How Does Lyft Insurance Work After a Collision?
The rising popularity of rideshare services like Lyft has inevitably increased the number of vehicles on the road, leading to potential accidents. It is important for both Lyft drivers and their passengers – as well as third-party motorists and pedestrians involved in accidents with a rideshare vehicle – to understand how Lyft insurance policies work after a collision. It may also be helpful to contact a Lyft accident attorney in Jersey City for assistance with your case.
All Lyft Employees Must Have Their Own Car Insurance
Lyft requires all of its drivers to maintain their own personal auto insurance policies in compliance with local and state regulations. This mandatory coverage ensures basic protection when they’re not actively logged into the app or engaged in a rideshare trip.
In Some Cases, Lyft’s Company Insurance Policy Will Kick in
In the event of a collision, Lyft’s company insurance can serve as a financial safeguard under certain conditions. It provides additional coverage beyond an individual driver’s personal policy when they’re working. Here’s what you need to know about the different periods of coverage relating to Lyft vehicles:
- Period 0: This period covers the time when the Lyft app is off, and the driver is not available for ride requests. During this time, Lyft’s insurance does not provide any coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance is the only applicable coverage in the event of an accident.
- Period 1: This is when the driver is logged into the Lyft app and is waiting for a ride request. During this time, Lyft provides third-party liability insurance if the driver’s personal insurance does suffice, which includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage.
- Period 2: Once the driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. Lyft’s policy increases to $1million in third-party auto liability insurance.
- Period 3: This is from the time a passenger enters the vehicle until the passenger is dropped off. The $1 million third-party auto liability continues, with comprehensive and collision insurance also coming into play if the driver has personal comprehensive and collision policies.
Understanding Lyft’s insurance coverage after a collision is important for anyone involved, including Lyft drivers themselves.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Collision Involving Lyft
If you’re involved in a collision with a Lyft vehicle, taking appropriate action immediately afterward is crucial for everyone’s safety and the upcoming insurance process. Here are the steps you should take:
Safety First
Ensure that all individuals involved are out of harm’s way from traffic or surrounding damage.
Document The Accident
Capture pictures of the accident scene if it’s safe to do so. Take photos of the vehicles, any relevant road signs or conditions, and anything else related to the incident.
Gather Witness Contact Information
If there are bystanders who witnessed the accident, collect their full contact information so that they can be reached later if needed.
Seek Medical Attention
You should always get checked out by a doctor even after minor accidents, as this is going to be an important part of your claim. It’s also helpful to make sure there’s no internal damage that can’t be seen at first.
Contact a Lawyer
Before you notify Lyft, it’s beneficial to contact a Jersey City car accident attorney. A lawyer can help navigate the nuances associated with reporting the accident through the platform as well as notifying your own insurance company. Working with a lawyer is the best way to make sure you don’t inadvertently do something that will jeopardize your claim.
Taking the right steps after a Lyft collision is important, so if you find yourself in such an unfortunate situation, take quick action and contact a personal injury lawyer right away. Reach out to schedule a free consultation with us.