In 2018, the Pew Research Center found that the number of Americans using rideshare services reached 36 percent, more than twice the number who reported rideshare use in 2015. Uber and Lyft are two of the biggest names in the rideshare business and account for most rideshare trips taken daily. Hailing a ride on Lyft may be convenient and cost-effective, but it still presents the risk of injury that driving your vehicle presents. And for the conveniences that a Lyft ride offers, it can present unique issues to receiving compensation when a crash does occur. Please keep reading as our Lyft accident attorney explains.
An Overview of How Lyft Insurance Works
Although Lyft considers its drivers to be independent contractors, Lyft does provide insurance coverage for its drivers. Whether this insurance is available to pay claims depends on the status of the Lyft driver at the time of the crash.
Lyft has generous insurance coverage if a car crash occurs while the Lyft driver is on their way to pick up a rider or is actively transporting a rider. The coverage is available if an underinsured or uninsured motorist strikes the Lyft driver. It also applies if the Lyft driver causes the crash.
Lyft’s insurance coverage also extends to any passengers riding in the Lyft vehicle at the time of the accident.
If the Lyft driver has yet to accept a fare, then the insurance coverage that Lyft affords is far less. The driver would need to rely on their insurance coverage and the little that Lyft affords to pay claims, if necessary. This situation can create a potential problem if the Lyft driver is transporting a fare but has yet to accept the ride through the app.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident
Your initial concern following a car wreck should be your health and safety and the safety of others. If you are hurt or suspect others may be injured, call for emergency medical assistance and report the accident to the police.
If it is possible to do so safely, write down or document how the accident occurred. New York is a no-fault insurance state, which means that after a wreck, each driver’s separate insurance will pay the claims of their own insured and any passengers. Each insurance company will pay these claims up to the policy limits of the applicable policy.
However, if these policy benefits are insufficient, you may have the right to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault party. For this reason, it is essential that your Lyft accident attorney know how the accident happened.
How a Qualified Lyft Accident Attorney Can Help Your Recovery
New York’s no-fault insurance law can make it challenging to know how to receive the compensation you need. The Law Offices of Kenneth Hiller, PLLC and our team of New York Lyft accident attorneys can help you make sense of the confusion.
We will ensure your claim is promptly filed with the right insurance company and pursue a swift resolution. Call our firm and ask to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us today.
