Lyft is a popular rideshare service in Arkansas, but what happens after a car accident where a Lyft vehicle is involved can lead to some confusion and uncertainty for victims of an accident. If you are a passenger of a rideshare vehicle during a crash or you are the victim of a negligent rideshare driver you may be eligible for compensation by Lyft for your damages. A rideshare accident attorney can discuss what options may be available to you if you suffer injuries or other losses in a rideshare accident involving Lyft.
Lyft Insurance Coverage and the Stage of a Ride
Rideshare companies such as Lyft have outlined when their insurance coverage kicks in for passengers or victims of a motor vehicle accident involving a Lyft rideshare driver. Lyft makes it clear that its drivers work for themselves and are mostly liable for their own actions. However, there are situations where Lyft will cover the losses of those in a car accident through their insurance coverage or potentially be liable for additional damages depending on the facts of a case.
When Lyft insurance coverage applies or is available will depend on the stage of a ride.
The Lyft App Is Off
If the rideshare application is off at the time of a collision, the rideshare driver’s personal insurance policy will be in effect, or if another driver is at fault, the insurance policy of that driver.
The Lyft App Is on But There Is No Active Ride Request
Any time that a rideshare driver has the Lyft application on, insurance coverage for any potential accident kicks in. If you are a driver or occupant of another vehicle that is a victim of a rideshare driver’s negligence, you may be eligible for the following coverage under Lyft:
- Up to $50k per person for bodily injuries
- Up to $100k per accident for bodily injuries
- Up to $25k per accident for property damages
The Lyft App Is on and a Ride Request Is Under Way
Once there is an active ride request underway Lyft’s insurance coverage increases to cover losses for victims of the accident. An active ride request is when a ride-share driver is on their way to pick someone up or the passengers are already aboard the Lyft vehicle and en route to their destination. In these situations, the following coverage under Lyft applies.
- Up to $1 million in vehicle liability coverage
- Uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Can Other Insurance Coverage Apply in a Lyft Accident?
Yes, this is where Lyft and other rideshare accidents can get confusing to deal with. Depending on the fault determination for an accident and the other insurance coverage available for the ride-share driver and other vehicle drivers that may be determined at fault for the accident, there could be multiple insurance policies that apply in your case.
While this may sound like a good problem to have, it is instead a difficult and tedious situation where insurers will try to impose liability on the other available coverage in an effort to reduce the compensation they payout. This can leave victims of an accident in limbo trying to figure out who will pay for their losses. An experienced rideshare accident will not only discover all parties liable to you after an accident but will prioritize you and your interests to fight against the insurer’s tactics.
The Statute of Limitations for a Rideshare Accident in Arkansas
Rideshare accidents are no different than any other motor vehicle accident. The personal injury statute of limitations that applied to car accidents in your case will in turn apply to a rideshare collision. A statute of limitations dictates the window of time a victim will have to pursue compensation for losses arising from an accident due to negligence.
When an individual fails to file within the statute’s timeframe, they will be unable to seek compensation for their damages against the parties responsible. In Arkansas, a personal injury victim has three years from the date of an accident to seek compensation against an at-fault party in court. If you are unsure of how much time you have to file a lawsuit for your damages consult with a Lyft accident attorney as soon as possible to make certain you do not go beyond the time allowable to seek damages in your state.
Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today
Do You Need an Attorney to Seek Compensation for a Lyft Accident?
Motor vehicle accidents that involve Lyft or any other rideshare service are sure to create a number of challenges and complications for the victims of a rideshare accident. While Lyft provides insurance coverage to apply to certain circumstances, the insurer can still deny a claim or fail to pay out a reasonable compensation to cover your losses. A Lyft accident attorney is a necessity when fighting rideshare service providers and other at-fault parties for compensation in an accident involving a ride-share vehicle.
What Should You Do If You Are in a Lyft Rideshare Accident?
If you find yourself in a car accident involving a Lyft rideshare vehicle, there are certain steps you can take in the immediate aftermath to protect your rights in the case.
Call 911
Request that police come to the scene to investigate the accident and prepare a report. Remain on the scene until the police arrive so that you may speak with them. If you have injuries or if you are unsure of how you are feeling, ask for EMS when calling 911. They can come to the scene of the crash to evaluate you and transport you to an ER if necessary.
Take Photos or Videos at the Scene
As you await the arrival of police and medical services, take a moment if you are able to snap a few photographs and video of the scene. Try to include all vehicles involved, damage, and an overall capture of what the scene looks like following the crash. Only do this if you are physically able to and you can take the photographs in a way that does not cause further danger to you.
Follow Through with the Care for Your Injuries
If you have injuries, get medical treatment. Do not delay seeking out help. The sooner you are able to begin the recovery the better it will be for your health and your case.
Call a Lyft Accident Lawyer for Help
Once you have a free moment to do so, immediately call a Lyft accident lawyer for a free case evaluation. You can discuss the accident, your injuries, and what compensation may be available to you.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
