Lyft has transformed the way people travel in Louisiana. Anyone can use Lyft to conveniently get around without driving through busy roads themselves. While Lyft strives to ensure all its drivers provide safe transportation to passengers, some drivers may still be negligent and cause accidents.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries, property damage, and trauma as a victim of a Lyft driver’s careless actions, you could take legal action. You may be able to file against the driver and the rideshare company to seek financial reparations for medical bills, wage loss, and more.
Louisiana Has Strict Insurance Requirements for Lyft
In 2016, Louisiana’s SB-172 took effect, which mandates specific insurance coverage on all Lyft vehicles. While the rideshare company requires drivers to carry personal coverage, it must also provide third-party liability policies when drivers are active in the app.
Victims of Lyft vehicle accidents, including passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers, could seek compensation from Lyft’s third-party liability policy as well. The provided insurance coverage will differ depending on the rider’s status.
These insurance coverages aim to protect passengers and other victims if the driver’s insurance doesn’t cover or is not enough to cover personal injuries and property damages. A Lyft accident lawyer from our firm can examine your case, investigate the facts, and identify all the relevant liable parties you can pursue compensation from.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Lyft Driver or Lyft: Who Can be Held Liable?
Both the driver and Lyft are supposed to carry insurance in Louisiana, but obtaining compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can still be tricky. In some cases, you may be able to file a claim against both the Lyft driver and Lyft, but the insurance companies representing these parties may try to shift the blame on each other or completely deny your claim.
In Lyft accidents, it’s not uncommon for you to receive offers from multiple parties to pressure you into settling the claim quickly. Note that you may be eligible for much more than what’s being offered. As such, it would be prudent to consult an attorney before agreeing to any settlement that may not be enough to cover your future medical bills, wage loss, and other expenses.
Cases Where Lyft May Be Liable for Louisiana Accident
Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors and not Lyft’s employees. So, whether you can pursue damages from the company itself will depend on who was involved in the accident and whether the driver was on-duty.
In Lyft accidents, there are generally three possible scenarios:
- The Lyft driver is not logged into the app when the accident occurs: If the Lyft driver was not signed into the Lyft app, you can only file a claim against the driver’s personal liability insurance. Since the driver is not considered “on the clock,” Lyft’s coverage will not come into play in this scenario.
- The Lyft driver is logged on and waiting for a ride request: If the driver is signed in and waiting to receive a ride request when they collide with your car, you could implicate Lyft’s Limited Liability Insurance Policy for damages that the driver’s personal liability insurance does not cover. In this scenario, Lyft’s third-party liability insurance provides coverage capped at:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries
- $25,000 per accident in property damages to cover expenses, such as vehicle repairs
- Lyft driver has accepted a ride request or is shuttling passengers: This scenario applies during the period between the Lyft driver accepting and completing the ride request (also known as the “trip acceptance period), even if the passenger isn’t in the car when the accident occurs. In this case, the following Lyft coverage will apply:
- $1 million in third-party auto liability
- $1 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party coverage
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How a Lyft Accident Attorney From Morris Bart, LLC Can Help
At Morris Bart LLC, we do not let rideshare companies escape their liability to provide you with compensation when their driver’s negligent actions caused you harm. Our skilled attorney will work tirelessly to get you fair compensation to cover damages, such as:
- Past and future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages if you’ve lost someone in a Lyft car accident
Our attorneys will thoroughly evaluate your case and guide you through all your legal options. If you decide to work with us to file a claim, we will collect evidence such as police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and eyewitness statements to build a compelling case against the at-fault parties.
We will also deal with the insurance parties on your behalf, negotiating a fair settlement for you. If an out-of-court settlement isn’t reached, we will fight for you in court so you have a fair chance at the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Schedule a Free Case Review for Your Lyft Accident Claim in Louisiana
If you were in an accident with a Lyft and suffered injuries, call us right away at (800) 537-8185. We can review your case, answer any questions you have, and help you determine your options for pursuing compensation from all liable parties.
We represent clients throughout Louisiana, including residents of New Orleans, Shreveport, Lafayette, Alexandria, Houma, Baton Rouge, Monroe, and Lake Charles.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
