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For decades, taxis were the only way that you could get a ride if you didn’t have a car or were unable to drive for any reason. With the advent of tech-based solutions to everyday problems, ride sharing has enabled people across the country to find a way to supplement their income by driving for companies like Lyft — and to get a ride when they need it with just a few taps on their phone.
Unfortunately, like any other driver on the road, the people who drive for Lyft as a full-time or part-time job aren’t perfect. They are just as likely to be distracted, be drowsy, or just simply make a mistake. Unlike other types of drivers, like those who hold commercial driver’s licenses, Lyft drivers are not specially trained. They’re just everyday people hoping to make money off of their vehicle.
If you are involved in a collision with a Lyft, as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or any other way, the claim process may be more complex than in a typical motor vehicle accident. That is because these cases involve another layer: the company that sets up the ride through the app.
A skilled California Lyft accident attorney can help you through the process, allowing you to recover the compensation that you are entitled to under California law. The Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn will start by thoroughly investigating the facts and law of your case, then making an argument for a just recovery for your losses. To learn more, contact us today at (310) 209-1600 or info@michaelkahnlaw.com.
Types of Lyft Accidents Handled
At the Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we represent clients who have been hurt in a range of collisions involving Lyfts. This includes:
- Drivers and passengers of other vehicles struck by a Lyft driver;
- Lyft drivers hit by another motorist;
- A passenger in a Lyft who was injured in a crash; and
- A pedestrian hurt in any type of wreck involving a Lyft.
While these types of ride-sharing apps are incredibly popular, they also can be dangerous as relatively unskilled drivers must handle the pressure of transporting passengers. This can create situations where Lyft drivers are distracted and commit errors, leading to accidents.
Getting Compensation for a Lyft Accident
One of the biggest challenges in any crash involving a Lyft is unraveling the insurance issues. While you may know the name of the driver, it can be difficult to determine who should pay for a claim: Lyft or the driver’s insurance company. Fortunately, California has established laws requiring ride share companies to provide liability insurance.
For Lyft, there are four possible coverage options when it comes to an accident. Assuming that the Lyft driver was at fault, you will either be compensated by the driver’s insurance policy or Lyft’s insurance policy. The determination will depend on whether the driver was working or not working, and if they were working, where they were in the process (as follows):
- Not Working/App Off: Driver’s personal policy provides coverage
- App On/No Passengers: Lyft covers liability only, at $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- App On/Ride Requested/Transporting Passengers: Lyft covers up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage, along with $1,000,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. In addition, Lyft provides collision coverage (actual cash value or repair cost) for drivers.
Remember that if you are in a Lyft accident, the company will have teams of lawyers on its side. It is vital that you protect your interests as well by hiring a seasoned California Lyft accident attorney. Your lawyer can gather evidence from the app, other riders and other witnesses to prove that you are entitled to compensation. Through negotiation and (if necessary) litigation, they can help you achieve the best possible result.
Work with a California Lyft Attorney
If you have been involved in an accident with a Lyft, time is of the essence. While you may be able to recover from Lyft, rather than the driver, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and maintain your legal rights. An experienced California Lyft accident attorney can help you do just that.
At the Law Offices of Michael A. Kahn, we have helped thousands of Californians recover for their injuries, including individuals who have been hurt in ride share collisions. Contact us today at (310) 209-1600 or info@michaelkahnlaw.com to schedule a free initial consultation. We never charge a fee unless we recover money for you.
