Every day, Austin residents rely on Lyft to get to work, navigate the city’s entertainment districts, or simply avoid the hassle of parking downtown. While rideshare services are convenient, they have also introduced new legal complexities when accidents occur, leaving passengers and other drivers unsure of their rights and who is responsible for damages.
When you’re involved in a Lyft accident, Dow Law Firm can secure the compensation you deserve. Our car accident attorneys know how to navigate the intricate web of insurance policies, corporate liability, and state regulations that govern rideshare accidents.
Contact our experienced Lyft accident lawyers in Austin today for aggressive legal representation so that you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.
Determining Liability in Austin Rideshare Accidents
Texas is a fault state, which means that any driver who causes an accident must pay for the damages. This principle applies to Lyft accidents. However, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries, including the Lyft driver, other motorists, or even entities in charge of road maintenance. You will need to conduct an in-depth investigation to identify who was at fault.
Lyft itself may also face liability in certain circumstances. Although Lyft drivers are independent contractors, the company’s own policies regarding driver screening, vehicle maintenance, and safety standards could make them liable if negligence contributed to your accident. Dow Law Firm’s personal injury attorneys in Austin will thoroughly investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize your compensation.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy Phases Explained
Lyft provides insurance coverage that protects passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, and any party injured in a crash caused by its drivers. However, this coverage operates in distinct phases based on the driver’s app status and activity level:
- App Offline: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies, which may not cover commercial rideshare activities.
- App Online, Waiting for Requests: Lyft provides limited coverage—$50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route to Pickup: Coverage increases to at least $1,000,000 in third-party liability, plus additional first-party coverages including uninsured motorist protection.
- Ride in Progress: Coverage includes at least $1,000,000 for third-party liability, comprehensive first-party coverages, and contingent collision coverage up to the vehicle’s actual cash value.
If you’re unsure which phase applies to your situation or how to recover damages, speak with an Austin Lyft accident lawyer who can help clarify your rights.
Rideshare Safety Tips for Lyft Passengers in Austin
While you cannot control other drivers or prevent all accidents, taking proactive safety measures can protect you during Lyft rides and help establish a clear record if an incident occurs. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Verify the driver’s identity, photo, and license plate match the app information before entering the vehicle.
- Share your trip details with trusted contacts using Lyft’s built-in safety features.
- Always sit in the back seat and wear your seatbelt throughout the entire ride.
- Stay alert and avoid excessive alcohol consumption before and during rides.
- Report unsafe driving behavior immediately through the app’s reporting system.
- Keep emergency contacts readily accessible on your phone.
- Screenshot your ride details and driver information for your records.
If you’ve been injured while using a rideshare service, don’t wait to contact an experienced Lyft accident attorney in Austin for legal guidance.
Contact Dow Law Firm for Help with Your Austin Lyft Accident Claim
Between Lyft’s insurance, the driver’s policy, and other parties involved, determining who pays after an accident can take months, time you don’t have when bills are piling up. Dow Law Firm can get you moving toward the compensation you deserve, defending your rights every step of the way.
Contact us at (512) 240-9951 today and discuss your next steps with our Austin Lyft accident lawyers. We don’t charge any legal fees unless we win your case.