Essential Tips for Filing a Lyft Accident Claim

You may be entitled to monetary compensation if you’ve suffered injuries in a rideshare accident. You can file a claim for the damages you’ve incurred by following these steps:

  • Thoroughly Document the Accident
  • Select a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
  • Give Your Legal Team Time to Work
  • File Your Complaint
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You don’t have to settle for less

At The Swanson Law Group, we are not like the “settlement mill” personal injury law firms that encourage their clients to accept whatever offer the insurance company presents. Our San Jose Lyft accident attorneys know how to access the full extent of your damages and the true value of your claim. Our talented legal team is happy to make the insurance company pay full value at trial if necessary. 

Has ridesharing resulted in more accidents?

Researchers found that the rise of ridesharing services has resulted in a 2% to 3% increase in U.S. traffic fatalities since 2011, according to a University of Chicago and Rice University study. Based on data provided by the federal government, the study found that traffic deaths increased from 32,885 in 2010 to 37,461 in 2017, with more fatalities among all categories of road users. Researchers believe the increase in the number of people killed is due in part to the increase in new vehicle registration and number of vehicle miles traveled since the introduction of rideshare platforms, such as Lyft. 

Who is responsible for Lyft rideshare accidents in San Jose?

When a Lyft driver causes an accident, who is responsible for damages and how much insurance coverage is available can depend on exactly what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash.

  • If a Lyft driver has not turned on the app and is not carrying a passenger, the driver is liable for damages in an accident he or she causes. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies.
  • If a Lyft driver has opened the app and is waiting for a match when he or she causes a crash, Lyft insurance covers a minimum of $50,000 for personal injury or death per person, $100,000 per accident, and $30,000 for property damage.
  • When a Lyft driver has accepted a passenger and is on the way to pick them up, from the time the driver picks up the passenger until the passenger exits the vehicle, Lyft provides $1 million in coverage for a crash caused by its driver.

What are the causes of Lyft accidents?

Lyft drivers are required to complete a community safety education program. Other than that, they have no special training and can be involved in accidents like any other drivers. 

  • Driver distraction may be a contributing factor to some Lyft accidents. Drivers may be focused on checking their apps, watching for passengers, and locating pickup and delivery addresses. 
  • Time is money, and speeding may contribute to some Lyft crashes. 
  • Driver fatigue may be a factor when drivers are encouraged by the company or choose to drive for time periods of more than 10 hours. 

Do you need a lawyer for a San Jose Lyft accident?

No matter what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash and which coverage limits apply, you will be dealing with an insurance company to collect compensation for a Lyft accident.

Insurance companies have their own bottom line as a priority and do not have your best interest at heart. Your best chance of recovering the full compensation you deserve after a collision caused by a Lyft driver is to have an experienced San Jose Lyft car accident lawyer overseeing your claim such as our team at The Swanson Law Group.

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