How to Report a Lyft Accident in Los Angeles
Rideshare services like Lyft or Uber offer a convenient way to get around Los Angeles, but accidents can and do happen. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver, reporting a rideshare accident quickly and correctly is key to ensuring proper compensation. Knowing who to notify and what steps to take right after the crash can make a major difference in your recovery both physically and financially.
If you’ve been hurt, contacting a trusted Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you understand your options and avoid expensive mistakes.
Why Reporting Matters
Unlike typical car accidents, rideshare collisions are more complex. Lyft drivers are independent contractors, but the company still provides insurance coverage while the drivers are taking fares. Reporting the accident immediately ensures the right parties are notified and a paper trail is created. Remember: Lyft drivers are people just like you without professional training or company cars. The liability involved in a Lyft accident can be tricky as Lyft drivers are just as susceptible to road rage, reckless driving, speeding, and other dangerous road behavior as anyone else.
Who Should You Notify After a Lyft Accident in California?
- Law Enforcement: Call 911 if anyone is injured or if there is serious property damage. In California, drivers are legally required to report the accident to police if there are injuries, fatalities, or more than $1,500 in property damage. With how easy it is to exceed $1,500 in damage in even minor accidents, this means it’s often safest to always call and report the Lift accident to California Highway Patrol or your local police.
- Lyft: Report the incident through the Lyft app. Open the ride in your trip history, scroll down to “Get Help,” and choose the relevant accident option. Lyft may contact you for more details. Stick only to the facts when speaking with Lyft representatives. Avoid anything that might cause Lyft and their insurance company to downplay your injury or shift blame.
- Your Insurance Company: If you were driving another vehicle, notify your insurance, even if you weren’t at fault. Use factual statements and try to stay calm. Avoid apologizing. An apology or excuse like “I didn’t see him,” could be misconstrued by any insurance company as admissions of fault.
- A Lyft Accident Lawyer: Before giving a statement or accepting any offer from Lyft’s insurance team, speak with a skilled rideshare accident attorney in California. A Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help protect your interests when insurance companies try to low-ball you.
What Evidence Do I Need to Bring a Lyft Accident Lawsuit in California?
Evidence is the most important part of any claim or lawsuit. Documentation of your damages, the events that took place, and any long-lasting impacts can help build a strong case that demonstrates liability for your costs. In a Lyft accident, things can move quickly, so be sure to document the following pieces of evidence to strengthen your claim:
- Time and location of the accident
- Names and contact details of all involved parties
- Vehicle descriptions and license plates
- Driver insurance information
- Any injuries you or others sustained
- Photos or videos of the scene
- Police report
If you are missing any evidence from the above list, an experienced Lyft car accident lawyer in California can help you track down the appropriate information for your claim.
Is Lyft Liable for Lyft Accidents?
Lyft accidents – and any rideshare accident – can be complicated by the levels of insurance coverage a Lyft driver receives and when. The Lyft driver’s status at the time of the crash can indicate which policy they are covered under and who could be held liable for your injury.
- Offline/Personal time: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App open, logged in, waiting for a ride: Contingent liability coverage applies.
- Picking up or with a passenger: Lyft’s full commercial insurance applies, up to $1 million in coverage.
A qualified Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help determine which policy is in effect and how to pursue compensation.
How to Report and Protect Your Lyft Car Accident Claim in California
- Seek medical care. Don’t ever assume you aren’t hurt in any Lyft accident. Adrenaline can often mask the feeling of pain or symptoms of injuries for hours or days after an accident. Claiming you aren’t hurt or feel fine can often be used to indicate there are no damages. Avoid making these statements and see a medical professional right away to be checked out.
- Call the police and file a report. Once you notify police, they may also send an ambulance if the Lyft accident was serious. Take this opportunity to check yourself for injuries. When speaking to police, keep things factual and calm. A levelheaded account of the collision will build your case against Lyft more than a frantic explanation.
- Report the crash to Lyft through the app. Rideshare apps like Lyft typically provide an easy way to report an accident. On the Lyft app, report your crash through your ride history.
- Notify your own insurance. If you were driving and got into an accident with a Lyft driver, you’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company as well. Again, keep your explanation calm and factual.
- Keep records of everything: injuries, expenses, communication, etc. Records are evidence in a Lyft car accident lawsuit. These can create an airtight case to help you claim compensation for your injury.
- Speak to a Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles before signing anything. Lyft’s insurance adjusters may reach out to offer a low-balled settlement. Avoid agreeing to anything without consulting an experienced California rideshare accident lawyer. They can help you determine if you’re leaving money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I still report the accident if it was minor?
A: Yes. Even small crashes can lead to injuries or future claims. Reporting creates documentation that could protect you later on. Do not claim you aren’t hurt before being seen by a medical professional.
Q: Should I report the accident in the Lyft app or wait?
A: Report the crash as soon as it’s safe to do so. Lyft may reach out to get more details and attempt to get you to settle quickly. Don’t agree to any settlement offer without a Lyft accident lawyer on your side.
Q: Can I sue Lyft directly?
A: In California, personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the accident, except in cases where government entities are involved. Gathering evidence and building your case is easier the sooner you act.
Q: What if I was hit by a Lyft driver while walking or biking?
A: You can still pursue a claim. The available insurance will depend on whether the Lyft driver was working at the time of the crash. If they were off duty, you would file a claim with their personal auto insurance policy. If they were on-duty, they may be covered by up to $1 million in liability coverage through Lyft. A Lyft accident lawyer in California can help you understand what you may be entitled to.
Q: What happens if multiple people were injured in the same Lyft accident?
A: Compensation may be divided among all injured parties. Having legal representation helps ensure your individual claim is fairly evaluated.
Protect Your Rights in Rideshare Accidents with BD&J
At BD&J, we have more than 20 years of experience standing up for injured Californians. If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft accident, our rideshare accident team is ready to investigate your case, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Reach out to speak with a Lyft accident lawyer in Los Angeles today.
