Were you a passenger in a Lyft that collided with a building, car, or tree? Or were you driving your own vehicle when a Lyft driver ran into you?
If so, you need to consult with an East Point Lyft accident attorney immediately. And not just any lawyer. You need to talk with John Foy & Associates – a law firm with extensive experience handling Lyft accident cases.
Otherwise, you could find yourself on the hook for medical bills and repairs that you shouldn’t have to pay for. And you could be entitled to damages that you may not receive.
Liability in Lyft Accident Cases
When you’re in an accident, either as a passenger in someone else’s car or with another driver, you typically deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, when you’re in a Lyft-related accident, there’s a third-party involved: Lyft itself.
Lyft considers itself a technology company, not a transportation company. It provides riders with a platform to get rides and for drivers to make money. Because Lyft wants to make as much money as possible, they want to limit the amount of money they have to pay when a driver using their platform is involved in an accident.
How Lyft Limits Its Liability for Car Accidents
Lyft is able to limit its liability for accidents involving its drivers in several ways:
- Lyft drivers are not classified as employees of the company. Instead, they are considered independent contractors. And as independent contractors, drivers are responsible for safely transporting passengers.
- As with all accidents, insurers try to limit the payout size for Lyft-related accidents.
- While Lyft provides drivers with liability insurance, accident victims can only access it if the accident meets certain criteria.
The primary insurance coverage in effect depends on what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the accident.
Insurance Coverage in Effect for Passengers
If you were a Lyft passenger and your driver got into an accident, your driver is covered by Lyft’s liability coverage. Lyft typically provides up to $1 million in coverage, which can be utilized to cover or offset the costs of any medical injuries you’ve suffered.
However, accessing this coverage is usually not a straightforward process. That’s why you need an experienced East Point Lyft accident lawyer who’s handled Lyft accidents before.
Insurance Coverage in Effect for Drivers and Pedestrians
If you’re a driver or pedestrian that’s been hit by a Lyft driver, their liability coverage will vary based on their rideshare status. If they were transporting a passenger when they hit you, Lyft’s liability coverage – up to $1 million – would be in effect. However, if they are actively looking for a driver, the Lyft driver’s own insurance policy will be effective.
When a more limited insurance policy is in effect, it’s more difficult for accident victims to receive the compensation they deserve. However, no matter which policy is effective, a skilled Lyft accident lawyer in East Point can help you get what’s needed to make you whole.
Are Lyft Drivers More Likely to Cause Accidents?
While Lyft, Uber, and other ridesharing services say they’ve made the roads safer, the evidence for that is mixed at best. Indeed, there is some evidence that ridesharing services have contributed to an increase in traffic fatalities.
It’s not hard to see why. By classifying Lyft drivers as independent contractors, Lyft can avoid paying them salaries. And while Lyft says its drivers earn $20 an hour on average, the truth is their real take-home pay is a lot less.
Lyft drivers are paid about 80% of the gross fare plus tips, but drivers are responsible for their cars’ expenses. These expenses increase the longer a driver works as a contractor for Lyft and include:
- Gas
- Maintenance and repairs
- Car loans
- Insurance payments
- Tolls (the passenger pays only some)
- Depreciation
After all is said and done, a driver may be making less than minimum wage after expenses.
More Reasons Why Lyft Drivers May Be More Accident-Prone
Making less than minimum wage means a Lyft driver may need to hustle a bit more after slow periods to make ends meet, which can lead to reckless driving. And during slow periods, a driver may spend many hours on the road waiting for fares, which may mean they’re exhausted by the time they pick you up.
Additionally, Lyft drivers keep one eye on the road and another on the app, accepting or rejecting ride requests, making them more accident-prone. Lyft drivers also may congregate in high traffic areas, waiting for such requests, adding to congestion and potential accidents.
While there are plenty of responsible Lyft drivers on the road, it’s important for passengers, other drivers, and riders alike that Lyft drivers operate within a system where they may get paid more in the short term by cutting corners.
East Point Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
What Lyft Accident Victims Need to Know
Whether you’re a passenger or a driver involved in a Lyft-related accident, rest assured, insurance companies won’t make it as easy to collect the compensation you’re owed. Neither the insurance company nor Lyft wants to pay out a penny more than they legally have to.
Most people don’t know that you don’t have to accept the first offer an insurance company makes. But you won’t get anywhere by calling Lyft and telling them their offer only covers half of your damages or medical bills.
You’ll need to formally file a counteroffer in the form of a demand letter and be prepared for a counter to your counteroffer. And when you reach an impasse, you need to be prepared to file a lawsuit to collect what you’re owed.
If You’ve Been In a Lyft Accident, Call John Foy & Associates Today
You need a law firm that is negotiating on your behalf, not on behalf of Lyft. And you need a Lyft accident attorney in East Point who understands local, state, and federal statutes and case law concerning traffic accidents. You need John Foy & Associates by your side.
Our law firm has recovered over $1 billion for injured Georgians and will fight tirelessly until you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait for an insurance company to tell you how much they’re going to give you. Call us for a free consultation and let us tell them what they owe you.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form