Ride-sharing companies such as Lyft has helped to revolutionize transport across America in recent years. However, this rapid pace of change has also caused confusion when it comes to rideshare accident compensation and insurance. If you are in a Lyft accident, you might be unsure of who is liable, and what your entitlements are.

Fortunately, you have come to the right place. For anyone who has been involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, read this essential step-by-step guide on what you need to do to get the compensation you deserve. 

1. Lyft Accident Insurance Policy Explained

First off, it is worth breaking down how accident insurance actually works with rideshare giants like Lyft. Since a Lyft driver is a commercial driver, things work differently than they do with conventional insurance. A Lyft driver legally must have commercial insurance to cover the potential costs borne by a passenger in the event of a car accident with a Lyft driver.

Lyft offers special insurance for drivers that are meant to cover costs of up to $1 million in the event of driver liability. However, if your Lyft driver was in an accident, Lyft will try to establish that the company is not liable.

If the accident was the fault of another driver, then that driver’s insurance should pick up the tab. Establishing who is liable is absolutely essential if you are seeking compensation for damages caused by a Lyft accident. 

2. What To Do After a Lyft Rideshare Accident 

If you are in a Lyft rideshare accident, there are some crucial steps that you must take immediately. These are: 

Seek Medical Attention

First thing’s first, take care of yourself. Even if you think your injuries are mild, call 911 and ensure you are seen by a healthcare professional. Never, ever forego treatment and always document all of the healthcare that you have received. 

Document Everything

After receiving medical treatment, ensuring everything is properly documented is the most important step. Take photos of the accident scene and any injuries you might have. Take screenshots of your Lyft app that confirm you were on the ride.

Get everybody’s contact and insurance information. Make sure you have the license number of the Lyft driver and any other driver involved. Everything is important to document.

File a Police Report

As soon as you possibly can, file a police report. This will be vital for proving that you suffered damages that were not your fault. With a police report, receiving compensation will be much easier. 

Notify Lyft 

Do not forget to contact Lyft directly via their dedicated Safety Center, where you can report any accident that involves a Lyft driver. If you do not do this, the company may be able to argue that they are not liable. 

Call a Lawyer 

Finally, one of the most important actions to take is to contact a dedicated rideshare accident attorney. They will be able to walk you through every step and navigate the complex legal quagmire on your behalf, to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Understand How Technological Change Affects Your Rights 

We live in a time of rapid technological change. Staying informed and on top of these changes is essential to know how they affect you and the rights that you have. For this, make sure to consult our expertly-curated Tech News section to find out about all of the latest tech changes that matter to you.