Lyft is one of the most popular and largest rideshare service providers that has taken over the for-hire private transportation industry, formerly dominated by taxi services. Lyft is an on-demand transportation provider with a network of for-hire drivers and users that are connected through the app on their smartphones.
Over the last few years, rideshare companies, like Lyft, have gained immense popularity due to the convenience and numerous advantages, such as:
- – Instant response times
- – Booking instantly with their app on your phone
- – Real-time tracking of the vehicle’s whereabouts and details before entering the vehicle
- – Fares are usually cheaper than standard taxi cabs
- – Removal of cash transactions because payments are processed through the phone app
- – Ride estimator to check trip fares for any route where Lyft is supported
- – Ability to publicly rate your driver
- – Ability to view your driver’s ratings from previous customers
Unfortunately, as rideshare companies like Lyft grow in popularity, the number of accidents also increases. If you’re injured in a collision with a Lyft driver or riding as a passenger, you might be uncertain of who is responsible for your injuries. When a Lyft or rideshare accident occurs, issues regarding liability, fault, damages, and various other problems arise.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Lyft or rideshare accident, The Blake Horwitz Law Firm has extensive experience with rideshare accidents and is available to review your matter to determine whether you’re eligible to receive compensation.
What is the Difference Between a Rideshare Company and Traditional Transportation Service Companies?
Lyft, a rideshare service, and other Transportation Network Companies operate as middlemen that connect customers with independent contractors. Rideshare drives are not employees of the company. Rather, Lyft drivers are independent contractors. Therefore, the drivers are liable for damages or injuries caused by their own accidents. With that said, under certain circumstances, Lyft can be directly responsible for the injuries and damages caused by their drivers. Furthermore, Lyft drivers’ personal vehicle insurance often excludes coverage for accidents occurring while driving for a rideshare company. Even with personal auto insurance, Lyft drivers without specific insurance policies intended for commercial or rideshare use will most likely be denied coverage for accidents that take place while driving a rideshare.
Lyft & Rideshare Insurance Policies
After a rideshare accident, the subject of insurance and determining which insurance policy applies can become complicated. Multiple insurance companies might provide coverage for the claim, such as the non-rideshare driver, rideshare driver, rideshare company, or another third-party. For certain types of accidents, Lyft’s insurance policy provides $1 million in 3rd party auto liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party coverage, and contingent comprehensive & collision up to the actual cash value of the car ($2,500 deductible).
In Illinois, Lyft provides its drivers with varying degrees of insurance coverage. Lyft’s liability in an accident will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For example:
- – Driver App Turned On, Waiting for Request: $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 property damage.
- – Lyft Ride Accepted and During Rides: $1,000,000 for 3rd party auto liability. It’s vital that you only take rides from the driver you requested and ensure they officially accepted your ride request. Otherwise, they may not be liable in the event of an accident.
- – Driver App Turned Off: $0 when the driver is not logged into the app. If your driver is not using the app while you are a passenger, Lyft’s policy provides zero liability insurance to cover you for any injuries. In this case, a driver’s personal auto insurance will apply.
Understanding when and how each insurance policy applies can be confusing. However, hiring a Lyft and rideshare injury lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Lyft & Rideshare Accident Injuries
Depending upon the seriousness of the impact, Lyft accidents can cause varying injuries that range from minor to catastrophic, such as:
- – Head injuries
- – Spinal cord injuries
- – Traumatic brain injuries
- – Neck injuries
- – Whiplash
- – Back injuries
- – Cuts, bruising, and lacerations
- – Broken bones and fractures
- – Internal bleeding
- – Catastrophic injuries
- – Wrongful death
- – Disfigurement
- – Soft tissue injuries
After a Lyft or Rideshare Accident, What Compensation is Available?
In order to establish the Lyft driver was negligent and responsible for the damages, the injured party must establish the following elements:
- – Breach of duty: A violation or breach of the obligation through the failure to act as a reasonable person would have under similar circumstances.
- – Duty: An obligation or duty to act in a manner that ensures the safety of others
- – Duty: An obligation or duty to act in a manner that ensures the safety of others.
- – Causation: The actions directly caused the accident.
- – Damages: The accident caused damages, such as injuries, property damage, or monetary loss.
If the victim can establish that the Lyft driver’s negligence caused their injuries and damages, they can be granted compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- – Property damage
- – Past and future medical expenses
- – Lost wages
- – Loss of future earnings
- – Pain and suffering
Each Lyft or rideshare accident claim is unique, presents different factors, and can become complex based on the specific facts surrounding the incident.
Other Types of Lyft & Rideshare Claims
Before being authorized to drive, rideshare organizations are required to conduct a background check on all drivers. A required background check for all drivers may create a misguided feeling of well-being because rideshare organizations can commit errors when conducting background checks. While the chance of an accident is the main concern that many individuals consider when getting into Lyft, taxi, or rideshare vehicles, there are other dangers that can arise when getting into a stranger’s vehicle.
While these incidents uncommon, Lyft, taxi, and rideshare service passengers have suffered other types of injuries, for example:
- – In 2020, a Chicago Lyft passenger requested his Lyft driver take another route to avoid traffic. The Lyft passenger’s request sparked an argument, and the Chicago Lyft driver punched his passenger in the face.
- – In 2020, after an argument with a passenger, the Lyft driver shot the Pennsylvania passenger in her leg. The Lyft driver was charged with aggravated assault and various other charges.
- – In 2019, Twenty plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against Lyft in San Francisco, alleging they were sexually assaulted, raped, or victims of sexual misconduct by Lyft’s drivers while using the service.
- – Unfortunately, it’s not only Lyft passengers who have something to fear. In 2019, California Lyft driver was held at gunpoint while picking up a rideshare passenger.
Free Consultation
At The Blake Horwitz Law Firm, we take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we get you compensation for your case. Our consultations are free and carry no obligations.
If you or a family member were injured due to Lyft or another rideshare driver’s negligence, contact our Chicago and Illinois Lyft and rideshare injury lawyers to schedule your free consultation and case review by calling (312) 676-2100, e-mailing us at office@bhlfattorneys.com, or schedule your consultation online.
