What Happens If You Are Injured in a Lyft Accident?

Car accidents involving Lyft can be challenging to deal with. Lyft is not known to be forthcoming about their accident statistics, and they rarely, if ever, comment on accident numbers.

About 46 million Americans have a Lyft or Uber application, or both, downloaded. This number represents approximately 3 million rideshare trips a year. With that number of vehicles on the road, the chances are higher someone will be involved in an accident with a Lyft driver. 

Rideshare Accidents Are Complicated

Rideshare accidents can be complicated for several reasons. First, Lyft drivers are classified as “independent contractors.” 

Second, Lyft drivers are paid a fare for driving. Third, there is a different amount and type of insurance available. It is not always clear whose insurance applies in an accident.

If you have been injured in a Lyft accident, it may involve multiple parties, including the Lyft driver’s insurance company, Lyft, and Lyft’s insurance company. Additionally, the insurance policy coverage can vary depending upon when the accident occurred in the rideshare process. An experienced New Jersey Lyft Accident lawyer at the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm can help you better understand your rights and how to pursue them effectively.

What Insurance Applies in a Lyft Accident

State law requires that Lyft maintain a certain amount of insurance on behalf of its drivers. Specifically, once a Lyft driver accepts a passenger on the app, they must have a commercial car insurance policy with at least $1.5 million in liability coverage for death, bodily injury and property damage. Lyft must also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) of at least $1.5 million, which covers anyone who occupies the vehicle if another motorist causes an accident and does not have car insurance (UM) or does not have enough insurance (UIM) to compensate the injured parties.

In the scenario when a Lyft driver is logged into their system, and is actively looking for passengers, they must maintain liability insurance for at least $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death or bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage.

In addition to these requirements, the Lyft drivers themselves must also maintain a personal auto insurance policy. New Jersey requires all drivers to have at least the following coverage:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $5000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $15,000 per person

Call the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm to Schedule a Free Case Evaluation Now!

If you have been injured in a Lyft vehicle accident, call us to discuss your case. At the Todd J. Leonard Law Firm, we know what it takes to obtain the compensation you need and deserve if you are injured. We offer relentless personal injury representation and work to prove liability and hold all parties who caused your accident responsible when it comes time to reach a settlement or verdict. 

Our New Jersey personal injury attorneys have over 35 years of experience aggressively representing seriously injured clients in all types of accident claims, including those injured at work. We have successfully handled thousands of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and ride-share claims, including those involving Uber and Lyft. We have recovered over $100 million for our clients and can effectively negotiate on your behalf with even the largest insurance companies. We have successfully served thousands of clients throughout New Jersey. To learn more about how we can help you pursue a compensation claim, give us a call today at (973) 920-7900 to request a free and confidential consultation. You can also connect with us through our online form. There is never a fee unless we win. We have two conveniently located offices in Denville and Morristown, New Jersey.