Did you know that Lyft was launched in the summer of 2012? If you are a fan of ride-sharing because of its many benefits and conveniences, you are not alone. For those that are driving for Lyft, it is a smart idea to be aware of what to do if you get into an accident while driving.
Read on to learn more about what to do as a rideshare driver.
Coverage While You’re Waiting for a Ride Request
While you have your app on and are waiting for a ride request, there is third-party liability insurance coverage in the event that your own personal insurance doesn’t cover you. This coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Keep in mind that if you live in Arizona or Nebraska, the rates are different. They are $25,000/per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 per accident for property damage.
Policy Period Matters
When you are a Lyft driver, your insurance policy covers you during Periods 2 and 3. Period 2 starts when the driver accepts a ride request and is on the way to pick up the passenger. Period 3 is when the passenger enters the car to begin their trip.
During period 1, the liability limits are much lower, and you are not covered in the event of a collision. This makes period one your most high-risk time because your personal insurer might not cover you during this time either.
Keep in mind that if you are involved in an accident during periods 2 or 3, you have to first pay Lyft their deductible before they cover your accident. We highly recommend talking with experienced attorneys such as Alpha Accident Lawyers to ensure that you are treated fairly when dealing with insurance companies and that you receive what you deserve.
Steps to Take After the Accident
When you are first involved in an accident, you want to call 911 if it’s necessary and make sure you seek medical attention for any injuries received. Next, you will need to file a police report at the police station or at the scene of the accident. Make sure you don’t skip filing a police report because this will protect you from future litigation from other drivers and passengers.
Talk to the other driver and exchange information such as names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance information. Take out your phone to take pictures and videos of all the vehicles involved and the scene of the accident. Make sure that you take pictures of the road where the accident occurred and the road conditions.
You want to ensure that all the pictures and videos you take can prove the time and location when you are sharing them with the insurance companies. Also, if there are any witnesses, ask if you can take a short video of them describing what happened or ask them for a written statement along with their name and phone number. The key is to gather as much information as possible because the more documents you have, the better it is to establish your case and not have your claim denied.
Go on the Lyft website or app and report the accident as well. Lastly, contact your personal insurance company if the accident happened during period 1, or contact Lyft’s insurance if the accident occurred during periods 2 or 3.
Who Is at Fault?
Depending on who is at fault will determine how the claims process works after the accident. If the non-Lyft driver is at fault, then the Lyft driver can file a claim with their insurance company. In the event that the other driver’s insurance company doesn’t fully compensate the Lyft driver, they can submit a UM/UIM (uninsured/underinsured coverage) claim under the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
For Lyft drivers that only need compensation for the damage that was done to their vehicle, they can file a claim under the contingent collision and comprehensive coverage that Lyft offers. Keep in mind that as a driver, you also need to have collision and comprehensive coverage under a personal car insurance policy.
How Can an Attorney Help?
A professional Lyft accident attorney can help you determine if there is a potential personal injury case after your accident. They are aware of all the ins and outs of the laws in the Lyft ride-sharing world. An attorney will investigate your entire case to find any evidence they can use to help your case.
They will also file all the necessary paperwork, cover upfront expenses, and negotiate with insurance companies. A personal injury case can be confusing to navigate on your own if you are not aware of the laws in your state.
Protect Yourself
We recommend reaching out to your personal insurance policy and adding rideshare coverage. Also, look into buying extra coverage from Lyft to cover you while you’re driving a passenger to their destination or on your way to pick them up. This extra coverage can give you peace of mind that you will receive higher disability payments, medical reimbursements, and lower deductible options.
Try to Stay Safe While Driving for Lyft
While you can’t control everything around you while driving for Lyft, try to stay as safe as possible so that you don’t have to contact an accident lawyer or deal with ride-share accident consequences. If something were to happen, you now have the knowledge of what to do in case you are involved in an accident.
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