Are Lyft Passengers Insured?
Lyft passengers are insured against injuries and property loss when riding in a Lyft driver’s vehicle. This includes protection against uninsured and underinsured motorists. Which insurance company will cover your damages depends on who was at fault in the collision.
Protecting you when you’re riding with Lyft
Lyft’s business model uses independent contractors to provide transportation services to those in need of a ride. The company’s decentralized nature is one reason why Lyft has expanded rapidly in recent years.
At the same time, Lyft takes care to ensure a safe, comfortable experience for all its customers. This includes making sure that Lyft drivers maintain personal insurance coverage on their vehicles.
Of course, most regular insurance policies are not designed to cover paying passengers. Because of this, Lyft supplements its driver’s coverage with its own policies. Here are some facts about Lyft insurance:
- $1 million: That’s the amount to which Lyft will cover your medical care and property damage, should you find yourself in an accident caused by the Lyft driver who’s transporting you.
- Uninsured motorist protection: Lyft also covers you in cases where the driver of the other (non-Lyft) vehicle is at fault and has no insurance.
For example, let’s say that you’re in a Lyft vehicle when an uninsured driver runs a stop sign and strikes the car in which you’re riding. Lyft will cover your expenses up to $1 million in such cases.
What if the at-fault driver does have insurance?
In such a case, you should file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If that person’s policy can’t pay all of your medical bills and property damage, then Lyft will make up for the difference to a maximum of $1 million.
Can you sue Lyft directly?
Lyft does its best to prevent cases of reckless driving, criminal activity, and outright discrimination among its contractors. However, there are always a few bad apples in the bunch.
Does this mean that you can sue Lyft if one of its drivers mistreats you or causes an accident? The answer to that question is complex. Here’s why:
- Lyft drivers are contractors, not employees: This limits the company’s liability for their actions.
- You can sue the driver directly if he or she causes you harm: Of course, most people who drive for Lyft have modest financial resources. Even if you win your lawsuit, the odds of collecting the compensation you deserve are pretty remote.
- Suing Lyft directly is not impossible: It is, however, difficult. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t let this fact keep you from talking to an attorney if you believe you have a viable case.
Choosing the right law firm
Taking on a company such as Lyft is beyond the ability of most law firms. That’s why you should choose your attorney with great care. Here are some tips to help you in your search:
- Sometimes bigger is better: A small law practice is fine if all you need is basic legal services. But going toe to toe with a huge company takes the kind of serious investigative muscle that firms like Ellis Injury Law can provide.
- Results are what matter at the end of the day: The attorneys here at Ellis Injury Law have recovered more than $350 million for their clients. If the firm you’re considering can’t say as much, then it’s probably best to pass it by.
- Paying out of pocket fees is rarely a good idea: Any law firm worthy of your case will offer free consultations and contingency terms.
The legal experts here at Ellis Injury Law stand ready to help you in any way they can. Get in touch with us today to schedule your no-cost consultation. Our Lyft accident attorneys are available 24/7 for your convenience. We look forward to hearing from you.