You probably can’t sue Lyft directly and hold the company personally liable for an accident involving one of its rideshare drivers. You may, however, have the right to file a claim with Lyft’s insurance carrier to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages you suffered in the Lyft accident.
If you need guidance, a Round Rock Lyft accident attorney at Dow Law Firm can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Lyft Is Not Vicariously Liable For Rideshare Driver Negligence
Lyft has worked hard to make sure that its rideshare drivers are legally considered independent contractors. Not only does this mean that Lyft doesn’t have to worry about benefits and other perks of employment, but also that it probably won’t be vicariously liable when a rideshare driver gets into an accident.
Vicarious liability is based on the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the negligent or wrongful acts of their employees. This only applies when a worker is an employee. Since Lyft drivers are independently contracted, Lyft isn’t personally responsible for damages when a rideshare driver is negligent and causes a car accident.
There are limited situations when Lyft could potentially be liable if its own negligence contributed to an accident or injury, such as negligent hiring. Lyft is, however, legally required to maintain insurance coverage to protect individuals who are injured in accidents with its rideshare drivers.
A Lyft accident lawyer in Round Rock can help you determine whether Lyft itself may bear any direct liability in your case.
How Can I Get Compensation From Lyft’s Insurance Company?
Lyft has two insurance policies that might help you get back on your feet after an accident. Which policy might be available to you will depend on the circumstances of your Lyft accident. More specifically, it’ll depend on the Lyft driver’s status at the time of the collision.
Lyft Driver Was Waiting For a Ride Request
When a Lyft driver is logged into the rideshare app and is actively waiting to accept a ride request, Lyft’s limited insurance policy is effective.
In the event of a collision with a Lyft rideshare vehicle at this point in time, available insurance benefits from Lyft would include:
- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury damages, and
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Coverage is effective until the Lyft driver stops waiting for a passenger or accepts a ride request.
Lyft Driver Had Accepted a Ride Request
When a Lyft driver accepts a passenger’s request through the app, Lyft’s insurance protection increases to $1 million in third-party auto liability coverage.
This million-dollar policy is effective until the passenger is dropped off at their destination and the ride formally ends in the Lyft app.
It’s important to note that both of Lyft’s insurance policies are secondary coverage. They come into play once the negligent Lyft driver’s personal insurance benefits have been exhausted. Many times, Lyft’s policies are used when accident victims suffer severe or catastrophic injuries, like spinal cord injuries, amputations, burns, and brain injuries.
Navigating these complex insurance layers can be challenging, which is why consulting with a Lyft accident attorney is crucial to maximizing your recovery.
Dow Law Firm Can Help You Fight for Compensation After a Round Rock Lyft Accident in Texas
Even if you can’t sue Lyft directly, you can bring a lawsuit against another at-fault party and/or pursue benefits from an insurance company. You don’t have to figure out your rights and options on your own. Dow Law Firm is here to offer the experienced legal guidance you need and deserve.
Our Round Rock Lyft accident lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injury victims and families across the state. Discover how working with our award-winning legal team can help you achieve the best possible case results after your Uber or Lyft rideshare accident, too. Call our Lyft accident attorneys today at (512) 240-9951 to schedule your free consultation.