Rideshare companies have transformed the way people travel. The number of people who opt for rideshare services like Lyft is on the rise. These services don’t just offer a convenient and affordable means of transportation; they are also great for individuals who’re too drunk to drive and want to reach home safely.
As convenient as they are, Lyft drivers aren’t immune to accidents. And when they do happen, they leave a lasting impact on the victims. It is important for victims to know their rights and fight for a settlement that compensates for their injuries and losses.
But complications will arise when you try to file a claim after a Lyft accident. It isn’t the same as regular car accidents.
This is why you need a lawyer. They’ll help you through the complications of your Lyft accident case. One such area where a lawyer’s role is invaluable is establishing liability.
The Liable Parties in a Lyft Accident
The presence of an aggregator, in addition to the driver, makes Lyft accidents a bit more difficult. That aside, the common parties you can file a lawsuit against include
• The Lyft Driver
• A Third Party
• Lyft
• Owner of the car
The Lyft Driver
The driver is often the first party who will be held responsible for the Lyft accident. Once out on the road, every motorist has the duty of care to not cause harm to other motorists or pedestrians. A Lyft accident means that this duty was breached.
When the Lyft driver is the one who caused the accident, their personal auto insurance will be used to cover your damages. If the driver’s auto insurance doesn’t cover your losses, then Lyft’s liability coverage will be used to meet your expenses.
A Third Party
Not all Lyft accidents happen because of the driver. In some instances, the Lyft driver may be trying to avoid another driver in front of them. In these cases, the procedure would be the same as in any personal injury case. The at-fault party will be the third-party who caused the accident.
Lyft
Rideshare companies, like Lyft, have the responsibility of hiring qualified drivers. As a result, they have a rather strict hiring process. A Lyft driver causing an accident means there was a lapse somewhere in the hiring process. This can be grounds for a case.
That aside, two theories exist under which you can sue Lyft. They are:
Vicarious Liability: According to this theory, Lyft is responsible for the actions of the driver. It is applicable if the driver was in the process of a ride or logged into the app when the accident happened.
Negligence: This is similar to the hiring concept mentioned above. A lapse in screening drivers or maintaining the necessary safety protocols can be used as a reason to sue Lyft.
Lyft’s coverage options vary depending on the status of the driver. You will be liable for Lyft’s insurance coverage only if the driver was logged on to the app when the accident occurred. The coverage can go anywhere between $50,000 and $1,000,000.
Owner of the Car
Not all drivers use their own cars. There are cases where Lyft drivers rent cars, either from car rental services or from someone they know. It is the responsibility of the car owner to maintain the car in top condition. The owner of the car will be responsible if the accident happens due to poor maintenance.
Conclusion
Rideshare accidents can be traumatic. If you’re lucky, you may get off with a few cuts and bruises. Regardless of the intensity of your injuries, it is important to contact an experienced rideshare accident lawyer in your locality.
The locality part is important, as different states have different laws. A lawyer who practices in a specific state or city will have extensive knowledge about the complications involved and how to get through them.
The lawyer will also help you establish liability and make sure you receive just compensation for your injuries.
