Lyft, along with Uber, has a major presence in Riverside and throughout Southern California.
If you get involved in a Lyft accident, it may be difficult to deal with an insurance claim.
Unlike a typical car accident, a rideshare accident has multiple possibilities for insurance coverage and the added complication of having to deal with Lyft as a company.
You have the right to hire a Lyft accident lawyer in Riverside to represent you during the claims process.
A personal injury attorney from Jacoby & Meyers can help you secure the financial compensation and justice that you deserve after a Lyft accident in Riverside County.
Start your claim by contacting us for a free consultation at our local law office at (951) 720-3007
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We Won $19M for a Rideshare Client – You Could Be Next
Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers?
- We are highly experienced car accident attorneys, with over 50 years in the business. We recently achieved a $19 million case result for a client’s rideshare accident case.
- Clients can count on our team of lawyers, case managers and support staff, who make the prosecution of a Lyft accident case successful in the courtroom and beyond.
- There are no fees unless we win. We accept Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning if the insurance company denies liability or coverage, we will not collect a fee.
Understanding Lyft Accident Claims in Riverside
Lyft accident cases in Riverside, California are unique compared to typical car accident claims.
Rideshare vehicles transport passengers for a fee and are therefore held to the standards and rules of the California Public Utilities Commission.
If a rideshare company or driver falls short of these expectations, this is grounds for the victim to bring an injury claim.
Liability issues in Lyft accident cases can make it difficult to know where to file.
You may have a claim against the individual rideshare driver for negligence, or the company’s liability insurance.
You may also have the right to sue Lyft, in certain circumstances.
It is important to understand Lyft’s insurance coverage periods and the implications they have on your ability to recover compensation.
Lyft Insurance Coverage in California
Rideshare companies that pair drivers with paying customers are required to carry commercial insurance in California.
Both Lyft and Uber fulfill this requirement with policies that offer up to $1 million in coverage to injured accident victims.
The policy limits that apply to your Lyft accident case will depend on the phase or period of the ride:
- Period 1: App is on, no ride request (limited coverage – $50k/$100k liability)
- Period 2: Driver accepts ride, en route to passenger ($1 million liability policy)
- Period 3: Passenger in vehicle ($1 million liability policy)
If you were involved in an accident with a Lyft driver who was not logged into the app at the time of the wreck, the driver’s personal automobile insurance will be your only available source of coverage besides your own policy.
If the driver was logged into the app, however, you can access Lyft’s additional commercial insurance.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Riverside
Immediately after a Lyft accident takes place, there are steps you should take to ensure your own safety and build a stronger foundation for your insurance claim.
Here’s what to do:
- Pull over at the scene and check for injuries. This includes yourself as well as people in the other car. Call for an ambulance if anyone is injured.
- If the Lyft driver does not contact the police or you were driving your own car, call 911 to report the accident and file a police report.
- Gather information and evidence at the scene. This can include photographs, the names of everyone involved and your Lyft ride information if you were a passenger.
- Get immediate medical attention for your injuries. Follow your doctor’s orders and keep copies of your medical records and hospital bills.
- Notify Lyft of the accident using the crash-reporting tool, the app or by calling the company’s customer service line.
- Contact your car insurance company to inform them of the accident. If you are contacted by Lyft’s insurance company, don’t admit fault or accept the first settlement offer.
Contact an attorney at Jacoby & Meyers before accepting any settlements.
We will help you determine the true value of your claim and fight for compensation with proven legal strategies.
Types of Compensation Available for Lyft Accident Victims
Holding a Lyft driver, Lyft or another company accountable for your accident in Riverside could lead to a settlement or judgment award that aims to make you whole again.
You may be entitled to damages or financial compensation for all of the following types of losses:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatments, ongoing care and future medical needs
- Lost wages, income, employment benefits and long-term earning capacity
- Physical pain, emotional distress and impact on quality of life
- Property damage repairs or replacements
- Punitive damages, in cases involving gross negligence or reckless driving
If you tragically lost a loved one in a fatal Lyft accident in Riverside County, your family may be able to recover compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost inheritance, loss of consortium, and other wrongful death damages.
Discuss the value of your Lyft accident claim with our attorneys before proceeding with settlement negotiations.
How a Riverside Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Help
A local Riverside Lyft accident lawyer will have the practice area experience, familiarity with local insurance practices and relationships with medical providers that you need to recover in every way possible.
Your lawyer can handle various legal processes for you while you concentrate on healing, such as:
- Crash investigation
- Evidence collection
- Eyewitness interviews
- Crash scene analysis
- Hiring experts
- Insurance negotiations
An attorney will be able to obtain data from the Lyft app, communicate with Lyft’s insurance company for you and take your case to trial in Riverside County, if necessary, to prove your claim and collect compensation.
Contact a Riverside Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
Lyft drivers have a lot to contend with, from dealing with the app (distracted driving) to pressure to work long hours (driver fatigue).
Whether or not the Lyft driver is at fault for your crash, you may be eligible for financial compensation from Lyft’s insurance policy.
Explore your legal rights and options after a Lyft accident in Riverside during a free case review at Jacoby & Meyers.
Contact us online or call our closest law office directly at (951) 720-3007 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Jacoby & Meyers: because you deserve justice.