Virginia Lyft Accident Lawyer
Founded in 2012, Lyft is a leading rideshare service in the United States, ranking just behind Uber in total ridership and revenue. Like Uber, Lyft operates with a business model where drivers using the Lyft app are classified as “independent contractors” rather than employees. This can complicate the financial recovery process if a Lyft vehicle is involved in or causes a traffic wreck.
After this type of incident, you may have several options for compensation. Our seasoned auto crash attorneys can help you explore these options to determine the best solution. With a skilled Virginia Lyft accident lawyer, you can gain a clearer understanding of your rights and effectively pursue the restitution you deserve.
Is It Possible to Sue Lyft Over a Driver’s Negligence?
Since Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, Lyft is typically not directly liable for injuries resulting from crashes involving its drivers, even if the driver is entirely at fault. However, Lyft offers third-party liability insurance to individuals injured in Lyft accidents as long as the driver was logged into the app at the time of the wreck.
If a Lyft driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride request, Lyft’s liability insurance policy provides:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per incident for property damage
Additionally, if a Lyft driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting a passenger when a collision occurs, Lyft’s insurance covers up to $1,000,000 for all damages. Injured people should consult with an experienced Virginia Lyft accident attorney to ensure maximum insurance coverage.
Holding an Individual Lyft Driver Liable for Damages
If the insurance coverage available—including Lyft’s coverage, the at-fault driver’s personal liability insurance, and collision or comprehensive insurance the injured party may have—does not fully cover the losses from a Lyft crash in Virginia, a determined lawyer can assist in pursuing additional compensation through third-party litigation.
Unlike liability insurance claims, recovering compensation through a civil lawsuit requires proving that the defendant(s) were completely at fault for the wreck. In Virginia, if an injured person is found to be even one percent responsible for the crash or their injuries, they may be barred from receiving compensation due to the state’s strict “contributory negligence” system.
Contact a Virginia Lyft Collision Attorney for Assistance
Auto accidents can be distressing, life-changing experiences if they result in severe injuries. If you were injured in a collision involving a Lyft driver, it is critical to pursue compensation from insurance coverage and those responsible for the wreck to protect your interests.
A Virginia Lyft accident lawyer can review your recovery options and offer advice about possible next steps during a confidential consultation. Call Price Benowitz today to schedule an appointment.
