A crash involving a Lyft is rarely as straightforward as an ordinary accident because several different insurance policies may potentially come into play. Which coverage applies and how much is available often depends heavily on what the driver was doing in the Lyft app at the moment of the collision. Reach out to our experienced rideshare accident attorney in DC to discuss your case with a legal professional today.
What Happens After a Lyft Accident Is Reported?
Lyft directs anyone seeking compensation for injuries or property damage to complete its online accident report, which the company says generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Claimants who need help with the process can also contact Lyft’s Claims Customer Care team for assistance.
Once the accident has been reported, the claim is typically routed to the insurance company providing coverage for that particular stage of the ride. From there, it proceeds much like other auto insurance claims, with an adjuster, an investigation, and eventually a coverage and liability decision.
That being said, you shouldn’t rely entirely on Lyft’s investigation to protect yourself and your claim. Always gather your own evidence, such as photos, witness contact information, the police report, and screenshots of the ride details. It’s always a good idea to reach out to a lawyer to make sure you’re getting the damages you’re entitled to.
How Does Lyft Investigate an Accident Claim?
The insurer handling the claim may review a range of evidence, including:
- Driver and passenger accounts
- Police reports
- Photographs and video
- Vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Information showing the driver’s Lyft-app status
One of the most important questions in the entire investigation is when the accident occurred in relation to the ride.
Which Insurance Policy Applies to a Lyft Accident?
Coverage in a Lyft accident generally depends on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash.
The Lyft App Was Off
If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, Lyft’s rideshare insurance generally does not apply. The driver was simply operating as a private motorist, so their personal auto insurance is ordinarily the first place to look for coverage.
The App Was On, but the Driver Had Not Accepted a Ride
When a driver is logged in and available to receive ride requests, Lyft states that it provides third-party liability insurance for covered incidents when the driver’s personal insurance does not apply. Lyft currently lists minimum limits of:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
The Driver Had Accepted a Ride or Had a Passenger
Once a ride has been accepted, and while the trip is ongoing, substantially greater coverage may apply. Lyft’s $1 million in third-party automobile liability coverage should kick in here.
Does Lyft Pay Accident Claims Directly?
A personal injury claim involving a Lyft vehicle doesn’t mean Lyft simply writes the injured person a check. Lyft maintains insurance coverage for qualifying accidents, but an insurance carrier typically investigates the claim and determines whether coverage and liability exist. Any payout will come from the insurance company in most cases.
What If the Insurance Company Denies or Undervalues the Claim?
Even when coverage exists, the insurer may dispute key parts of the claim, including:
- Who caused the accident
- Whether Lyft’s policy applies
- Whether medical treatment was necessary
- Whether all claimed injuries resulted from the crash
- The amount of damages
If that happens, the claimant can submit additional evidence, negotiate, or potentially pursue a lawsuit. Whatever you do, don’t assume the insurer’s first settlement offer represents the full value of the claim.
Talk to a Lyft Accident Lawyer
A rideshare accident attorney can determine the driver’s status at the time of the collision, identify every applicable insurance policy, preserve key evidence, handle communications with the insurers, and calculate the full value of your damages.
If you were injured in an accident involving a Lyft driver, contact our car wreck lawyer in Washington, DC today to schedule your free case evaluation and learn more about your options for recovering compensation.