Did you get hurt after getting into a Lyft collision? Rideshare services are a major part of many people’s everyday routines, but just like any other mode of transportation, accidents can happen.
At John Foy & Associates, we understand how disorienting and overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. However, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. Instead, let us represent you as your Aiken rideshare accident lawyer.
With an Aiken Lyft accident lawyer at The Strong Arm™ by your side, we will stand up for you and advocate for your rights. With over 350 years of combined experience, our attorneys have secured more than $1 billion in compensation for personal injury victims just like you.
Types of Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage in South Carolina
When a Lyft driver is involved in an accident, the type of coverage that applies will largely depend on whether or not the driver was logged into the app at the time of the crash. They could also have been in transit to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger.
Your Aiken personal injury lawyer will look into the status of the Lyft driver in the moments leading up to the crash. In the meantime, here’s what each of these statuses means in the context of your legal case.
The Lyft App Was Off
If the Lyft driver is not logged into the app or is not available to accept rides, Lyft’s insurance coverage does not apply. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy will be the default option when it comes to covering the costs associated with the accident.
Unfortunately, if the at-fault driver is either underinsured or uninsured, this can create complications for you and your Lyft accident lawyer in Aiken.
The Lyft App Was On, But the Driver Was Not Transporting a Passenger
When a Lyft driver has already logged into the app but he or she is not actively transporting a passenger, Lyft typically extends contingent liability coverage. This type of coverage can only be activated if the Lyft driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t cover the damages.
Here’s what Lyft’s contingent liability insurance typically includes:
- Up to $50,000 per person in bodily injury
- Up to $100,000 per accident in bodily injury
- Up to $25,000 in property damage
If the Lyft driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident, Lyft’s contingent insurance may step in to cover damages up to these limits. However, if the driver is not logged into the app while driving their vehicle, the driver’s personal insurance often takes precedence.
The Lyft Driver Was Transporting a Passenger
When a Lyft driver is transporting a passenger, Lyft’s primary insurance policy applies. This coverage is much more extensive. Here’s what it often includes:
- $1,000,000 in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If the Lyft driver is actively transporting a passenger at the time of the collision, then Lyft’s comprehensive insurance coverage should apply. This is why accidents that occur during this phase often result in more straightforward claims.
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How Legal Factors Can Affect the Outcome of Your Case
When filing a claim after a Lyft accident, there are several legal factors you’ll need to keep in mind. South Carolina’s laws regarding personal injury claims and auto accidents can impact the following matters:
- How much compensation you can receive
- The length of time it will take to resolve your claim
- How fault is determined in your case
Comparative Fault Rule in South Carolina
South Carolina operates under a comparative fault system. This means that if both you and the other party are found to be at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to you.
For example, if you are determined to be 30% responsible for the crash, your settlement will be reduced by that percentage. Meanwhile, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the collision, you cannot recover any damages whatsoever.
Statute of Limitations
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file your claim within this 36-month time frame, you may lose your right to seek compensation entirely, so it’s important to start the claims process right away.
Dealing with insurance companies after a Lyft accident can be complicated, especially when multiple insurance policies are involved. However, your Lyft accident attorney in Aiken will know that Lyft’s coverage is contingent on the phase of the ride.
Your legal counsel can work with Lyft’s insurance, your personal insurance, and the insurance of other parties involved on your behalf. That way, you can focus on what really matters—healing from your injuries and recovering from the trauma of the event.
Reach Out to Our Lyft Accident Law Firm in Aiken For More Information Today
If you were involved in a Lyft-related collision, it’s important to understand how the state’s laws can affect you and what role the rideshare company’s insurance policies will play in your case. Instead of trying to figure it out by yourself, why not let an Aiken Lyft accident attorney help you?
At John Foy & Associates, you can count on us to advise you of your rights, inform you of what to expect in your case, and help you understand the damages you can recover as a personal injury victim. Call us today—we want to pursue justice on your behalf.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
