Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but when a rideshare service like Lyft is involved, the situation can become even more complex. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian injured in a crash involving a Lyft vehicle, you may be wondering who is responsible for your damages and how to pursue a claim.
Unlike standard car accidents, rideshare collisions involve multiple layers of insurance coverage and questions of liability that depend on whether the Lyft driver was actively working at the time of the crash. Additionally, laws vary by state, which can further complicate your ability to recover compensation for injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses.
This legal guide breaks down how Lyft accident claims work, what makes them different from traditional auto accidents, and what steps you can take to protect your rights and build a strong personal injury case.
Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Coverage
Lyft provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the amount and type of coverage depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. There are three distinct coverage periods:
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
If the Lyft app is on but the driver hasn't accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited liability coverage:
- Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Period 2: Ride Accepted, On the Way to Pick Up
Once a driver accepts a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, Lyft provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with contingent collision and comprehensive coverage.
Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
While a Lyft passenger is in the vehicle, Lyft’s $1 million policy remains in effect and may also include underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage depending on the state.
Knowing which period applies is essential for determining which insurance policy may cover your injuries.
Who Can File a Lyft Accident Claim?
Several parties may be eligible to file a claim in a Lyft-related accident:
- Lyft passengers injured during a ride
- Drivers or passengers of other vehicles involved in a Lyft car accident
- Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a Lyft driver
- The Lyft driver, if not at fault and injured due to another party’s negligence
In each of these scenarios, liability must be established, and the proper insurance policy must be identified.
Proving Fault in a Lyft Accident
As with any type of car accident case, fault is a key element to filing a successful claim. You’ll need evidence to prove who caused the crash. Useful evidence includes:
- Police reports
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage assessments
- Cell phone records (in distracted driving claims)
In some cases, accident reconstruction experts may be brought in to analyze the scene and determine exactly what happened.
State Laws That May Impact Your Case
Different states have different laws about rideshare liability and personal injury claims. For example:
- New Jersey law requires rideshare companies like Lyft to carry specific minimum insurance coverage and mandates background checks for drivers.
- New York has a similar requirement through the state's Department of Financial Services, regulating rideshare operations.
- Connecticut law also mandates rideshare insurance and places responsibility on the company for accidents that occur while the app is in use.
Knowing the rules in your state is essential. An experienced attorney can help you understand how these laws impact your specific case.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft-related accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Future medical care or rehabilitation
The extent of your recovery depends on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your life, and the available insurance coverage.
Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident
To protect your legal rights and build a strong case, take the following steps immediately after a Lyft accident:
- Seek medical attention – even if you feel fine.
- Call the police and file an accident report.
- Document the scene with photos and gather contact information from witnesses.
- Note the driver’s status on the app (if possible).
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without consulting a lawyer.
- Contact an attorney familiar with Lyft accident claims.
Why Lyft Accident Claims Are More Complicated
Rideshare accidents often involve:
- Multiple insurance policies (Lyft's and the driver's personal coverage)
- Ambiguity about the driver’s status
- Delayed or denied claims due to finger-pointing between insurers
- Unfamiliarity with how Lyft’s app data may affect liability
These factors can stall or derail a legitimate claim if you're not prepared.
Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help
If you were hurt in a Lyft accident, the legal team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, is ready to help you take the next step. We have experience handling complex rideshare cases and know how to deal with the unique challenges they present.
We work tirelessly to uncover the facts, prove liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, you have rights — and we’re here to protect them.
Contact us today for a free consultation.