With a small army of over 1.4 million drivers in North America and a customer base numbering over 30 million, Lyft has become a major player in the market for rideshare services. Lyft passengers use ridesharing to avoid the hassle of finding limited parking spots, avoiding inconvenient or inefficient public transportation options, and getting to and from events and destinations where alcohol is involved responsibly.
Even though rideshare services have advantages and are simple to use, a Lyft accident can become complicated quickly when it comes to the issue of compensating you for your injuries. The skilled San Fernando Lyft accident lawyers at Walch Law understand how difficult insurance companies can be when you pursue a claim; we have over four decades of experience building cases and negotiating to secure the check you deserve. Contact us today to learn about the process, get your questions answered, and take the first step on the road to recovery.
Risk of Lyft Accidents in San FernandoSan Fernando residents can attest to the fact they live in an area full of distracted drivers, roads in need of repair, and dangerous, overcrowded highways. The city of just over 24,000 residents is located next to the 5, 118, 210, and 405 freeways, giving easy access to and from the area for commuters, residents, and visitors alike. Rideshare services cater to customers seeking convenience, a legal and responsible way to get to and from social situations where alcohol is involved, and an economic, efficient alternative to Metro, buses, or taxis. Unfortunately, the popularity of Lyft correlates to more Lyft drivers roaming the streets in and around San Fernando, leading to at least some of the 122 victims injured and killed in a year within the city limits. Studies have shown rideshare driver traffic now causes between 2 and 3 percent of all motor vehicle accidents that occur.
Whose Insurance Should Pay for My Lyft Accident Damages?Victims injured in Lyft accidents should know they will generally be covered by Lyft’s insurance if the driver is logged into Driver Mode when the crash occurs. Lyft requires all its drivers carry personal auto insurance policies which should cover damage caused by accidents that occur when the driver is not logged into the Lyft app.
General Lyft Insurance CoverageThe coverage Lyft provides depends on what duties the driver is performing at the time the accident. As long as the driver is logged it driver mode, Lyft provides:
A driver’s duties can be divided into 3 distinct periods. Lyft’s coverage levels increase between periods 1 an 2, and the coverage level remains constant for periods 2 and 3. Period 1: Lyft Driver is Logged into Driver Mode but Not Currently Matched to a Rider Here, Lyft covers damage from an accident for all parties – except its own drivers and their vehicles – up to the limits of:
When an accident occurs in either of these periods, Lyft’s total liability coverage balloons from $100,000 to $1 million per accident. In addition, Lyft drivers may be able to repair damage to their vehicle through Lyft’s contingent collision and comprehensive insurance coverage. To take advantage of this, the driver must pay a $2,500 deductible and carry comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal auto insurance policy. If the driver is eligible and pays the deductible, Lyft’s insurance pays the vehicle’s actual cash value or repair costs, whichever costs less.
Contact an Attorney TodayIf you or a loved one were hurt in a collision that involved a Lyft, you know that the financial after-effects of these accidents can be overwhelming. Not only might you be facing enormous medical bills for physical injuries and repair costs for damage to your vehicle, your injuries may prevent you from working temporarily or even permanently to earn a steady income and make ends meet. If you think your financial situation will prevent you from hiring an attorney, we have the answer. The skilled San Fernando Lyft accident lawyers at Walch Law believe everyone should be able to pursue compensation, so we take all our cases on a contingency basis. This means you have to get paid before we can get paid. Contact us today to see how our team will use its experience, extensive resources, and knowledge to build the strongest case for the check you deserve with no unnecessary delays.