Lyft Driver Accident Lawyer
Injured in a Lyft accident? Know your rights and legal options
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, occupant of another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist, a Lyft accident can leave you dealing with serious injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and a complicated insurance process. Rideshare accidents differ from regular car crashes due to Lyft’s unique insurance structure and the involvement of multiple parties.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we help injured victims in Tampa fight for full and fair compensation. Whether you were hurt while riding in a Lyft vehicle, driving for Lyft, or were hit by a Lyft vehicle, you have legal options for seeking compensation. But getting compensation is often a complicated process. That’s why you need a skilled Tampa Lyft accident lawyer to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help.
Who pays for a passenger’s injuries in a Lyft accident?
If you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle during a car accident, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, regardless of who was at fault. Lyft provides $1 million in liability coverage for passengers from the time a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off. This means you may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical bills (hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation).
- Lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering due to physical and emotional distress.
As a passenger, the party who pays for your damages may be the Lyft driver, another driver, or multiple parties. Here’s how it works:
- If the Lyft driver was at fault: Lyft’s $1 million liability policy should cover your injuries.
- If another driver was at fault: Their insurance should pay for your damages, but if they don’t have enough coverage, Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply.
- If multiple parties share fault: Compensation may come from multiple insurance policies.
What if I’m a Lyft driver injured in a crash?
Getting into a collision while driving for Lyft can be frustrating and confusing, especially when it comes to figuring out who pays for what. The insurance coverage that applies depends on what stage of the ride you were in at the time of the crash.
If you were offline (not logged into the Lyft app), your personal car insurance applies, and Lyft provides no coverage. If you were online but hadn’t accepted a ride, Lyft offers limited liability coverage, which includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
This coverage only applies to third parties, meaning it won’t cover your own injuries or vehicle damage. If you had accepted a ride or were transporting a passenger, Lyft’s $1 million liability policy kicks in. This also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can help if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Who pays if I was injured in another vehicle hit by a Lyft?
Who pays for your damages depends on whether the Lyft driver was actively working at the time of the crash. If the driver was offline (not logged into the app), their personal auto insurance applies.
If they were online but hadn’t accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited coverage, which may not fully cover your medical expenses. However, if the Lyft driver had accepted a ride or was transporting a passenger, Lyft’s $1 million liability policy should cover your injuries.
What if I’m a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a Lyft driver?
If you were a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a Lyft vehicle in Tampa, you can file a claim against the Lyft driver’s insurance. However, if the driver was actively on a ride, Lyft’s $1 million liability policy should cover your damages. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents often cause severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage.
What should I do after a Lyft accident in Tampa?
If you’ve been in a Lyft accident in Tampa, taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. It can take days for pain, discomfort, and other symptoms to appear. The longer you wait to get medical attention the worse your injury can get. Getting checked out by a doctor ensures your injuries are properly documented, which can be important for any future claims.
Next, call the police and report the crash. A police report serves as an official record of the accident and can be valuable evidence when dealing with insurance companies. While at the scene, take photos of the crash, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their contact information, as their statements could help support your case. Also, exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance details with everyone involved, including the Lyft driver.
After leaving the scene, report the crash to Lyft through the app, as they have specific procedures for handling crashes. Before accepting any settlement from an insurance company, speak to a Tampa lawyer who understands rideshare accidents.
Can I sue Lyft for a rideshare accident?
Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, so Lyft often denies liability. However, you may be able to sue Lyft if they failed to properly screen a dangerous driver or if their insurance wrongfully denied your claim. Because rideshare companies have aggressive legal teams, suing Lyft is challenging but possible with an experienced Tampa rideshare accident lawyer on your side.
Why you need a Lyft accident lawyer
After a Lyft accident, insurance companies will do everything possible to reduce or deny your compensation, even when you have a legitimate case. They might try to reject your claim on a technicality, shift the blame onto you, or offer a lowball settlement, hoping you’ll take it quickly and move on. That’s why having a skilled Tampa Lyft accident lawyer on your side is so important.
Armando Personal Injury Law can fight aggressively to recover full compensation in your Lyft claim, not just what the insurance company wants to offer. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the compensation you truly deserve. We’ve seen the tactics insurance companies employ, and that’s why we’re here to stand up for you and protect your rights.
If you were injured in a Lyft accident in Tampa, don’t wait to take action. Contact us online or call today for a free consultation. If you decide to work with us, you get legal representation with no upfront or hidden costs. In fact, we don’t get paid unless you’re fully compensated for your injuries.