Rideshare companies like Lyft are more popular than ever. More and more New Yorkers rely on the Lyft app to book rides to get them where they need to go. However, rideshare companies are not regulated to the extent that taxi and other public transportation companies are regulated. Obtaining compensation after a Lyft accident can be a complicated process. When a Lyft accident occurs, it’s important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer.
Discuss Your Lyft Accident Case With an Experienced Lawyer
Whether you are a driver, passenger, or pedestrian injured in a Lyft accident, you may have a legal right to compensation. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP, has decades of experience representing clients in car accident cases and a proven track record of success. While you focus on your recovery, he will help you obtain the best outcome possible in your case. Contact Michael LoGiudice, LLP today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Recovering Damages as a Passenger Injured in a Lyft Accident
If you are a passenger or a pedestrian who’s been injured in a Lyft accident, the first step to obtaining conversation will be determining liability. The case will focus on who was responsible for your loss and the amount of your losses. After carefully reviewing your case, attorney Michael LoGiudice will help you understand all of your options for recovering compensation. Most passengers who were injured in a Lyft accident seek compensation through Lyft’s insurance policy.
The good news is that ride-sharing companies, and Lyft, have a one-million-dollar liability policy. Their insurance policy will cover losses you sustained because of the negligence of your Lyft driver. There may be other parties who are liable for your injuries. Attorney Michael LoGiudice, LLP uses his decades of experience to investigate his client’s car accident cases and determine who was at fault for the accident. When necessary, he works with experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, who can provide their opinions on who was at fault for the accident.
Your Lyft driver may be responsible for all or part of your losses. Your Lyft driver owed you the same duty of care as any reasonable commercial driver would exercise in those circumstances. Acting negligently will expose the Lyft driver and the rideshare company to damages. Even though Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, you may be able to hold the company Lyft liable based on negligent employment. Suppose your Lyft driver didn’t meet reasonable standards, such as a drug screening or background test, and caused the accident while intoxicated. In that case, you may be able to bring a lawsuit against Lyft.
Recovering Damages as a Driver Injured in a Lyft Accident
What if you were driving for Lyft and became injured in a car accident? In terms of your claim for compensation for your injuries and property damage, you are in a similar position as any other driver on the road. Suppose another driver sped through a red light and collided with you. In that case, you have the same right as anyone else to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
When your personal insurance doesn’t apply, Lyft provides drivers with third-party liability insurance for covered accidents. Lyft also provides uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. If you already carry a personal, commercial insurance policy, Lyft’s policy will pay for the damages over your insurance coverage.
In New York, Lyft drivers are now considered employees to obtain workers’ compensation coverage. If you are injured while providing a customer a Lyft ride, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits. However, it’s important that you discuss your case with a lawyer first. In some cases, you may have a right to bring a lawsuit against Lyft. If you obtain workers’ compensation benefits, you will give up your right to sue Lyft.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft does provide drivers and passengers with insurance coverage. The policy limits depend on when the car accident occurs. If the Lyft driver had the Lyft app off when the accident occurred, his or her personal car insurance coverage would apply. If the driver had the app turned on and was waiting for a ride request when the accident occurred, Lyft provides the following third-party liability insurance to cover accidents:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Lyft’s primarily liability insurance acts as primary coverage from the time a Lyft driver accepts a ride request until the ride has ended in the Lyft app. When the Lyft app is turned on, and the driver is picking up a passenger or driving a passenger, Lyft provides $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability. They also provide uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injuries and/or first-party coverage.
Why You Need a Skilled Lyft Attorney
As you can see, seeking insurance coverage after a Lyft accident is a complicated process. You may be dealing with the Lyft driver’s insurance, the third-party driver’s insurance, and the Lyft insurance policy. All of the insurance companies involved will be trying to avoid paying victim’s compensation. They may even try to offer you a settlement agreement that is far too low and will not cover all your damages. When you work with attorney Michael LoGiudice, you can rest assured that he will negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies involved to obtain the best settlement or verdict possible in your case.
Contact a Skilled Lyft Accident Lawyer in Westchester
Attorney Michael LoGiudice has an in-depth understanding of New York law related to rideshare accidents. He also knows how to negotiate aggressively with insurance companies after Lyft accidents. If you or your loved one have been injured in a Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to contact attorney Michael LoGiudice. He offers potential clients a free initial consultation, and you will not have to pay any legal costs until he wins on your behalf.
The law office of Michael LoGiudice routinely represents Lyft accident victims in the greater New York area including Westchester, Putnam County, Dutchess County, Rockland County, Orange County, and Brewster.