Lyft and other ridesharing companies have gained popularity for offering a convenient way for customers to book rides. However, rideshare drivers aren’t professional drivers, and Lyft accidents can cause devastating injuries. Recovering compensation after a Lyft accident can be challenging because multiple defendants and insurance companies may be involved.
You aren’t alone if you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Rochelle McCullough LLP, with their extensive experience representing car accident victims and in-depth knowledge of personal injury laws in Arkansas, are prepared to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. Our legal team will handle every aspect of your case while you focus on your recovery, giving you the confidence that your case is in capable hands.
Lyft’s Insurance Policy
Victims of car accidents involving Lyft drivers may have a right to file a claim through Lyft’s auto insurance provider. The amount of insurance coverage provided by Lyft depends on when the accident occurred. If the accident occurred when the Lyft app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage would apply. When an accident occurs when a Lyft driver has turned the app on and is waiting for a ride request, Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply to the following limits:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
When an accident occurs while the Lyft app is turned on and the driver is en route to pick up passengers or are driving passengers, Lyft’s $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage will apply. Lyft also provides coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists. If the Lyft driver has comprehensive and collision coverage through their personal auto policy, Lyft provides contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to the car’s actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible.
Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Lyft Passenger
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Your best option for recovering compensation may be through Lyft’s insurance policy. Their $1 million liability coverage policy is designed to cover passengers injured while being transported by their driver. However, if another driver caused the accident, you may need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance provider.
Arkansas requires all drivers to carry minimum amounts of auto insurance coverage. Drivers must have a minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. If the at-fault driver’s auto insurance coverage doesn’t cover all of the passenger’s injuries, Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will apply to cover the remaining damages, up to $1 million.
Options for Recovering Compensation As a Lyft Driver
Lyft drivers must carry the legally required minimum auto insurance coverage under Arkansas law. If the Lyft driver becomes injured while the app is turned off, they can pursue a claim with their own auto insurance provider if they are at fault or the at-fault driver doesn’t carry auto insurance. When a third-party driver is at fault, Lyft drivers can pursue a claim through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy.
Suppose the Lyft driver had accepted a ride request or was actively transporting a customer when the accident occurred. In that case, Lyft’s liability insurance policy may be available for the injured Lyft driver. When a Lyft driver’s vehicle is destroyed in an accident, the driver can file a property damage claim up to their vehicle’s cash, but the driver will be required to pay a $2,500 deductible.
The Benefits of Working with a Lyft Accident Attorney
Dealing with a car accident involving a Lyft driver can be complex, especially when understanding and navigating Lyft’s insurance policy coverage. This is where an experienced personal injury attorney can be invaluable. They can help you develop a strategy to maximize your insurance coverage for your injuries and property damage, particularly when multiple insurance policies and providers are involved.
Rochelle McCullough LLP has extensive experience handling complex car accident claims. We know how to negotiate with insurance companies and hold them accountable. After a Lyft car accident, our attorneys will investigate your claim immediately by confirming the driver’s status.
Our attorneys will investigate your claim immediately, confirming the driver’s status and gathering facts and evidence to determine which driver or drivers were at fault for the accident. We will work with medical experts to carefully document all of your injuries and estimate the expenses you will incur in the future, including medical expenses. We treat every case as though it may go to trial and will begin building a compelling evidence file, ensuring you are well-represented throughout the process.
Damages Available through a Lyft Accident Claim in Arkansas
Lyft accident victims can pursue a civil lawsuit to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include compensation for current and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of earning capacity, property damage, disability, and other quantifiable damages. Plaintiffs can also pursue non-economic damages for the pain and suffering they’ve endured from their injuries.
The court may award punitive damages when the defendant engages in egregious behavior, such as intoxicated driving. Arkansas caps punitive damages at $250,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages, whichever is greater, but not to exceed $1 million. Our experienced attorneys will diligently pursue the maximum compensation for all these damages.
Contact Our Lyft Accident Attorney in Hot Springs
Navigating a claim for compensation after being injured in a Hot Springs Lyft accident can be complicated. When you work with Rochelle McCullough, you can rest assured we will handle every aspect of your claim for compensation so you can focus on your recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact Rochelle McCullough LLP to schedule an initial consultation as soon as possible.
We extend our personal injury legal services to help clients throughout Texas, including Dallas, & Fort Worth, as well as in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Committed to advocating for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.