Lyft Accident Attorney
Ridesharing companies like Lyft allow people to get almost anywhere without having to worry about finding a parking space, or worrying about drunk driving. The way Lyft works is simple:
- You use the Lyft smartphone app to request a ride
- You are matched with a nearby Lyft car.
- The app tells you the make and model of the car that’s picking you up and when it will arrive,
- You are charged a base charge and then per mile and per minute.
Commuters use ride-hailing services because they are more comfortable and convenient than taking a bus or train. Many companies that send employees on work trips will have employees take Lyft transportation instead of renting cars, as this is cheaper and does not involve needing to compensate people for parking.
Ride-hailing Apps Have Increased Congestion and Accident Rates
We know that about 2-3% of auto accidents are attributed to ridesharing or ride-hailing services like Lyft. Since ridesharing became popular in the last decade, there has been a notable increase of vehicles on the road, as drivers spend about 40-60% of their time looking for and waiting for passengers (this is called deadheading). In 2018, the NHTSA reported the percentage of drunk driving deaths were lowest on record, while pedestrian and bicyclist deaths had both gone up. These trends are likely due to the explosion of ride-sharing services like Lyft.
Driver Fatigue Problems With Rideshares
The perks of driving with Lyft are attractive: flexility, no minimum hours, no uniform, and no boss, and many people find driving an attractive side-hustle job. In 2018, Reuters revealed fatigue is a real problem for the ride-share industry. This is partly because so many Lyft drivers are side-hustlers – they go out and drive after working full-time in their primary jobs, which can leave little time for rest. Other drivers who drive full-time with Lyft may stay active as long as possible to be available for the most trips, being in their car for 10-12 hours a day. Although Lyft mandates a full, uninterrupted 6-hour break for every 12 hours in driver mode, this does not prevent a driver from being available on another app.
Possible Lyft Accident Scenarios
Despite all the convenience offered by Lyft transportation, accidents still happen. And when they happen, they are extremely inconvenient. Multiple insurance companies may be involved: Lyft’s corporate insurance company, the policy owned by other drivers involved in the crash, and your Lyft driver’s personal insurance policy. Accidents involving a Lyft rideshare vehicle can be complex. Some of the types of Lyft accidents we see include:
- A Lyft passenger is hurt in an accident that was caused by their Lyft driver.
- A Lyft passenger is hurt in an accident that was caused by someone else.
- A driver in a private passenger vehicle is hit by a Lyft driver.
- A pedestrian or bicyclist is struck by a Lyft driver.
Lyft has contingent liability insurance, which means it applies in certain scenarios when the app is in Driver Mode. This coverage would apply if the Lyft driver has not accepted a ride yet but is going to pick up a rider. Contingent liability coverage only applies if personal insurance does not cover you.
Once you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle on a ride, Lyft’s primary liability insurance kicks in and covers the drive. This policy will cover you up to $1,000,000.
If the driver was not on a Lyft ride when the accident occurred, and you were the occupant of another vehicle or a pedestrian, their personal insurance policy will apply.
Common Types of Lyft Accident Injuries
Injuries resulting from a Lyft accident can range from mild to serious:
- Whiplash / soft tissue injuries
- Concussion / traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Fatal injury / wrongful death
If you’re involved in an accident as a Lyft passenger, you should gather information and evidence the same way you would in any other traffic accident. Get the other driver’s name and contact information, their insurance policy, and Lyft’s insurance policy. Collect contact information for any witnesses. As soon as possible, get treated for your injuries by a doctor. This medical treatment will be part of your personal injury claim for damages.
Get A Free Lyft Accident Injury Consultation Today
Attorney Mark Bringardner understands how car accident injuries can affect your life. When you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, a knowledgeable and experienced Charleston car accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and recover compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation and physical therapy and lost earnings from being unable to work. Pain and suffering compensation will also be available for the physical and emotional stress caused by your injury.
With all of our personal injury cases, there are never any fees unless we recover money for you. This means you can focus on recovering and healing while we fight to recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation.