Lyft is a popular ridesharing service similar to Uber and with the same problems as many ridesharing companies. When an accident involves a Lyft driver, you need a Richmond Lyft accident lawyer to help you sort through the insurance complications.
There are multiple insurance policies in play after these accidents. By having a Richmond personal injury lawyer on your side who is familiar with Lyft’s policies, you could be eligible for far more compensation than you think. Don’t accept any settlement offer before you speak with a Richmond Lyft accident lawyer at the Pendleton Law Team.
Liability Issues in Lyft Accidents
In Lyft accidents, there are three insurance policies you could use to get compensation. Both drivers are required to carry their own auto insurance policies, but Lyft has an additional layer of insurance to cover liability.
You could receive up to $1 million from that policy, but accessing that policy can be tricky without the help of a Lyft accident lawyer. Lyft has ways to reduce their need to pay out, but our Richmond personal injury lawyers can counter them with evidence and the law.
But who is covered by which policies in which circumstances? Here is a high-level breakdown of accident scenarios with Lyft drivers.
You Were the Passenger of a Lyft Driver
This is the best-case scenario for insurance. As a passenger, you’ll be able to file a claim against the at-fault driver. If that policy doesn’t have enough coverage, you can file against Lyft’s liability insurance.
It’s rare that a passenger impacts the fault of a case, so your accident lawyer will have an easier time proving that you’re owed compensation. Also, if the third-party driver is at fault and has no insurance, you’ll have additional UI/UIM coverage through Lyft.
You Were a Third-Party Driver
If a Lyft driver crashes into you, you have a similar situation as a passenger. The Lyft driver’s personal policy will pay first, and then Lyft’s if it’s not enough. However, the amount may be less depending on if there was a rideshare in progress.
Lyft’s policy pays less when a driver is logged in but doesn’t have a rideshare job in progress. The limits drop to:
- $50,000/person for bodily injury
- $100,000/accident for bodily injury
- $25,000/accident for property damage
If a Lyft driver is driving while not logged in, Lyft’s policy does not apply and you’ll make a claim under the other driver’s insurance as normal.
You will also need to prove that you had no fault in the accident. Virginia’s contributory negligence law prevents compensation if you contributed to the fault of the accident. The insurance companies will use it against you, but we can fight against their evidence.
You Were a Lyft Driver
If you were the at-fault driver, then you may be stuck with only whatever PIP insurance you’ve purchased. Even if you’re not at fault, your personal insurance may not cover rideshare situations. You should check this with your auto insurer before working and get commercial coverage if necessary.
If you are driving your car while not logged into the app, Lyft’s coverage does not apply and your personal insurance works as usual. Otherwise, Lyft’s policy kicks in as above. If you’re logged in, you’re covered. If you are picking up or transporting passengers, you can access the full policy.
Also, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal policy, Lyft’s policy will add on additional coverage up to the actual cash value of the car, though with a $2500 deductible.
For a Free Legal Consultation
Call The Personal Injury Lawyer Hotline.
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How Does a Lyft Accident Lawyer Prove Liability?
As you can see, the situation is complicated. Insurance companies will try to drag out the process to avoid paying out. Our job is to prove liability so strongly that the insurance companies have no wiggle room.
We do this through things like:
- Investigating the accident scene and the damaged vehicle
- Subpoena records from Lyft to see if the Lyft driver was logged in when the crash happened
- Contacting police for accident reports
- Speaking with witnesses about what happened
- Speaking with doctors about the extent of your injuries and their prognosis
Once we have the details of the case, then we can approach all the relevant insurers with your claim and begin negotiations. If they refuse to negotiate, we will take them to court.
Let the Heavy Hitters® Take On Your Case 804-250-5050
What Do You Do While You Wait?
When you hire a Lyft accident attorney in Richmond, your worries about working with the courts, Lyft, or the insurance company are over. We handle all communication. You have enough to worry about!
Follow all the instructions your doctor gives you as well as your lawyer’s advice. That’s all you need to do until your case settles. You don’t have to worry about paying your lawyer unless you win your case.
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Richmond Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Waiting for your Call
Don’t let the complication of your Lyft accident keep you from getting the compensation you deserve. Our Richmond Lyft accident lawyers are ready to hear your story. Call us or contact us online to request your free consultation.
The Pendleton Law Team Is Here For You 804-250-5050
