Rideshare services in Houston, such as Lyft, have given people a valuable option for commuting from place to place. In fact, 36% of Americans have now used rideshare platforms — more than double the figure in 2015. However valuable this transportation option may be, accidents do happen. If you or a loved one are injured in a Lyft accident, call Johnson Garcia at 832-844-6700 to find out if you have a valid legal claim.

With over 35 years of experience handling personal injury cases, we have a proven record of assisting injured clients and their families to recover fair verdicts and settlements. Our personal injury lawyers are passionate about helping injured victims get what they deserve. We won’t rest until justice is served after a Lyft accident in Texas.

It’s easy to get started. All you need to do is complete our online form to schedule a 100% free case review with our skilled lawyers. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.

Lyft Insurance Policies Based on the Status of the Driver

Getting compensation for damages like medical bills, lost income, disability, and funeral and burial costs after an accident involving Lyft isn’t easy. Hiring a car accident attorney in Houston can make things easier. An experienced lawyer can help you understand the different types of policies available depending on the status of the Lyft driver, including:

When App Is Off

The driver’s insurance coverage applies during this period.

When Waiting for a Ride

During this period, the driver enjoys third-party liability coverage if their personal insurance doesn’t apply. Lyft’s liability insurance covers the following:

  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage

When Heading To Pick up a Passenger or During Trips

If the app is on, Lyft maintains the following liability insurance:

The subject of auto and rideshare insurance can be complicated. Still, it’s crucial for you to know how and when an insurance policy covers you in the event of an accident. At Johnson Garcia, our legal team will help you understand all available policies, maximizing your chances of receiving maximum compensation for damages.

Can You Sue Lyft Directly After a Crash?

The short answer is yes! However, you should know that Lyft considers its drivers as independent contractors — not employees. So the process of suing Lyft to recover damages may be complicated.

Since ridesharing companies like Lyft claim their drivers are independent contractors, they don’t incur some expenses that typically employers incur, like having to offer drivers sick leave, unemployment benefits, or Social Security taxes. It is also exempt from the typical employer-and-employee relationship.

Still, an injured victim may sue Lyft if they acted negligently, leading to the accident. These cases against Lyft generally focus on negligent hiring, failure to enforce high safety standards, and the retention of reckless drivers.

To sue Lyft directly, your lawyer must prove the company shared fault for the accident. Suppose Lyft hires a driver without performing a comprehensive background check. If the driver turns out to be a drunk driver with a history of car accidents, then Lyft may be liable if the driver causes a DUI accident in Houston. Lyft may also be liable if its negligence led to a driver sexually assaulting a passenger.

If your damages exceed the driver’s personal insurance policy, you may also sue Lyft to recover additional compensation.

What Parties May Have a Case After a Lyft Accident?

Several parties in Texas may file claims to receive compensation for damages after Lyft accidents, including:

Lyft Passengers

Lyft passengers may file insurance claims or civil lawsuits against Lyft, its drivers, and other third parties who may be responsible for accidents. If a third party, such as a bus driver, caused the crash, you may qualify to file a personal injury claim against their insurance company. In the event the third party was uninsured, you may file a claim to recover damages under Lyft’s uninsured motorist coverage.

Lyft Drivers

If a third-party driver caused the Lyft accident in Houston, the rideshare driver might be able to file a claim against their insurance company. Since Texas is an at-fault state, a Lyft driver typically files for compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company before seeking compensation from their own insurance company if damages exceed the defendant’s policy limits.

An injured driver may also file a claim with their own insurance company, which may cover damages, and seek reimbursement from the other party’s insurance through a process known as subrogation.

Other Third Parties

Third parties, including drivers, pedestrians, passengers of other vehicles, and cyclists, may file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against Lyft or a driver if their negligent actions or failure to act led to an accident.

Meet With a Lyft Accident Lawyer Near Houston for Help Today

It’s easy to get intimidated when filing a personal injury claim or a civil suit against a nationwide ridesharing company like Lyft. However, with the legal help of an experienced Lyft car accident attorney from Johnson Garcia on your side, you’ll be in good hands.

If you need to file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against Lyft, a driver, or any other third party involved in your accident, our Houston law firm is here to help. Please call 832-844-6700 today to schedule your free case review as soon as possible.