Lyft is one of the most popular and largest rideshare service providers that has taken over the for-hire private transportation industry, formerly dominated by taxi services. Lyft is an on-demand transportation provider with a network of for-hire drivers and users that are connected through the app on their smartphones.
Over the last few years, rideshare companies, like Lyft, have gained immense popularity due to the convenience, ease of use, and numerous advantages, such as:
Unfortunately, as rideshare companies, like Lyft, grow in popularity, the number of accidents also increases. If you’re injured in a collision with a Lyft driver or riding as a passenger, you might be uncertain of who is responsible for your injuries. When a Lyft or rideshare accident occurs, issues regarding liability, fault, damages, and various other problems arise.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Lyft or rideshare accident, Kasan Law’s Lyft and rideshare accident lawyers are available to review your matter to determine whether you’re eligible to receive compensation.
In Chicago and Illinois, traditional transportation services, like taxis or buses, are called “common carriers.” Generally, taxi drivers and bus drivers are employees of the company or city. In an accident, traditional transportation service companies must comply with many regulations and maintain an insurance policy. If the taxi or bus driver’s negligence caused the accident or injury, the companies’ insurance policy protects and compensates riders and others who may be injured for claims against the driver and company.
Lyft and other Transportation Network Companies operate as middlemen that connect customers. Rideshare drives are not employees of the company. Rather, Lyft drivers are deemed to be independent contractors. Therefore, the drivers are liable for damages or injuries caused the accidents. With that said, under certain circumstances, Lyft can be directly responsible for the injuries and damages caused by their drivers. Furthermore, Lyft drivers’ personal vehicle insurance often excludes coverage for accidents occurring while driving for a rideshare company. The driver’s personal insurance commonly denies coverage because operating their vehicle for Lyft services is generally categorized as a commercial purpose.
After a rideshare accident, the subject of insurance and determining which insurance policy applies can become complicated. Multiple insurance companies might provide coverage for the claim, such as the non-rideshare driver, rideshare driver, rideshare company, or another third-party. Lyft provides liability insurance for its driver in specific circumstances. However, Lyft’s insurance policy might not apply in certain situations, which means there is no coverage available to compensate passengers and others injured due to the driver’s negligence.
Lyft provides its drivers with varying degrees of insurance coverage. Lyft’s liability in an accident will depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For example:
After an accident involving a Lyft driver, the determination of liability and insurance coverage can become confusing. However, hiring a Lyft and rideshare injury lawyer can help guide you through the process.
Depending upon the seriousness of the impact, Lyft accidents can cause varying injuries that range from minor to catastrophic, such as:
In order to establish the Lyft driver was negligent and responsible for the damages, the injured party must establish the following elements:
If the victim can establish that the Lyft driver’s negligence caused their injuries and damages, they can be granted compensation for economic and non-economic damages, such as:
Each Lyft or rideshare accident claim is unique, presents different factors, and can become complex based on the specific facts surrounding the incident. At Kasan Law, our Chicago and Illinois Lyft and rideshare injury attorneys will attempt to negotiate a favorable settlement. However, if a favorable settlement cannot be reached, our Chicago and Illinois litigators are prepared to fight for your rights in court.
Before being authorized to drive, rideshare organizations are required to conduct a background check on all drivers. A required background check for all drivers may create a misguided feeling of well-being because rideshare organizations can commit errors when conducting background checks. While the chance of an accident is the main concern that many individuals consider when getting into Lyft, taxi, or rideshare vehicles, there are other dangers that can arise when getting into a stranger’s vehicle.
While these incidents uncommon, Lyft, taxi, and rideshare service passengers have suffered other types of injuries, for example:
At Kasan Law, we take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, which means you will not pay any legal fees unless we get you compensation for your case. Our consultations are free and carry no obligations.
If you or a family member were injured due to Lyft or Uber driver’s negligence, contact our Chicago and Illinois Lyft and rideshare injury lawyers to schedule your free consultation and case review by calling (312) 300-6724, e-mailing us at info@lawkasan.com, or schedule your consultation online.