Working to Recover Full Compensation When a Lyft Driver Causes an Accident

In the Raleigh rideshare market, many riders prefer Lyft over Uber due to its pricing structure. As Lyft continues to grow in popularity, the number of Lyft drivers on our roads increases, making it more likely that one of these busy drivers will be involved in a collision.

Whether you are a passenger on a ride arranged through Lyft or in another vehicle, the involvement of a Lyft driver makes the accident legally very complicated. It is important to understand how to protect your rights if you are injured.

At Martin & Jones, we have decades of experience recovering compensation for victims of car accidents in Raleigh, and we’ve seen that in many ways, a case involving a crash with a Lyft driver bears more similarity to a commercial truck accident than a standard car accident case. The complexity and potential for corporate involvement can make it difficult to recover full compensation, so it is a good idea to start working with a knowledgeable Raleigh Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible.

Why Accidents with Lyft Drivers are So Challenging

Most car accident cases in Raleigh involve two drivers, their insurance companies, and no one else. When a vehicle is driven commercially, the case becomes more complex because corporate legal teams often become involved early on. They are experts at finding ways to shift liability to others and away from themselves.

Potential for Corporate Involvement

Depending on the circumstances, Lyft may or may not be directly involved in a case involving one of its drivers. Those drivers technically operate as independent contractors rather than employees, so Lyft has less responsibility for their actions than it would if they were employees. But because riders rely on Lyft marketing, including claims about vehicles and drivers, there may be situations in which Lyft could be held liable for factors that contribute to accidents.

Additional Insurance

Even if Lyft is not directly involved in an accident case, the insurance companies they work with often fight vigorously to defend against liability. Lyft provides insurance to its drivers, but the coverage applies only in certain situations, further complicating the issues you will need to contend with.

The Right Legal Assistance is Crucial

In a situation where you are pitted against professional defense teams who spend all their time fighting to deny recovery to accident victims, it makes sense to work with an experienced Raleigh Lyft accident attorney who understands how to overcome their tactics. At Martin & Jones, we have a reputation for standing up to insurance companies, and we know how to win in court, so defense teams understand that when we back a client’s case, it will be legally sound and withstand fierce scrutiny. Knowing that we will be prepared to win in litigation often prompts insurance companies to offer our team a fair settlement in negotiations to save themselves the time and expense of a trial.

FAQs About Raleigh Lyft Accidents

When does Lyft insurance cover a car accident?

A driver’s status at the time of a collision generally determines the insurance coverage provided by Lyft. If the driver has the Lyft app turned off, the company assumes the driver is not working, and therefore, the insurance coverage supplied by the rideshare company does not apply to the accident. Instead, any recovery will be likely to come from the driver’s personal insurance policy.

By contrast, if a Lyft driver has the app turned on and is either transporting a passenger or driving to pick one up, then the full insurance coverage applies. There is the potential for up to $1 million in coverage for injuries and property damage.

Lyft provides partial coverage when a driver is involved in an accident while the app is on and the driver is not yet engaged in picking up a passenger. Then, coverage is usually limited to the state minimum. In Raleigh, the applicable coverage in this type of situation provides $50,000 per person or $100,000 per accident. However, Lyft’s insurance provider is likely to insist that the driver’s personal insurance apply, so the insurance issues can get complicated.

What types of compensation can I recover after a Lyft accident in Raleigh?

Once a Raleigh Lyft accident attorney has established that the Lyft driver is liable for causing the accident, you should be able to recover compensation to offset many different types of losses resulting from the collision. This includes money to cover your losses that have a direct economic cost, such as medical expenses and wages lost due to time missed from work. Anticipated future losses should also be covered.

Often, however, the largest amounts recovered are those intended to compensate you for intangible losses that have a significant impact on your life but lack a direct monetary value. This includes amounts to compensate for your pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of aspects of your life caused by your injuries. In rare cases, a Raleigh Lyft accident attorney may be able to seek additional punitive damages as well.

What steps should I take immediately after a Lyft accident in Raleigh?

The most important steps to take are those that protect your health and safety—and those steps will also protect your legal rights as well. You need to stay safe at the accident scene and call for emergency assistance.

What if another driver caused the accident involving the Lyft vehicle?

One reason that it is so helpful to work with an experienced Raleigh Lyft accident attorney is that your legal team can worry about establishing which party is liable and where you can seek compensation for your losses. The other driver’s insurance could be required to cover your losses.

Find Out More About How Martin & Jones Can Protect Your Future After a Raleigh Lyft Accident

When you’ve been injured in an accident, you may require costly medical care for a long time, and your ability to work could suffer negative consequences far into the future. An experienced Lyft accident lawyer at Martin & Jones can work to ensure that you receive compensation to meet your future needs and provide justice for the harm the accident has caused to your life.

But it is important to start building your case quickly, and it is also critical to understand how to protect your rights, so you don’t unintentionally do anything that harms your case. For a free consultation and case evaluation to learn about all the assistance our team can provide, call Martin & Jones at 800-662-1234 or contact us online now.