Filing a Lyft accident claim can be complicated and require lengthy negotiation with several insurance adjusters. When you face unpaid medical bills, the last thing you need is a delay in recovering the compensation you deserve for your Lyft accident. Let us help. At Marrone Law Firm, LLC, in Philadelphia, PA, our experienced accident lawyers skillfully navigate the complexities of Lyft accidents to successfully recover just compensation for your accident injuries and other losses. 

Lyft Accident Claims Are Different From Standard Vehicle Accident Claims

Lyft accident claims differ from standard vehicle accident claims for several reasons. Lyft is a rideshare company that does not own Lyft vehicles, nor does the company hire Lyft drivers. Lyft drivers are not employees of Lyft; they are independent contractors. And this distinction is what makes filing a Lyft car accident claim different from a standard vehicle accident claim.

If you are injured in a car accident with a Lyft driver, and it is determined that the Lyft driver is at fault for the accident, then the first step is to file a claim against the Lyft driver. This is the standard procedure for all car accident claims. However, because a Lyft driver is actually working and earning money while driving the vehicle, their standard personal car insurance policy will not cover the claim. Most car insurance policies specify that the coverage is provided when the vehicle is being operated for personal use. 

Once the claim is denied by the Lyft driver’s personal car insurance carrier, then the claim may be filed against Lyft’s liability insurance. And while Lyft does provide insurance coverage, it is important to note that whether the coverage applies in your situation depends upon when the accident occurred.

Philadelphia Rideshare Accident Lawyers Provide Example Scenarios Of Complex Lyft Injury Claims

You may be familiar with the personal injury claims process for a standard car accident and question whether you need a personal injury attorney to handle the claim for your car accident with a Lyft driver. After all, how difficult can it be? Actually, quite difficult. The following are three common scenarios that demonstrate the complexities you may face in trying to file a Lyft injury claim without legal assistance:

Lyft Accident Scenario 1:

You are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle when an uninsured driver causes an accident. You are injured and want to file a claim to recover compensation for your injuries. Because the at-fault driver did not have any car insurance, you file a claim against the insurance coverage provided by Lyft. Lyft informs you that their policy does not apply in this situation, so you do not recover any compensation for your medical bills.

Lyft Accident Scenario 2:

While driving your car, you have an accident with a Lyft driver. The Lyft driver does not have a passenger in the vehicle at the time the accident occurs. The insurance policy provided by Lyft is contingent upon when the accident occurred. In this scenario, the Lyft driver who caused the accident was not logged into the Lyft app when the accident took place, so Lyft does not provide any coverage for your claim. Instead, your claim must be filed against the Lyft driver’s personal car insurance policy. If you suffered a serious injury in the car accident, the Lyft driver’s insurance policy may fall short of the necessary coverage, leaving you with medical bills to pay.

Lyft Accident Scenario 3:

While you are driving your car, you get into a car accident with a Lyft vehicle that has a passenger in the car when the accident occurs. This scenario may require you to file claims against three different parties: your car insurance company, the Lyft driver’s personal car insurance company, and Lyft’s corporate insurance company. Things become complicated when you are trying to negotiate three different settlement offers with three separate insurance adjusters.

Philadelphia Accident Lawyers Successfully Recover Damages For Complex Lyft Injury Accident Claims

When you have been hurt in a car accident, the last thing you need is to take on three different insurance companies just to get the money you deserve for your injuries. But that may be what lies ahead if you were involved in a Lyft accident. Rideshare accidents are particularly complex to navigate and often leave the injured party with a pile of unpaid medical bills.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve. At the Marrone Law Firm, LLC in Philadelphia, PA, we skillfully navigate the challenges of recovering damages for a Lyft accident, and successfully recover just compensation for our clients. Schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers to discuss your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents

Q: Are There Time Limits For Filing A Claim For A Lyft Accident?

Yes. Each state establishes legal time limits for filing civil claims in the state court system. These deadlines are known as “ statutes of limitations”, and they vary from one state to another based upon the type of claim that is being filed. In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, such as a claim for a Lyft accident, is two years from the time the accident occurred. It is important to file your Lyft accident claim before this deadline runs out, otherwise the court may dismiss your case.

Q: Can I Still Recover Compensation For My Lyft Accident If I Am Partly To Blame?

That depends on how much responsibility you share for the accident. In Pennsylvania, when more than one entity shares responsibility for an accident, the state follows special laws known as “modified comparative negligence” rules. Under modified comparative negligence rules, the amount of compensation that you can receive will be diminished by a level that reflects your level of fault for the accident. So, for example, if your damages were $10,000 but you are 25 percent to blame for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by $2,500. If you are more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you may not recover any compensation.

Q: Where can I find out more information on Uber & Lyft Accidents

For more information about Uber & Lyft accidents, please visit our Uber & Lyft Accident FAQ page.