St. Louis Lyft Accident Lawyer

Lyft has quickly taken over the St. Louis market, but it’s important to keep in mind that the company’s drivers may not have any special training and may be responsible for the accident that injured you. If you were hurt in an accident involving a Lyft driver, reach out for help from the St. Louis Lyft accident lawyers at Miller & Hine. We offer a free case review.

What Is Lyft?

Lyft is a company that connects individuals who need a ride in the area with someone who is willing to provide the ride. Users log into an app to request and accept rides. Lyft offers an XL option, which accommodates a large group that wouldn’t fit in a typical compact car. The price of the trip depends on the vehicle selected, the length of the trip, and the time.

Who Is Responsible for My Lyft Accident?

Lyft accidents can be caused by various parties. Lyft drivers may cause accidents due to:

• Speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes as they hurry to get to the next trip
• Distracted driving caused by non-stop app alerts and GPS directions
• Dropping off passengers in unsafe areas
• Driver fatigue
• Inexperience or unfamiliarity with the roadway
• Impaired driving

However, not all Lyft accidents are due to the Lyft driver’s actions. Sometimes, another driver may be responsible for the accident. Whether you were a Lyft passenger or you were in another vehicle that a Lyft vehicle hit, you could hold the negligent driver liable.

Filing an Insurance Claim After a Lyft Accident

If another driver is responsible for the accident, you would proceed as usual by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. If the Lyft driver is responsible for the accident, different insurance policies apply depending on the timing of the act during the transaction:

• While the driver is off the Lyft app – The Lyft driver’s personal insurance policy would apply.
• While the driver is waiting for a ride request – Lyft’s insurance when the driver has the app on but has not yet accepted a ride request provides $50,000 of bodily injury to one person, $100,000 of bodily injury for more than one person in an accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.
• When the driver is en route to pick up a passenger or during a ride – Lyft provides at least $1 million in third-party liability coverage during this critical time.

What Should I Do After a Lyft Accident?

Here are some steps to follow if you are involved in a Lyft accident:

Report the Accident

Don’t count on the rideshare driver reporting the accident. They’re probably more worried about losing their driving privileges than your health and legal rights. Call the authorities so an officer can respond and conduct an official investigation. Report the accident in your app, too, and take screenshots of everything related to the trip.

Ask the Driver for Their Information

Ask the driver for their name, contact information, and insurance information. Ask for both their personal liability insurance and their rideshare insurance, as these claims often require that you first file a claim with their personal liability insurance policy before you can file a claim with the rideshare insurance carrier.

Document the Scene

Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to all vehicles involved, any debris in the roadway, nearby street signs, and your injuries.

Seek Medical Attention

Seek prompt medical attention following an accident and keep all of your accident-related documentation.

Contact an Experienced Lyft Accident Lawyer

Finally, reach out to the experienced St. Louis Lyft accident lawyers from Miller & Hine. Call us at (314) 408-5708 or contact us online to set up a free case review.