What to do After an Lyft Accident

Lyft Driver
Do I Have a Case?
What is my Case Worth?
What Does it Cost?
Common Questions

If you were involved in a Lyft accident—either as a passenger or as the driver of another car – you need an experienced Lyft attorney on your side. You may be wondering how to report an accident, and if you're injured, you may be even more confused. Who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering?

Lyft and Uber are massive ride-sharing companies – your only connection to them is an app on your phone. Dealing with a huge company after an accident can be intimidating.

Our Lyft accident attorneys can help. If you're injured and have questions, you can talk with us right away—free of charge—at 412-394-1000.

What Happens if Your Lyft Gets in an Accident?

If your Lyft gets in an car accident, make sure to report the accident to the police and Lyft, and if you're hurt, contact a Lyft attorney at Edgar Snyder & Associates. If it is safe to do so, be sure to collect the following information, even if you don't think you are injured:

  • Your Lyft driver's name, contact information, and vehicle information
  • Your Lyft driver's insurance information (both their personal insurance and their Lyft insurance)
  • The other driver's name, contact information, and vehicle information
  • The other driver's insurance information
  • When, where, and how the accident occurred, including road conditions
  • Any witnesses' names and contact information
  • If you can, take photos of the scene and vehicles.

If you're hurt in a Lyft accident, you may be able to file a Lyft lawsuit. You may be able to receive compensation for your injuries from multiple car insurance carriers involved, but we don't recommend you start the process without contacting us first. Dealing with your own insurance can be tricky, let alone a large corporation's insurance. Without a Lyft accident lawyer, you may receive less than you deserve.

Does Lyft Cover Accidents?

Lyft provides insurance for their passengers and, during certain situations, their drivers. Plus, Lyft drivers are required to have their own personal insurance for their car. Whether Lyft's insurance or the driver's personal insurance covers an accident depends on if the driver is in "driver mode" (meaning they are currently logged into the Lyft app and on-the-clock working for Lyft) or has a passenger.

When it comes to Lyft passengers and others on the road, here is how the different insurance coverages generally operate:

  • The Lyft driver is NOT logged into driver mode: The driver's personal insurance applies since they are driving for personal use, not for Lyft, at the time of the accident.
  • The Lyft driver IS logged into driver mode but has NOT yet accepted a passenger ride request: If the Lyft driver is at-fault for the accident, and their personal insurance will not cover the accident, Lyft's contingent liability coverage will kick in to cover the parties not-at-fault. This includes a $50,000 bodily injury liability maximum limit per person, a $100,000 bodily injury liability maximum limit per accident, and a $25,000 maximum limit for property damage.
  • The Lyft driver IS logged into driver mode, HAS accepted a ride request, and has not yet completed the ride: When a Lyft driver has a passenger, or is on their way to pick one up, Lyft has a $1 million liability policy and uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist policy. That means that if you are a Lyft passenger or someone else hurt in an accident caused by an at-fault Lyft driver, there is coverage available to you. It also means that if you're a Lyft passenger or driver hurt by a different at-fault driver who does not have enough insurance, there is also coverage available to you.

If the Lyft accident policy sounds confusing, that's because it is. Complex insurance puzzles aren't new to us. If you think you have a Lyft driver lawsuit, leave it to us to figure out which insurance company is responsible. You may be entitled to compensation from more than one policy. Call us today at 412-394-1000.

How Do I Report an Accident to Lyft?

You can report an accident to Lyft via the Lyft app or on their website. On their app, you can visit the "Help" tab, then go to the "Help Center." From either option, you enter your phone number and Lyft's 24/7 Safety Team contacts you. Your Lyft driver should also report the accident—their special Lyft driver app walks them through the proper steps to collect information and take photos.

In addition to reporting the accident to Lyft, collect your own information—it could be useful in building your Lyft accident case. You can review the information we recommend collecting at the top of this page.

Remember, as with any accident, you should always first call 9-1-1 to get medical help and obtain a police report. This can be vital in proving that you have a case.

Do You Need Special Insurance for Lyft?

You do not need special insurance for Lyft, no matter if you are a driver or a passenger. If you are a passenger, you are covered by Lyft's $1 million liability coverage and their UM/UIM policy, as described earlier on this page.

If you are a Lyft driver, you are required to have your own personal insurance policy with at least the state minimum coverage. However, we strongly urge you to carry more than the state minimum—Lyft's insurance coverage is more robust for passengers than for drivers, and you may often be left relying on your own personal insurance for your injuries or vehicle damage. We highly recommend you review our suggested car insurance coverages.

Can I Sue Lyft?

You can sue after a Lyft accident if you suffered injuries. Personal injury law allows you to pursue compensation for your injuries in an accident to cover medical bills, lost work wages, and more.

Unfortunately, seeking a Lyft personal injury settlement after an accident is complicated. It involves the working relationship between your driver and Lyft. While drivers may work with Lyft, they are not technically employees, and they drive their own personal cars. Our highly experienced attorneys are able to sift through those details to find and prove who is liable for your injuries and which insurance companies are responsible.

If you're wondering if you can sue Lyft, call our law firm today. There's no risk in asking questions—we offer a free legal consultation. You can reach us 24/7, 365 days a year at 412-394-1000.

Contact Our Pennsylvania Lyft Accident Attorneys Today

If you were injured in a Lyft accident, you may be eligible for a Lyft lawsuit settlement, which can help with medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Fill out the form on the page, or call us for your free case review now at 412-394-1000—you have no time to lose.