Accidents involving Lyft vehicles can be far more complex than regular car crashes. When a rideshare driver causes a collision, multiple insurance policies may be involved, and companies like Lyft often try to avoid liability by classifying their drivers as independent contractors.
This can leave injured victims struggling to recover compensation, especially when insurers attempt to shift blame or undervalue claims. Our Brooklyn Lyft accident lawyers will ensure you are treated fairly and receive the compensation you deserve.
At Levine And Wiss, our Brooklyn rideshare accident lawyers aggressively represent Lyft accident victims. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even a Lyft driver injured by someone else’s negligence, we will fight to maximize your financial recovery.
How Lyft Accident Claims Differ from Other Car Crashes
Many people assume that Lyft accidents follow the same legal process as standard car crashes, but these cases have unique challenges. Unlike taxi drivers, Lyft operators use their personal vehicles and are only covered by Lyft’s corporate insurance under specific conditions. This means that determining which policy applies is one of the biggest hurdles in securing compensation.
Another challenge is that Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This status allows Lyft to distance itself from liability, making it more difficult to hold the company responsible for accidents.
Because of these legal complexities, working with an experienced Brooklyn car accident lawyer is essential to recovering the maximum possible compensation.
When does Lyft’s Insurance Cover an Accident?
Determining insurance coverage depends on whether the Lyft driver was actively using the app at the time of the crash. The applicable insurance policy will depend on three key time periods:
- Driver not using the app: If the driver was off duty, their personal auto insurance applies—Lyft provides no coverage.
- Driver logged in but waiting for a ride request: Lyft offers contingent insurance of up to $75,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. However, this coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the full amount.
- Driver en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting a rider: Lyft provides $1.25 million in liability coverage, which covers injuries to passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
Navigating these overlapping insurance policies can be confusing, especially when insurance companies try to minimize their payouts. Our Brooklyn personal injury lawyers handle these negotiations for you, ensuring the correct insurance provider covers your damages.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim After a Lyft Accident?
Many different parties may be eligible for compensation after a Lyft-related crash. Unlike traditional car accidents, where liability is typically between two drivers, Lyft accident claims may involve multiple victims, including:
- Passengers injured while riding in a Lyft vehicle
- Drivers in another vehicle hit by a Lyft driver
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a Lyft vehicle
- Lyft drivers injured in an accident caused by another motorist
Regardless of how you were involved, a Brooklyn Lyft accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine your best path to financial recovery.
Brooklyn Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Me
888-468-4878Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Brooklyn
Rideshare drivers face unique challenges that increase the likelihood of accidents. Because Lyft operators do not undergo specialized training and work on their own schedules, they are more prone to errors that put passengers and others at risk. Some of the most common causes of Lyft-related crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Lyft drivers rely on their phones for navigation and ride requests, leading to increased distraction.
- Driver fatigue: Many Lyft drivers work long shifts or drive for multiple platforms, increasing the risk of drowsy driving.
- Unfamiliar roads: Many Lyft drivers operate outside their usual neighborhoods, leading to missed turns, sudden stops, and hesitation at intersections.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Some drivers rush to complete more rides, increasing the likelihood of reckless behavior.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Since Lyft drivers use personal cars, their maintenance varies—some vehicles may not meet safety standards.
If any of these factors contributed to your Lyft accident, our attorneys can investigate the cause and hold the negligent parties accountable.
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What Damages Can You Recover?
A Lyft accident can cause significant financial, physical, and emotional harm. Victims may be entitled to recover compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses for hospital stays, physical therapy, surgery, and long-term care
- Lost wages if you were unable to work due to your injuries
- Pain and suffering for emotional distress and reduced quality of life
- Property damage for vehicle repairs or replacement
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost a loved one in a Lyft accident
Every case is different, and our legal team carefully evaluates the full impact of your injuries to ensure you receive every dollar you deserve.
Why Insurance Companies Try to Minimize Payouts
Even when Lyft’s corporate insurance policy applies, insurance companies often try to underpay victims. Some of the most common tactics they use include:
- Shifting blame: Insurers may try to argue that another driver was responsible to avoid paying your claim.
- Disputing injuries: They may claim that your injuries are not as serious as you say or were pre-existing.
- Delaying claims: Many insurers intentionally stall the claims process, hoping victims settle for less out of frustration.
With an aggressive Brooklyn Lyft accident lawyer on your side, you don’t have to deal with insurance companies alone. We take on the negotiations and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Contact a Brooklyn Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a Lyft accident, you deserve strong legal representation. Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim, and without an experienced attorney, you could walk away with far less than you need.
Levine And Wiss is ready to fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
