Is Lyft Responsible for Passenger Injuries? 

Getting into a Lyft car accident as a passenger can be overwhelming. Were you or a loved one a passenger involved in a Lyft accident? If you’re saying, “I was a passenger in a Lyft accident” and dealing with serious injuries, you’re not alone. The complexities of Lyft insurance coverage for passengers can be confusing, especially if you’re trying to hold the responsible party accountable for the accident. At The Levinson Law Group, we understand the severe impacts a Lyft accident can have and the financial burdens that may follow. While recovering from your injuries should be your top priority, having experienced legal representation from a Lyft accident lawyer near you is crucial to help you pursue justice.

Can Passengers Sue Lyft for Injuries and Damages?

Passengers injured while in a ride-share vehicle are typically covered by the rideshare company’s commercial liability insurance. Since Lyft is classified as a transportation network company, its commercial liability insurance applies, meaning Lyft insurance for passengers is activated under its commercial liability policy.

In the event of a ride-share accident, passengers may have a claim against the Lyft driver. However, if the damages from the crash exceed the coverage of the driver’s insurance, they may also be covered by Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability policy.

If another driver, rather than the Lyft driver, is at fault for the accident, injured passengers can file a claim against the at-fault driver. In some cases, the other driver may be uninsured or have insufficient insurance. Lyft’s underinsured and uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy typically covers the damages, with a maximum limit of $1 million per accident.

Lyft Insurance Policy

Lyft offers $1 million in insurance coverage, but the full availability of this coverage depends on the specifics of the accident. Various factors will determine which portion of Lyft’s insurance policy applies after an accident involving a Lyft vehicle.

Lyft’s insurance policy includes several types of coverage, and the availability of coverage depends on when the accident occurred during the ride. Lyft breaks down the ride-share experience into four periods:

• Period 0: The Lyft app is off, and the driver is using their car for personal purposes.
• Period 1: The Lyft app is on, and the driver is waiting for a ride request.
• Period 2: The Lyft app has matched the driver with a passenger, and the driver is on their way to pick up the passenger.
• Period 3: The Lyft driver has a passenger in the vehicle.

Lyft Policy Coverage

For Lyft passengers, Period 3 is the only relevant portion of the insurance coverage. During Period 3, Lyft provides the following insurance protections:

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
• $1,000,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) protection

Regardless of whether the Lyft driver is at fault or a third party is responsible, Lyft’s insurance policy will provide up to $1 million in coverage. This can be through either the UIM coverage or third-party liability coverage, ensuring passengers are protected in the event of an accident.

Whose Insurance is Applicable in a Lyft Rideshare Accident?

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be complicated because the driver is using their personal vehicle for commercial purposes. Most insurance companies do not cover drivers for using their own vehicles in a commercial capacity.

This is where the ride-share company’s insurance becomes crucial in cases involving a Lyft accident and an injured passenger. Lyft carries third-party liability insurance, which provides up to $1 million for property damage and personal injuries per accident. Lyft’s policies are activated once the ride-share driver’s personal insurance is exhausted—assuming the driver even has insurance. As a passenger, you are covered under Lyft’s third-party liability insurance if the ride-share driver is at fault for the accident.

If the accident was caused by another driver and not the Lyft driver, the injured passenger may seek compensation for their injuries from the at-fault driver. This would involve filing a third-party claim against the other driver or pursuing a personal injury lawsuit. If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage, Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance may come into play.

Navigating these insurance complexities can be challenging, but at The Levinson Law Group, we strive to simplify the process for you if you were a passenger in a Lyft. We provide clear, straightforward answers to your questions, explain the intricacies of rideshare insurance, and ensure you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your case.

Two other factors that may come into play for an injured Lyft passenger

Filing a lawsuit in a Lyft accident case is possible, but two factors could make the process more challenging.

The first factor is that Lyft rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees. Ride-share companies argue that they only match available drivers with passengers seeking a ride, rather than directly employing the drivers. Employees generally have more rights than independent contractors, and companies can be held liable for the negligence of their employees. If a rideshare driver is at fault in a crash, the plaintiff may attempt to argue that Lyft shares some responsibility for the incident. However, this argument may or may not be successful. In California, there are ongoing legislative efforts to classify Lyft and Uber drivers as employees, which could potentially affect liability.

The second factor that could complicate seeking compensation is whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. If you were not wearing a seatbelt, it may reduce any compensation you could receive. The at-fault driver might argue that your failure to wear a seatbelt contributed to the injuries sustained in the crash, claiming that your own negligence was a significant factor in the extent of your injuries.

Lyft Accident In California? Contact The Levinson Law Group Today

If you or a loved one were involved in a Lyft accident, don’t hesitate to contact The Levinson Law Group attorneys right away. Our dedicated team of car accident lawyers is here to assist you every step of the way.

If you have questions about the recovery process, we are ready to provide answers. If you’re unsure about filing a case against the other driver, we won’t pressure you. Our priority is ensuring that you are fully informed to make the best decision for you and your family.

When you choose to work with The Levinson Law Group, you can trust that we’ll be with you throughout the entire process. To learn more about your options, call The Levinson Law Group at 760-827-1700. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning if we don’t recover compensation for your case, you won’t pay a fee. In many cases, we also advance the costs.