Lyft Accidents

Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer

Lyft accidents happen every day and sadly can lead to serious injuries and property damage. When a Lyft driver is involved in an accident, the legal and insurance issues are complex, and it can be difficult for injured victims to get the help and compensation they need. If you have been involved in a Lyft accident, you need to find reliable personal injury attorneys, like Solnick Lawyers, to advise you about your legal right to full and fair compensation.

Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Policy

Like many other rideshare companies, Lyft provides some insurance coverage for their drivers, with different limits depending on the circumstances of the accident. Lyft insurance does not apply when the driver is driving with the Lyft app off. Once the driver has logged into the Lyft app, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage comes into play.

Deconstructing Lyft’s Liability Insurance

When the Lyft driver is logged onto the app and waiting for a ride request, Lyft provides third-party liability insurance if a driver’s personal insurance does not apply. The Lyft insurance limits when logged on but before accepting a ride request or picking up passengers are:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage.

When the Lyft app is on and the driver is transporting, or on their way to pick up, passengers, Lyft insurance coverage limits are:

• Third-party liability of $1,000,000 
• Uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and PIP, where applicable
• Additional comprehensive and collision insurance up to the cash value of the driver’s car if a driver has such coverage on their personal auto insurance policy.

Lyft insurance only applies after the driver has exhausted their personal insurance coverage. In most cases, the Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply at all while they are using their vehicle for commercial activities, as in a rideshare arrangement, however, some insurers do now offer optional rideshare coverage.

Who is At Fault for a Lyft Accident?

Determination of fault in a Lyft accident is similar to any car accident and will affect the liability of the people and insurance companies involved. If a Lyft driver is to blame for the accident, injured victims may be entitled to compensation from the driver’s personal auto insurer or the Lyft insurance provider. In Pennsylvania, an injured victim of a car accident will typically have coverage under the PIP medical benefits of their own auto insurance policy. However, in many rideshare accidents, PIP coverage is not applicable or sufficient to cover all of the damages caused by the accident. The injured victim may then need to file a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company for their losses in the accident.

Top Causes of Lyft Accidents

Lyft accidents can be devastating for victims and their families. Common causes of Lyft accidents include:

• Driver fatigue or distraction
• Poor vehicle maintenance
• Failing to keep a proper lookout
• Reckless driving such as running red lights
• Speeding
• “Dooring”
• Bad weather
• Hazardous road conditions

Regardless of how it happened, if you have been injured in a Lyft accident in the Philadelphia area you should contact a Lyft accident lawyer, like Solnick Lawyers, as soon as possible so that they can begin investigating your case and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries.

Common Injuries Related to Lyft Accidents

Like any car accident, Lyft accidents can result in severe, life-altering, even fatal, injuries. Common injuries resulting from Lyft accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Head trauma
• Broken bones
• Lacerations
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Musculoskeletal injuries

An injury in a Lyft accident can require medical care and, depending on your injuries, may require surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, counseling, or other treatments. They can also cause a victim to miss days of work, or to change their occupation entirely because their injuries prevent them from doing the job that they did before the accident. These are some of the expenses and losses that would be considered when valuing a victim’s compensation.

How to Proceed Following a Lyft Accident in Philadelphia 

Being involved in a Lyft accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience. It is important to take the necessary steps after an accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or losses suffered as a result of the accident. 

The first step after being involved in a Lyft accident should always be to seek medical attention, even if it does not appear that you sustained serious injuries during the incident. Even seemingly minor injuries can become serious or chronic conditions. Keep a copy of your medical report and medical bill as these will be relevant to a claim after the accident. 

Gather evidence at the scene of the Lyft accident. Taking photos or videos with your phone is a great way to record insurance information, vehicle registration, witness details, and evidence of the conditions at the scene of the accident. 

Following this, it is important to consult with an experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who handles Lyft accidents so they can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and negotiating with other parties and their insurance companies. You should not make any statements about the accident until you have spoken to an attorney, as this could affect your legal rights and compensation.

Compensation Available in Lyft Accident Cases

In cases where a Lyft passenger is injured due to driver negligence or other factors, injured victims may be eligible for compensation. The primary things that compensation should cover are:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost past and future wages and benefits
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Pain and suffering (physical discomfort and mental trauma.)

An experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and suffering.

Time Limit for Filing a Claim for a Lyft Accident in Philadelphia

In every state, there is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit for injuries from a car accident, known as the statute of limitations. In Pennsylvania, this deadline is 2 years after the accident. If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, you should contact a personal injury lawyer promptly for advice about bringing a lawsuit, or you may miss your opportunity to file a claim. Once the statute of limitations period has passed, there are very few exceptions that would allow a lawsuit to be filed.

Why Work with Our Philadelphia Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a Lyft accident in the Philadelphia area, it is important to take steps to protect your legal rights so that you can obtain the compensation that you deserve. Philadelphia Lyft accident attorneys, like Solnick Lawyers, can help you understand and navigate the legal process for pursuing compensation and deal with the other parties on your behalf. We will also represent you in negotiations with Lyft, other drivers, and the insurance companies involved in your claim, to ensure that your voice is heard and that your compensation is fair. We take on the responsibility of investigating and valuing your claim, communicating with the other parties and the court, preparing legal documents, and meeting legal deadlines so that you do not have to do so.