If you have been involved in a Lyft car accident, you may be wondering whether you can receive Lyft accident compensation. Having access to a car accident settlement ensures you have the compensation you need to cover things like damages and injuries. However, receiving a Lyft car accident settlement can be challenging since there are different coverage options for drivers and passengers. The process of securing a Lyft settlement varies depending on the specifics of the accident and the parties involved.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident attorneys in Washington can help you with every step of the process as you file your Lyft car accident claim. Our attorneys will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your rights are upheld, and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Lyft Accident Compensation For Lyft Drivers
Lyft insurance coverage can be confusing since it varies this will look different depending on whether you are the driver or the passenger. Washington state insurance coverage is very specific for Lyft drivers as they are considered to be drivers of transportation Network Companies or TNCs.
Washington state laws require TNCs to provide their drivers with primary insurance coverage when the Lyft app is online. Keep in mind that this is in addition to the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage. The type of coverage will also look different depending on whether the driver is online and waiting for a fare versus when they have accepted a fare and are on route or driving with the passenger. In the case of an accident, the Lyft car accident settlement process can vary depending on the specifics of the situation, including the driver’s status at the time of the incident.
For drivers who are online and waiting for a fare, this is the coverage they will have:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries.
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries.
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
For drivers who have accepted a fare and are either on route to pick up the passenger or are driving with the passenger, this is the coverage they will have:
- $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and first-party coverage.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Lyft Accident Compensation For Passengers
Understanding the average Lyft car accident settlement can also be confusing if you are a passenger in a Lyft vehicle. The first thing you need to do is figure out who you will be filing a claim against, depending on whether the accident is the fault of your Lyft driver or the fault of someone else.
- The driver is at fault: When your Lyft driver is the one at fault, Lyft’s insurance policy will usually provide up to $1 million in coverage. For this policy to apply, your Lyft driver has to use the app at the time of the accident; if they aren’t, you could file a claim directly against their personal auto insurance policy.
- The driver isn’t at fault: The good news for passengers who have been involved in a Lyft car accident is that Lyft’s insurance policy will still apply even if the Lyft driver is not at fault. However, you can still file a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance as well.
No matter whether your Lyft driver is the one at fault or the fault falls on a third party, you need to hire an auto accident attorney in Washington. An attorney can help you evaluate your options to better understand who you should file a claim against and the Lyft passenger accident settlement amount you can expect.
How Lyft Calculates Settlements
Even though Lyft provides a specific amount of coverage for both Lyft drivers and passengers, there are still different factors that come into play when it comes to the settlement amount. For instance, Lyft will look at factors such as:
- Economic damages: Economic damages include tangible losses, such as property damage, lost wages, reduced earning potential, medical bills, etc.
- Non-economic damages: Non-economic damages are intangible losses, which include things like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional stress, PTSD, etc.
Understanding Lyft accident settlement amounts can be complex, as each case is unique and influenced by these factors. Whether you are a Lyft driver or passenger, it is essential that you hire an auto accident attorney to represent your claim. Even though you are entitled to a certain amount of compensation, Lyft may try to offer you a lower settlement amount than you deserve. An attorney can act as your advocate, ensuring you get the compensation you are entitled to and require to make a full recovery.
Can Lyft Deny a Claim?
Whether you are a Lyft driver or passenger, there is a chance that Lyft may deny your accident claim. This is more common when it comes to Lyft drivers since Lyft may try to find a way of denying any liability in the accident.
For instance, Lyft may draw the drivers status into question since its insurance coverage is not available if the driver isn’t online. Lyft may also claim that the driver violated Lyft policies, which would make them ineligible for coverage. These are just a few examples of why Lyft may try to deny a claim, which is why thorough documentation is so crucial as well as seeking legal representation.
Can You Sue Lyft Directly?
It is possible to sue Lyft directly if Lyft’s insurance coverage is not enough to compensate for your losses or if there are insurance coverage gaps. You may also want to sue Lyft directly if it denies your claim or offers a very low Lyft settlement amount. In these instances, you may have to take Lyft to court, which is why it is especially important to have an auto accident attorney on your side.
In rare instances, you may also want to sue Lyft if the driver was egregiously negligent, which directly led to the auto accident.
Contact an Auto Accident Attorney at NBF Accident Law
Do you want to file a Lyft accident claim? If so, you will need to understand the differences in coverage for drivers versus passengers and how settlements are calculated.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident lawyers fight purposefully for victims of car accidents in Washington, ensuring you get the compensation you are entitled to. We will help you file an accident claim, document important evidence, and negotiate with Lyft and insurance companies.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys in Washington.
