Cars in traffic

Proving Liability in a Lyft Accident

By Steven Miller
Senior Partner

If you’ve been in any kind of automobile accident where negligence was a factor, you have the right to seek damages from the at-fault party. The same is true when the accident involves a rideshare company, like Lyft. However, this situation is more complicated than a standard car crash. It will be the victim’s duty to establish who is liable for the wreck, so having experienced legal representation is key. You can count on the Queens automobile accident attorneys of Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C.

Different types of accidents involving Lyft

A rideshare business can be involved in an accident in several different ways. Because all of the following scenarios involve Lyft in some way, proving liability could be a somewhat complex matter. Here are the types of Lyft accidents you could be in:

A Lyft driver struck me. You may have been a driver or passenger in another vehicle and been struck by a Lyft driver. Or you might have been riding a motorcycle or bicycle or crossing the street as a pedestrian when the Lyft driver hit you. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pursue a claim against Lyft or the driver (see below) or, more likely, against both. But other parties could be liable, including:

  • The automobile manufacturer
  • An automobile repair shop
  • A government entity responsible for road maintenance
  • A contractor if the accident happened in a construction zone
  • A bar or restaurant if alcohol was a factor in the crash

I was a passenger in a Lyft vehicle. Another situation is one in which you were a passenger in a Lyft vehicle at the time of the crash. Generally, either the Lyft driver or another driver will be liable. However, the other parties listed above could also be at least partly to blame.

You are a Lyft driver who was injured. Finally, you may have been hurt while driving for Lyft. If so, you could have a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company, along with some of the other parties mentioned above. You might also be able to pursue compensation from Lyft’s insurance carrier.

How to establish liability for the accident

You should first seek compensation from either Lyft’s insurance policy or that of the at-fault driver, if the circumstances allow it. Insurance coverage is more complicated when Lyft is involved because the policy does not apply at all times. Generally, Lyft’s policy only pays when the driver is actually driving for Lyft, is on the way to pick up a customer, or has the Lyft app turned on while waiting for a rideshare request. Otherwise, the driver’s personal insurance policy usually applies.

An investigation will therefore need to be done to determine what the Lyft driver was doing at the time of the crash. Cell phone and Lyft app data will prove useful in this situation, as will eyewitness statements from Lyft passengers and others. Your attorney will investigate the accident and help resolve which insurance company should be forced to pay.

Finally, if other parties like the ones mentioned above were somehow at fault (e.g. the automobile manufacturer), their role will also need to be sorted out through an investigation. It’s even possible that several parties could share liability. But this could be beneficial to you if your damages are substantial, because more liable parties equates to more individuals or entities who could be ordered to pay for your damages.

Time To Retain Dedicated Legal Counsel

No matter the details of your Lyft accident, it’s imperative that you hire a law firm that is committed to winning you the maximum damages available under law. That firm is Miller, Montiel, & Strano, P.C. Connect with our team today to get started on your claim.

About the Author
Steven Miller, Esq. is the founding member and Senior Partner in Miller, Montiel & Strano, P.C. Mr. Miller’s extensive career as a trial attorney spans five decades. He tries cases for the catastrophically injured victims of construction site accidents, motor vehicle and premises accidents caused by the negligence of others. Mr. Miller is a detail oriented, tenacious attorney committed to achieving the maximum results for his clients; he has obtained numerous seven figure verdicts and settlements.