In a major city like Austin, plenty of people rely on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. What happens if you end up in an accident during a ride? Consult our team at Dow Law Firm to review your legal options.
An Austin Lyft accident attorney can assess the details of your case and recommend a strategy based on your unique circumstances. Navigating a Lyft passenger injury claim can seem daunting. However, a legal professional can explain the process and help guide you.
Call us today at 512-240-9951.
Exploring Common Causes of Car Accidents
All Austin motorists face risks on the road, as accidents can occur for several reasons. Some of the leading causes of motor vehicle collisions include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Failure to yield
- Impaired driving
- Poor road conditions
Accidents can have devastating outcomes that are possible to prevent. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 380 people were killed in 2024 in crashes involving distracted drivers. Talking to passengers, eating while driving, or using a cell phone or navigation system could all distract motorists.
Identifying the likely cause of a crash can help determine fault. For example, if a Lyft driver was using their phone at the time of the collision, they may be liable for a passenger’s injuries.
How Does Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Work?
Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers. However, their personal auto insurance policy doesn’t always apply to accident coverage. Lyft carries commercial insurance for its independent contractors in case passengers or other motorists are hurt in a collision.
Lyft’s insurance coverage limits vary based on the situation. Below are some example scenarios and how they may impact a claim.
What Happens When the Driver Is Awaiting a Request?
As long as a driver has the app open and is available to accept rides, the commercial insurance policy is available. What kind of coverage could you expect if you collide with a Lyft driver while they’re awaiting a request?
In this scenario, accident coverage includes:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $50,000 for bodily injury (per person)
- $100,000 for bodily injury (per accident)
After the collision, file an insurance claim with the company and consult an Austin Lyft accident attorney for guidance.
A Collision Occurs After Driver Accepts a Ride Request: Now What?
Once a driver accepts a passenger’s request, Lyft’s third-party liability coverage comes into effect. The company’s insurance policy includes $1 million for liability coverage. It also includes comprehensive and collision coverage up to the value of a vehicle.
This coverage is available from the time the driver accepts the ride until they close the request. It’s contingent on whether the driver’s personal policy covers the claim.
For example, say the vehicle strikes another motorist while en route to picking up the passenger. The struck motorist could file a claim with Lyft to potentially seek compensation.
If the accident occurs when a passenger is inside the car, they may also be eligible to file a claim.
How To Handle an Insurance Claim When the App Is Closed
What happens if a contractor closes the app at the end of a shift and then collides with another vehicle? With the app officially closed, Lyft will not insure the driver. Instead, they must rely on their personal auto insurance.
Should other motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians wish to file a claim, they’ll need to collect the driver’s own insurance information.
The Role of an Austin Lyft Accident Attorney
If you have injuries stemming from a negligent Lyft driver, legal representation may be worthwhile. Local attorneys, like our team at Dow Law Firm, understand Texas’s provisions regarding personal injury lawsuits. They can assess whether a lawsuit is a viable option, depending on your circumstances.
Our attorneys may assist accident victims with claims against Lyft and other rideshare companies. Our approach to cases like these often includes:
- Discussing the unique details of the case during an initial consultation
- Gathering evidence and conducting an investigation to determine liability
- Calculating the cost of the claimant’s damages
- Negotiating with insurers to potentially reach a settlement
While some claimants manage insurance filings independently, proper representation may provide support in navigating liability disputes or coverage limitations. Legal professionals understand common tactics insurers use and can advocate for a settlement based on an adequate damages assessment.
Tips for Finding a Qualified Rideshare Injury Lawyer
Hiring an Austin Lyft accident attorney may help you navigate the claims process smoothly. But how can you find a reliable lawyer near you to assist? Keep the following tips in mind:
- Check their practice areas: You’ll want a lawyer with direct experience handling rideshare accident cases.
- Inquire about their track record: How successful is an attorney at settling their clients’ cases? Ask about their past cases to see how their skills hold up.
- Read testimonials: Positive testimonials from other claimants can make you feel confident in your decision.
- Learn about their billing structure: Hiring an attorney who works on a contingency fee basis means they would only collect fees after you recover damages.
Accident Victims May Recover Several Types of Damages
While compensation is never certain, it’s possible that you may recover damages following a rideshare crash. Our attorneys may pursue both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Ongoing disability or rehabilitation
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
The amount of available compensation often reflects the severity of your losses.
After a Lyft Crash, Legal Help Is Possible – Consult Our Personal Injury Attorneys
Navigating the insurance claim process after a rideshare accident can seem daunting. Consult an Uber and Lyft accident attorney to review your options and figure out your next steps. At Dow Law Firm, we assist crash victims with insurance claims.
If we take on your case, an Austin Lyft accident attorney could gather evidence supporting your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Speak with one of our experienced lawyers for professional assistance. Submit our online contact form or call 512-240-9951 to schedule a consultation.
Austin Lyft Accident FAQs
Do you still have unanswered questions about Lyft accident lawsuits? We address common client concerns below.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?
After an accident, you should assess your injuries and call 911. As you wait for police to arrive, document the scene and gather the contact information of witnesses and involved motorists. Seek prompt medical care and consult an attorney about filing a claim.
What Evidence Does an Austin Lyft Accident Attorney Collect?
An attorney may collect police reports, witness statements, and dashcam surveillance footage as evidence. Other potential pieces of evidence include the claimant’s medical records and documentation of lost wages.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect for an Accident Claim?
You should never expect compensation, as outcomes vary for all claimants. If you do receive a financial reward, it may include damages to cover medical costs, lost wages, or other accident-related expenses.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Lyft Accident?
You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, depending on your case’s circumstances. An Austin Lyft accident attorney can advise you in this process, but you only have two years to file, per Texas’s statute of limitations.