Lyft maintains insurance policies that can help crash victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses after Lyft accidents in Texas. However, Lyft’s insurance company is eager to deny claims and limit payouts.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a Lyft accident in Texas and your claim for benefits has been denied, don’t give up hope. You have the right to appeal, and Dow Law Firm’s Austin Lyft accident lawyers can help you navigate the process.
Why Are Lyft Insurance Claims Denied?
Insurance companies are more interested in profits than in helping crash victims get back on their feet. Here are a few reasons why Lyft’s insurance company might initially deny a claim after a Lyft accident in Texas.
The Lyft Driver Wasn’t Logged into the App or Engaged in a Ride
Lyft has insurance that can help after a rideshare accident, but it’s not always effective. The Lyft driver’s status impacts when coverage is in place and which policy is applicable.
- Lyft driver off duty: no Lyft coverage, the Lyft driver’s personal policy is effective
- Lyft driver waiting for a ride request: Lyft maintains a limited insurance policy covering up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury and $25,000 per accident in property damage
- Lyft driver engaged in a ride in the app: Lyft’s million-dollar policy is effective
Ultimately, Lyft’s insurance company might deny a claim on the grounds that the Lyft driver wasn’t logged into the app and “on duty,” which is necessary to trigger Lyft’s insurance coverage. A knowledgeable Lyft accident attorney can help you investigate app logs to determine the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
The Claimant Hasn’t Exhausted Other Available Insurance Benefits
Lyft’s policies provide secondary coverage. In simple terms, this means benefits are paid only after a claimant has exhausted other insurance benefits available to them – often from the at-fault Lyft driver’s personal insurance policy.
Lyft’s insurer will be quick to deny a claim if it believes that other insurance benefits are still on the table.
The Accident Is Excluded From Coverage
The insurance company might also deny a claim if the rideshare service was being provided by an unauthorized driver, if the Lyft driver was drunk or otherwise impaired, or if there were other violations of the terms of service.
An experienced Lyft accident attorney can review the specifics of your accident to determine if these exclusions are being applied fairly.
What Do I Have to Do to Appeal My Denied Lyft Insurance Claim?
If you believe that your Lyft insurance claim was denied in bad faith or that the insurance company made a mistake, you have the right to submit an appeal.
Before you submit your appeal in writing, you’ll need to:
- Determine the specific reason(s) for the denial, which can be found in your denial letter
- Gather evidence to support your claims and demonstrate the validity of your claim
- Review Lyft’s company policies and procedures to find language that might support your case
It can be important to hire an experienced Austin car accident attorney to help you navigate the appeals process. Dow Law Firm’s team of Lyft accident lawyers can investigate your accident, review the grounds for the denial, identify filing deadlines and procedural requirements, and advocate for you throughout the appeals process.
Our Lyft accident lawyers’ experience handling complex insurance claims and insight into insurance company strategies can help you win your case and recover the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
We offer a free consultation, so contact our Austin Lyft accident attorneys at (512) 240-9951 to discuss your claim appeal today.