Newnan
Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a Newnan GA Lyft accident, determining liability is one of the important services that an experienced car accident lawyer from John Foy can provide for you. Depending on the circumstances of your claim, potential sources of liability can include the personal auto insurance policy of another driver or even Lyft’s one-million-dollar third-party policy. 

The Importance of Determining Liability in Lyft Accidents

The term liability refers to the legal responsibility that an at-fault party has to compensate the expenses and psychological impacts of those who were injured by their negligent actions. One of the reasons this is complex in a Lyft accident is because there are several types of accidents involving a rideshare vehicle where one can become injured. Here are some examples:

• A Lyft accident in which the Lyft driver was at fault and caused injuries to the occupants of other vehicles or other roadway users
• An accident in which a Lyft driver’s negligence results in injuries to a Lyft passenger
• An accident caused by another driver that results in injuries to a Lyft driver or their passengers

How Lyft’s Million-Dollar Insurance Policy Works

Lyft requires its drivers to maintain at least the minimum personal auto liability insurance that is required in the state where they drive. When the driver is not logged into the Lyft app waiting for a ride, en route to pick up a passenger, or transporting a passenger, the driver’s personal auto liability insurance is in effect. What this means is that if the driver causes an accident, their insurance policy will likely be the source of compensation.

If the driver’s app is on, and they are waiting for a ride when they cause an accident that results in injuries to the occupants of other vehicles or other roadway users such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians, Lyft provides a third-party insurance policy with limits of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 per accident for property damage.

If the driver’s app is on and they are en route to pick up a passenger or are transporting a passenger, Lyft will provide up to $1 million in auto liability to compensate injuries and property damage incurred by the Lyft passenger, other vehicles’ occupants, or other roadway users. It should be noted that the company requires claims to first be filed with the at-fault driver’s personal policy, with the Lyft policy only coming into play if the driver’s insurer denies the claim.

Why Would the Driver’s Insurer Deny the Claim?

The insurers who provide personal auto liability policies often require Lyft drivers to obtain a special endorsement or a rideshare policy to use their vehicles for rideshare activities. Unfortunately, because these endorsements and policies are more expensive than standard minimum insurance policies, the driver fails to obtain the extra coverage. When an accident happens during rideshare activities and the driver is at fault, their personal insurer will often deny the claim because the driver did not obtain the required coverage.

Does This Mean Lyft Is Liable for My Accident?

Lyft’s third-party liability policy provides coverage to individuals who have been injured or sustained property damage due to the liability of one of its drivers. However, because the driver’s insurance is their primary policy, Lyft’s insurance provider is only responsible for compensating expenses over the amount the driver’s personal auto liability insurer is willing or able to pay.

How Insurance Works If Another Driver Caused the Accident

If another driver causes an accident with a Lyft vehicle, regardless of whether the Lyft driver was transporting passengers or had their app on, that driver is liable and their auto liability insurance policy is likely responsible for compensating injuries and property damage.

The Personal Injury Claims Process

Determining who was liable for a Newnan Lyft accident and the liable party’s insurance resources is only one (very important) part of the personal injury claims process that provides you the opportunity to seek compensation for the expenses and impacts of your injury. Other components of this process include the following.

Valuing the Claim

A Newnan Lyft accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates will calculate your claim’s value to include expenses such as medical expenses — wage loss, and property damage – as well as additional compensation for the emotional impacts you have incurred from the injury.

Gathering Evidence

The types of evidence often considered in a Lyft accident claim include witness testimony, the police report, photos from the accident scene, and even driver information from Lyft. In addition to evidence garnered in order to prove liability, your attorney will also gather evidence to prove your expenses, such as medical or vehicle repair bills, and documentation from your employer.

Negotiating a Settlement

Your Lyft accident attorney in Newnan will work with the at-fault party’s insurer to determine a settlement amount that fairly compensates you while allowing the insurer to avoid the expense and uncertainty of litigation.

Litigation

If the liable party’s insurer – or Lyft’s insurer, in certain circumstances – fails to fairly compensate your claim, you can file the claim in civil court within two years of the date of your injury. While settlements can continue after the lawsuit is filed, your attorney will prepare your case for trial and will present it in court. Barring a late settlement agreement, a judge or jury will determine liability and damages.

Finding a Lyft Accident Lawyer in Newnan to Help You with Your Claim

An experienced Newnan Lyft accident attorney from John Foy & Associates is ready to learn more about your case and tell you more about how we can help you seek compensation for your injuries. From our beginnings in a one-room office 20 years ago to many offices across Georgia, we’ve earned our reputation as The Strong Arm.

For your free case evaluation, contact us online.