Were You Injured in a Lyft Accident?
A Lyft ride is supposed to be convenient, safe, and stress-free—but when an accident happens, that sense of security can vanish instantly.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Shreveport, you’re likely facing a maze of questions: Who’s responsible? Whose insurance pays? How do you get the compensation you need to recover?
As seasoned Lyft accident lawyers, we’re here to cut through the confusion. With deep knowledge of rideshare laws and Lyft’s insurance policies, we’ll fight to ensure you aren’t left footing the bill for someone else’s mistake. Let us handle the legal battles so you can focus on healing.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage for Accidents
One of the first questions many people have after a Lyft accident is, “Who pays for my damages?” The answer can be complicated, as it depends on the Lyft driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Lyft provides liability insurance for its drivers, but the coverage varies depending on whether the driver was actively engaged in a ride or not:
- Driver mode off: If the Lyft app is off and the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons, Lyft’s insurance does not apply. The driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible for any accidents.
- Driver mode on, waiting for a ride request: If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger, Lyft provides limited liability coverage. This includes $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- During a ride or en route to pick up a passenger: From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the ride is completed, Lyft provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage. This is the coverage that typically applies in most Lyft accident scenarios.
However, just because Lyft provides insurance doesn’t mean getting compensation will be easy. Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they may attempt to deny or undervalue your claim. That’s where having a skilled Shreveport Lyft accident attorney can make a significant difference.
Determining Liability in a Lyft Accident
Another complicating factor in Lyft accident claims is determining who is liable for the crash. Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share fault, including:
- The Lyft Driver: If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, such as by speeding, running a red light, or driving while distracted, they may be held personally liable.
- Lyft: The rideshare company may be held liable if they were negligent in their hiring, training, or supervision of the driver. Lyft may also be vicariously liable for the driver’s actions under certain circumstances.
- Other Drivers: If another motorist’s negligence contributed to the accident, they may share liability.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: If a defect in the Lyft vehicle or one of its components caused the crash, the manufacturer may be strictly liable.
Proving liability requires a thorough investigation and strong evidence. Our Shreveport Lyft accident lawyers know how to gather and preserve critical evidence, like police reports, witness statements, video footage, and electronic data from the Lyft app and the vehicle’s computer. We work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly what happened and who was at fault.
Damages Available in a Shreveport Lyft Accident Claim
If you were injured in a Lyft accident, either as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, including:
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In tragic cases where a Lyft accident results in a fatality, the surviving family members may also be able to recover damages through a wrongful death claim, such as:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
- Loss of the deceased’s love, companionship, and guidance
- The family members’ mental anguish
Calculating damages in a Lyft accident case can be complex, as it involves projecting costs and losses far into the future. Our attorneys work with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to fully assess the impact of the accident on your life and pursue the maximum compensation possible.
What to Do After a Lyft Accident in Shreveport
The actions you take after a Lyft accident can significantly impact your health and your legal claim. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your health should be your top priority. Get checked out by a doctor, even if you don’t think you’re seriously hurt. Some injuries, like concussions or internal bleeding, may not have obvious symptoms at first.
- Call the police. Dial 911 to report the accident. The responding officers will create an official accident report that can be valuable evidence in your claim.
- Gather information. If possible, collect information at the scene, including the names and contact info of all drivers involved, the Lyft driver’s name and Lyft ID number, and the contact info of any witnesses.
- Document the scene. Use your smartphone to take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Report the accident to Lyft. Notify Lyft of the accident through the app or through their critical response line.
- Contact a Shreveport Lyft accident lawyer. Before you give any statements to insurance companies, speak with an attorney who can protect your rights and advise you on the next steps.
Remember, the insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need a strong advocate on your side fighting for your interests.
Get Help from an Experienced Shreveport Lyft Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident in Shreveport, don’t try to navigate the complex legal process alone. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Our knowledgeable Shreveport Lyft accident lawyers will listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. If we take your case, we’ll start building your claim right away, gathering evidence, and fighting for the full compensation you deserve.
With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t have to worry about upfront costs. We only get paid if we win money for you.
Don’t let a Lyft accident upend your life. Call the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today, and let us fight for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions After an Auto Accident Injury
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the most common concerns our clients have:
What if the Lyft driver was off the clock at the time of the accident?
If the driver was not logged into the Lyft app and was using their vehicle for personal reasons, Lyft's insurance likely won't apply. However, you may still have a claim against the driver's personal auto insurance.
Can I sue Lyft directly for my accident?
In most cases, accident victims cannot sue Lyft directly due to the drivers' status as independent contractors. However, there may be exceptions if Lyft was negligent in some way, like failing to properly screen a driver.
How long do I have to file a Lyft accident lawsuit in Louisiana?
Louisiana's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including Lyft accidents, is two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions that extend this deadline in certain circumstances.
How much does it cost to hire a Shreveport Lyft accident lawyer?
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we handle Lyft accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you.
What if I was partly at fault for the Lyft accident?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule, which means your damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as long as you were less than 100% at fault, you can still recover some compensation.
