free consultation with a San Rafael car accident lawyer. While Lyft provides a way to file an accident report online, it is always a smart idea to consult with an attorney before you put anything in writing. Your lawyer can help you with this process. Depending on what happened, you may be dealing with three or more insurance companies – including the Lyft driver’s personal insurance policy, Lyft’s commercial policy, and/or any other driver’s insurance policy (including your own). This can get confusing – and complicated. Lyft only provides coverage for accidents when its drivers are actively working. Otherwise, if the app is off, you can only seek coverage through the driver’s personal insurance policy. If they are working, then Lyft’s commercial policy will cover: This means that your ability to recover fair compensation for your losses depends on what exactly was happening at the time of the crash. A personal injury law firm can help you navigate this aspect of your Lyft accident claim, working to ensure that you get top dollar for your injuries. How to File a Lyft Claim If you have been injured in an accident with Lyft, you will need to file a claim with their insurance company. This is true whether you were hurt as a passenger, the driver of another vehicle, or even a pedestrian or bicyclist. Through Lyft’s website, you can report an accident directly to the company. This puts Lyft on notice that there has been a wreck, and that they may be financially responsible for it. When you file an accident report with Lyft, the company will connect you with their claims center representatives. It is important to be incredibly careful about what you say or write to these representatives. Even if they seem caring and helpful, they still work for Lyft – and part of their job is to get claimants to say something that may undercut their claim for damages. When talking to a claims center representative, try to stick to the very basic facts of when and where the accident happened. Avoid talking about the cause of the accident, who you think may be responsible, or the extent of your injuries. For example, you could say something like, “The crash occurred at 4:15 p.m. on Main Street when I was a passenger in a Lyft vehicle.” If you decide to hire a personal injury attorney, they can take over these communications for you. They can even file the accident report with Lyft on your behalf. Allowing your lawyer to handle all conversations with Lyft and their insurance company reduces the risk that you may say or do something that reduces the value of your claim. Dealing with a Lyft Insurance Adjuster Most people believe that other people are inherently good and fair. In reality, this isn’t always the case – particularly when you are dealing with an insurance company or major corporation like Lyft. After you file an accident claim with Lyft, a claims adjuster may reach out to you. They may tell you that they accept responsibility for the accident or even offer you a settlement right off the bat. You may be tempted to give a statement, sign paperwork, and move forward with your life. But doing so without consulting with a personal injury lawyer first is almost always
