Brooklyn Lyft Accident Lawyer
Rideshare services such as Lyft have given New Yorkers more transportation options than they ever had before. While these services certainly do provide many benefits, Lyft drivers have not received professional training and accidents do occur. If you have been injured as a passenger in a Lyft, another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Below, our Brooklyn Lyft accident lawyer explains how to get the full settlement you need.
How to Obtain Compensation After a Lyft Accident in Brooklyn
Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles when transporting passengers. Just as any other motorist on the road, Lyft drivers must purchase auto insurance to protect them and others in the event of an accident. Most Lyft drivers only purchase personal auto insurance coverage, which usually does not cover commercial activity, or for-profit transportation.
Lyft also classifies their drivers as independent contractors, and not employees. With this classification, Lyft cannot be held liable for the actions of their drivers. However, under New York state law, Lyft is required to purchase insurance. Whether Lyft’s insurance coverage applies in an accident case depends on the driver’s status at the time. The different types of coverage provided are as follows:
- The Lyft driver is not logged in: When the Lyft driver is not logged into the app, they are treated like any other motorist on the road, meaning their personal insurance coverage will apply.
- The app was on, but the Lyft driver was not engaged in a ride: If the Lyft driver was logged into the app but they had not yet accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited insurance. In these instances, the company provides up to $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for one person, $100,000 in bodily injury for the entire accident, and $25,000 per accident in property damage.
- The Lyft driver had a passenger or was on their way to pick one up: If the Lyft driver is engaged in a ride, the company provides much more insurance coverage. In these cases, Lyft provides up to $1 million in third party auto liability, and coverage for the actual value of damage to vehicles.
Challenges with Filing a Claim Against Lyft
Many accident victims feel encouraged that Lyft provides such substantial insurance coverage after a crash. However, obtaining the full amount you deserve is not easy. The higher the amount of damages involved, the more the insurance companies are likely to fight claims to protect their profits.
Lyft, and its insurance company, fights accident claims in a number of ways. One of the most common is that they argue the driver was not logged into the app. If they are successful, it means the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies. Lyft’s insurance company may also argue that someone, such as another driver, contributed to the crash, so they are not held liable.
Our Lyft Accident Lawyer in Brooklyn Can Protect Your Rights
After a crash, you need a Brooklyn Lyft accident lawyer on your side who can fight back against Lyft’s claims. At Cohan Law Firm, our experienced attorney knows the challenges Lyft claims present, and how to overcome them, so you obtain the maximum damages you deserve. Call us today at 855-855-0321 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the advice you need.
