Lyft and similar ride-sharing services have transformed the transportation landscape in the United States and around the world. People can choose to download the Lyft app to quickly and cheaply travel to their destinations instead of taking taxis, rental cars or limousines. While Lyft is a convenient way to get where you want to go, using Lyft also comes with some risks. As with any type of vehicle, driving a Lyft vehicle carries the risk of being involved in an accident. Because Lyft drivers spend hours on the road, they are at greater risk of accidents due to the time they spend behind the wheel. Other drivers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and others may also be involved in or at fault in accidents caused by Lyft passengers.
Unlike other types of car accidents, Lyfthitsthey have some unique insurance and liability issues. You may not be sure who is liable in a Lyft accident and which insurance company to file your claim with. If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, contact the Lyft accident attorneys at Lamber Goodnow for help understanding your legal rights and options.
Understanding Lyft
Lyft, Inc.was founded in 2012 and today employs 4,453 people in 119 offices in the United States and Canada.[1] For the fiscal year ending December 2021, Lyft reported total revenue of $3.2 billion. The company is one of the largest ride-sharing services in the world, offering an app and platform that allows users to connect with Lyft drivers for rides.
Drivers who want to drive for Lyft must have vehicles that meet the company's minimum qualifications and pass third-party background checks. If they are hired, the company treats them as independent contractors and not as employees. Lyft riders can ride as much as they want and choose when to activate the app. People who want to use Lyft for transportation can download the Lyft app on their smartphone. To request a ride, a potential passenger must enter their credit or debit card information and input data about their location and desired destination. The app shows you nearby drivers and when a driver picks up the ride. Drivers can see when the driver arrives and take Lyft to the desired destination.
Because passengers have already entered their credit or debit card information into the app before boarding the ride, they don't need to hand cash to drivers upon arrival at their destination. After passengers disembark, they can rate their drivers and decide if they want to tip.
Accident Liability at Lyft
Multiple parties can be held liable in a Lyft accident, making it more complicated than other types of motor vehicle collisions. In addition to the Lyft driver, the other driver involved could also be held liable. If the accident was caused by a defective part in one of the two vehicles, the manufacturer of the defective part may also be liable. In some accidents, only the Lyft driver or another driver involved is responsible. Due to the many potential parties that could be held liable in a Lyft accident, determining liability is a crucial first step after a Lyft accident to identify all potential liable defendants and insurers.
At the Lyft accident law firm of Lamber Goodnow, our Lyft accident attorneys thoroughly investigate these types of collisions and work with accident reconstruction specialists to identify all parties that contributed to the cause of the accident.collisionso that we can help our clients maximize their recovery values.
Possible Liable Parties If You Are Injured as a Lyft Rider
If you are injured as a passenger in a Lyft accident, both the Lyft driver and the other driver involved can be held liable. In some cases, other parties may share the responsibility. For example, if a defective part contributed to your accident, the manufacturer of the part may also be required to pay compensation. In most cases, as a Lyft passenger, you do not assume any liability.
Potentially liable parties if you are harmed as a third party
If you were injured when a Lyft collided with your vehicle, you as a pedestrian or while riding a bicycle or motorcycle, you and the Lyft driver could share the blame. Under the Arizona Comparative Fault Statute inARS §12-2505the state follows a pure comparativenegligencerule.[2] If you are partly at fault for your accident, you are not precluded from claiming damages under this rule. However, your prize pool will be reduced by your error rate. For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and the Lyft driver is 80% at fault, your award will be reduced by 20%.
Potentially Liable Parties If You Are Injured as a Lyft Driver
If you are a Lyft driver and are injured in an accident involving another vehicle, you can claim compensation for your injuries by filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver who caused the accident. If you were traveling to pick up a passenger at the time of the accident, or had a passenger in your vehicle, you can also claim compensation for your injuries through Lyft.Uninsured/underinsuredDriver coverage if the other driver's policy limits are insufficient or if the other driver is uninsured.
Accident insurance available with Lyft
Lyft offers liability insurance, but its availability depends on what time the Lyft driver was at the time of your accident using the app as follows:
- Period 0: If the app is disabled, the personal insurance of the Lyft driver and/or the other driver applies
- Period 1: If the driver app is activated while the driver is waiting for a ride, Lyft will provide $50,000 in physical coveragewoundfor one person, $100,000 for personal injury per accident involving more than one victim and $25,000 for property damage coverage
- Periods 2 and 3: If the driver is traveling to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting a passenger, Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability insurance, UM/UIM liability insurance, and limited property damage insurance if the driver Lyft driver has a Collision Damage Waiver to repair the driver's vehicle with a $2500 deductible[3]
If you are injured by an at-fault Lyft driver, even if the driver did not activate the app, you should file a claim against the driver and seek compensation through the driver's insurance policy. Lyft Insurance is not available to cover your claim in this situation.
SobARS§28-4009, all drivers in Arizona must have auto liability insurance with at least the following amounts:
- $25,000 in personal injury insurance for an injured victim
- $50,000 personal injury coverage per accident for two or more injured victims
- $15,000 Property Damage Coverage [4]
If you suffered serious injuries, these amounts may not be enough to cover your losses. LowARS§20-259.01, insurers must explain that you have the option to purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at the time you purchase your auto insurance policy.[5] Purchasing UM/UIM insurance is a good idea, as it allows you to file a claim with your insurance company if an at-fault driver causes your injuries and accidents, but does not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries. All drivers, including Lyft drivers, can also choose to purchase more than the minimum state-required liability insurance.
If the driver had the app activated at the time of the accident but was not carrying a passenger or traveling to pick them up, Lyft's $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 contingency insurance is available, as noted above. Lyft drivers must have coverage that allows them to drive their vehicles for a transportation network company.ARS§28-4038of at least $25,000/$50,000/$20,000.[6] However, some Lyft drivers do not purchase a separate rideshare policy or supplement, and do not inform their insurers that they are driving for Lyft. In such a situation, the driver's liability insurance may deny coverage if the Lyft driver causes an accident.
If you were a passenger or another third party injured in an accident caused by a Lyft driver while the driver was transporting you or another passenger, Lyft liability insurance is available for up to $1 million.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions that the attorneys at the Lyft Lamber Goodnow Accident Law Firm receive from Lyft accident victims.
Q: What should I do if I was injured in a Lyft accident?
A:If you are injured in a Lyft accident as a driver, passenger, or another Lyft driver, you should take the same steps you would if you were injured in any other type of accident. Some of the steps you need to take include the following:
- Call 911 to report thiscollision.
- Stay at the scene of the accident until help arrives.
- Check for injuries and administer first aid if necessary.
- If you are a driver, exchange information with the other driver, including names, contact information, driver's license information, insurance information, and registration information.
- If you are a passenger, you will receive the names, contact details, registration number, insurance and registration information of both drivers involved.
- Ask for the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw your accident.
- Take photos of the damage to both cars, their locations, weather and road conditions, and other important details.
- See a doctor right away, even if you're not sure if you're injured.
- Contact our experienced Lyft accident attorneys.
Q: What type of insurance must Lyft drivers have?
A:Like other drivers in Arizona, Lyft drivers must carry personal liability insurance that meets the state's minimum liability requirements. They must also have rideshare insurance to provide coverage when their apps are enabled. Additionally, Lyft offers up to $1 million in additional coverage if a Lyft driver causes an accident while transporting a passenger or while retrieving a passenger after accepting a ride.
Q: What happens if a Lyft driver causes an accident with no passengers in the car?
A:If a Lyft driver caused your accident when there was no occupant in the vehicle, the applicable coverage depends on what stage the driver was in with the application. When the app is disabled, auto insurance coverage applies to Lyft drivers. If the app was activated but the driver had not yet accepted a ride at the time of your tripcollisionLyft offers $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 additional liability coverage. If the Lyft driver accepted a ride and was on the way to pick up the passenger, or was actively transporting a passenger at the time they caused the collision, Lyft offers coverage up to $1 million per accident.
Q: What happens if my Lyft driver and the other driver share an accident?
A:If the Lyft driver and the driver of the other vehicle are at fault for causing your accident and injuries, they are jointly and severally liable for your losses.ARS §12-2501.[7] In this situation, you would file a lawsuit against both drivers.
Q: What if the other driver is solely responsible for my accident and my injuries as a Lyft passenger?
A:If the other driver was at fault in your Lyft accident while you were a passenger, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance coverage. However, Lyft also offers UM/UIM coverage if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured to cover your losses.
Talk to our Lyft Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured in a Lyft accident as a result of the negligence of another driver or your Lyft driver, contact the Lamber Goodnow Lyft accident law office. We have years of experience and have successfully recovered claims from many victims of negligence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
references
[1] https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1759509/000175950922000016/lyft-20211231.htm
[2] ARS§12-2505.
[3] https://help.lyft.com/hc/e/articles/115013080548-Insurance-coverage-while-driving-with-lyft
[4] ARS§28-4009.
[5] ARS§20-259.01.
[6] ARS§28-4038.
[7] ARS§12-2501.
FAQs
How long does it take Lyft to investigate an accident? ›
Common questions about the settlement process include: How long does it take for Lyft to settle a car accident case? It can take over 6 months for a case to be settled, even if you have a solid lawyer and ample evidence.
Will Lyft deactivated me for an accident? ›Why Drivers are Deactivated after Car Accidents. Accidents are often associated with unsafe driving. Because of that, Uber and Lyft typically deactivate driver accounts after accidents. This allows them to investigate the incident (to determine whether the rideshare driver caused the accident, for instance).
What happens if you damage a Lyft car? ›Our team will send you a message in the app if you're charged a damage fee. This message will include details about which ride the fee is for, and also photos of the damage. You'll get an updated receipt after the damage fee has been charged. You can also check out details in the 'Ride history' tab of the Lyft app.
Can you sue Lyft for discrimination? ›And so if you were wrongfully terminated due to discrimination, harassment, or unpaid wages, you the right, as an employee, to file a lawsuit against Lyft. Our experienced Lyft wrongful termination lawyers in Los Angeles will help you get the compensation you deserve.
How long does it take to settle a Lyft accident case? ›How Long Does Lyft Take To Send You a Settlement Check in an Injury Case? Once you reach a settlement with Lyft's insurance, they should send the check fast. You should likely get it within 2 weeks.
How does Lyft handle accidents? ›Coverage when the app is on and waiting for a ride request
Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for covered accidents if your personal insurance does not apply of at least: $50,000/person for bodily injury. $100,000/accident for bodily injury. $25,000/accident for property damage.
There is no set amount of time for how long your account will remain disabled but it will stay disabled until Lyft solves whatever issue caused the disabling. For that reason, the sooner you reach out to Lyft and make them aware of your situation, the better.
How do I fight a Lyft deactivation? ›If you didn't receive anything other than an alert on your app telling you you're deactivated, go through the Help option of the app and try to speak to someone. If that doesn't work, find the local Hub, whether that's for Lyft or Uber, if you have one near you, and try to speak to someone face to face.
What gets you banned from Lyft? ›Riders under the age of 18 who are unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian are not allowed to use Uber or Lyft services. All Uber and Lyft users must confirm that they are 18 or older to request a ride. Smoking or vaping. It is unlawful for riders to smoke while in the rideshare vehicle.
How do I file a claim with Lyft? ›If you're the Lyft driver or passenger, go to the menu in your Lyft app and select “Help.” Then under “Report a safety issue,” click “Report safety issue or accident,” and then “Accident.”
Is there a class action lawsuit against Lyft? ›
Judge approves $27M settlement in Lyft class-action lawsuit.
Can you dispute a Lyft damage charge? ›You can dispute a ride charge instantly, and report anything we should know about a ride or a driver.
What is the driver lawsuit against Lyft? ›California's Labor Commissioner is suing Uber and Lyft for committing wage theft by willfully misclassifying drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. Misclassification deprives the drivers of basic rights under California labor law.
How do I escalate a Lyft complaint? ›Select the “Ride history” option, then locate the ride in question and tap on it. Scroll down to the bottom of the ride information page, tap the button marked either “Get help” or “Request Review,” and follow the on-screen instructions to submit your complaint.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft? ›You can file a claim against Uber or Lyft if your rideshare driver intentionally or negligently (carelessly) caused you harm. Rideshare injury cases are more complicated than typical car accident claims. An experienced lawyer can help you get compensation for your rideshare injuries and other damages.
How long does it take to negotiate a settlement? ›Overall, the settlement negotiation process typically takes a few weeks to a few months. If all goes well, you and the other party will agree to a fair settlement for your damages.
How long does lawsuit take to settle? ›Once the legal process begins, there is no clear-cut timeline for these types of proceedings. If both parties are amicable, you may get a settlement in as little as a few weeks. Complex cases that go to trial may take several years to resolve.
How long does it take to get lawsuit money? ›After accepting an offer of settlement for a personal injury claim you will usually receive your compensation money within 14-28 days from the date of settlement.
Can Lyft record you? ›Recording device policy
Depending on local regulations, the use of dashboard cameras and other recording devices during rides may not be allowed. Some cities or states may require signage making known the presence of recording devices, while other regions may not allow recording devices at all.
Yes, both Lyft and Uber drivers can install and use cameras, and many rideshare drivers rely on footage for safety or evidence in the event something goes wrong.
Do Lyft drivers get paid if you get a refund? ›
Lyft doesn't take money from drivers' earnings, bonuses, incentives, referrals, or non-ride earnings when they refund a fare.
How do I contact Lyft Safety Team? ›Information Security questions not related to fraudulent activity can be directed to security@lyft.com.
How long does it take for Lyft to release a temporary hold? ›The temporary authorization amount depends on the ride cost, region, and selected ride type. Once your payment method is successfully charged, Lyft immediately releases the temporary authorization. However, your bank may take 5–7 business days to release temporary authorizations on your account.
Can I delete my Lyft driver account and make a new one? ›No, the process is not reversible once you delete your Lyft account. You will need to sign up for a new account if you decide you want to use Lyft again in the future.
How can I get my Lyft account reactivated? ›- On the Dashboard login screen, tap 'Find my account. '
- Enter the email address on your Lyft account.
- Open the email we send you. The subject will be “Recover your Lyft account.”
- Use the recovery button to sign in with your new phone number.
Currently, there isn't a way to restore a deleted account. If you would like to rejoin the Lyft platform you can create a new account.
Are Lyft drivers allowed to talk on the phone? ›We recommend that you don't take personal calls while driving. A phone call-free ride creates a friendlier and more welcoming environment for passengers.
Why does Lyft suspend your account? ›Lyft's rationale
According to drivers who've contacted us, Lyft either sent emails or responded to them with reasons for deactivation that included: Poor safety record. Low star rating. “Multiple reports from customers”
If you're simply looking at which company's drivers make more, Lyft's hourly average of $17.50 is higher than Uber's average of $15.68. Lyft also boasts better driver satisfaction.
How long does Lyft payout take? ›Weekly deposits can take up to 5 business days to be added to your bank account. They may take longer during holidays. If you don't see your transfer after 5 business days, contact your bank for help.
How do I write a demand letter to Lyft? ›
Your demand letter can be simple and straightforward, just a few sentences telling Lyft who you are (your name, address, phone number and account number), what the problem is, and what you want from them.
What company has the largest class-action lawsuit? ›Number 1: The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement
There is no doubt about the biggest-ever class action settlement. The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement is also the biggest civil litigation settlement in US history.
Settlement Amount: Lyft has agreed to pay $5,950,000 in the lawsuit to the Settlement Class.
How much is the Uber settlement? ›Uber recently agreed to pay $8.4 million to settle a class-action lawsuit with California drivers who claimed they were misclassified as independent contractors, rather than employees. The U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California approved the settlement on July 21.
How do I fight a Lyft charge? ›...
Dispute the charge directly in your app and it will be reviewed automatically:
- Tap the 'Ride history' tab from the Lyft app menu.
- Tap the ride that you need help with.
- Tap 'Get help' at the bottom of the screen.
$30 for moderate damage — food, drink, or biowaste. That would be vomit. $80 for moderate damage such as liquid, biowaste or bodily fluids in the vehicle.
How do I chat with Lyft? ›On the Lyft Driver app, you can similarly head to the help center to request a quick call from Lyft. Then, you can chat with someone in real time. Drivers and riders can also tap “Contact Safety Team” on this web page to submit their phone number.
How do I get my Uber settlement money? ›In order to receive a monetary payment from the Settlement, you must submit your claim no later than June 27, 2022. If you submit a claim to receive a monetary payment, your settlement payment will be mailed to the address you provide on your claim form.
How often are Lyft drivers assaulted? ›In touting their safety record, Lyft points to the fact that only . 00002% of their rides from 2017 to 2019 involved sexual assault. However, that's a whopping 4,158 sexual assaults during this time period. Regardless of these cases' outcomes, there's much room for improvement.
Why do Lyft drivers cancel so much? ›It's really one of two things: 1) Lyft has found a closer Driver to the pickup location so they cancel you or 2) The rider did not check to see how long it would take a driver to get to the pickup point so they cancel.
Who is Lyft supervisor? ›
Ashwin Raj Head of Rideshare
Raj has served as our Head of Rideshare since August 2021. He previously served as our interim Head of Rideshare from March 2021 to August 2021, and from May 2017 to March 2021, he served in various roles including as our Vice President, Payments and Customer Platform.
Email. In the past, consumers and drivers could email support@lyft.com for assistance.
Who is on board of directors of Lyft? ›| Logan D. Green Chief Executive Officer & Director | Lyft, Inc., eBay, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Prashant Aggarwal Chairman | Thumbtack, Inc., Sonder Holdings, Inc., Lyft, Inc., Arlo Technologies, Inc. |
| Ariel Cohen Director | Lyft, Inc. |
| John David Risher Director | Lyft, Inc. |
Uber accident claims are claims you can make for injuries you sustained in an Uber accident as a passenger in an Uber, or involving an Uber vehicle, that was not your fault. Or, you could make an Uber driver claim against another motorist that has caused your accident while working for Uber.
How many lawsuits are against Uber? ›The law firm said it has about 550 clients with claims against the company, and at least 150 more are being actively investigated.
What can get you fired from Lyft? ›- You Broke a Traffic Law. ...
- You Used Alcohol or Drugs While Driving. ...
- Passengers Used Drugs or Alcohol. ...
- You Have Outdated Documents. ...
- Your Vehicle Doesn't Meet Lyft's Guidelines.
We'll never charge you this amount.
Once your bank provider processes the transaction, the temporary authorization will either disappear completely or appear as a refund within 5-7 business days. You may be charged a cancel fee if you cancel: More than 30 seconds after the driver accepts your ride.
To keep the Lyft community safe, you must take a full, uninterrupted 6-hour break for every 12 hours you're in driver mode. These 12 hours in driver mode do not have to be consecutive.
What not to do when you get fired? ›- Don't Storm off Without Saving Important Documents. ...
- Don't Discuss Severance Without Taking Some Time to Process. ...
- Don't Refuse to Help With the Transition. ...
- Don't Dismiss the Chance to Resign. ...
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask For a Recommendation. ...
- Don't Disparage Your Supervisor or Co-Workers.
Information Security questions not related to fraudulent activity can be directed to security@lyft.com.