What Happens When Lyft Drivers Get Hurt?

When car accidents involving Lyft drivers happen, there is a lot of confusion. As a passenger, you may be wondering about the next steps. For instance, do you know if you are covered for this accident or who is responsible?

In this article, we will go over what happens in accidents involving rideshare drivers and who you can contact for help. 

Insurance for Lyft Drivers

Lyft offers its California drivers insurance while they are on the clock, picking up passengers.

Once the Lyft driver logs out of their rideshare app, they are no longer working. This means they are no longer covered by Lyft’s insurance. As independent contractors, Uber and Lyft drivers must also have personal auto insurance policies. 

Lyft drivers are covered by Lyft’s commercial liability insurance when they are working. The insurance coverage covers up to $1,000,000 in damages, including any passenger or other third-party injuries.

Lyft also offers uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is applicable if an uninsured driver hits the Lyft driver’s vehicle. 

Coverage for Lyft Drivers

Lyft drivers have their own personal auto insurance that covers their vehicle in addition to commercial insurance through Lyft.

Lyft drivers involved in Lyft accidents can utilize their own personal injury protection coverage that they have on their personal auto insurance policy. If you are a Lyft driver who has purchased personal injury protection or medical coverage through Lyft, you should be able to use that coverage as well. 

Lyft Driver Accidents

If you are a passenger involved in a Lyft accident, you will want to take down as much information as you can. This also applies to anyone who is involved in an accident with Lyft drivers.

Next, make sure that you move to a safe space after the accident happens. Then, call the police. Also, take photos of all the damage you can see and record any injuries that you have. 

Other information you will need to collect:

• Driver’s licenses of all drivers involved
• Insurance information
• Eyewitness information
• Police report information

Once the authorities arrive, they will conduct interviews and take note of what happened. Depending on the county where the accident happened, the police report may not be immediately available. 

Therefore, it helps to have your own copy of each driver’s information, so you do not have to wait for the official report. 

Compensation in Rideshare Accidents

Uber accidents or accidents in rideshare vehicles are more complicated than normal auto accidents. When dealing with a rideshare driver claim, you will most likely have to talk to several different adjusters to determine the status of your claim.

Hiring an attorney with experience in handling rideshare accidents will guarantee that you have an ally on your side. These attorneys are knowledgeable about the coverages that apply to your case and will fight for what you deserve. 

What Compensation Are You Entitled To?

Not only are you entitled to receive reimbursement for your medical bills, but you are also entitled to other related expenses. With the right attorney on your team, they will also be able to fight for your lost wages and other income you may have lost. 

Other things you could receive compensation for are:

• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Emotional damages

There may be other types of compensation that your attorney may be able to claim on your behalf. Make sure to provide your attorney with all the information you were able to gather from the accident scene. 

When Will I Receive Compensation?

It can take some time to settle your case with Lyft. Therefore, your attorney will need an adequate amount of time to litigate and negotiate your case properly. Also, the time to settle may take longer if liability is in question.

Your attorney will have to prove to the insurance company that the responsible party is at fault for your injuries and damages.

The claim settlement timeframe will also take some time to complete if there is a question about which insurance policy will take care of your injuries and damages. Your compensation may be covered under the driver’s personal policy, or it could be covered under the Lyft policy. 

Lyft Drivers’ Accident Assistance

Being involved in an accident is scary, especially when you aren’t sure what to do next. Accidents involving Lyft drivers can be complex and exhausting. In addition, dealing with different adjusters and points of contact delays getting the answers you need.

Partnering with a reputable personal injury attorney in Orange County, California, who has the knowledge and resources to handle these types of cases is the best option for you.

If you are looking for help with your Lyft or Uber accident case, contact DK Law. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer any of your questions or concerns.