Lyft Accident

Louisville, Kentucky Lyft Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving Lyft vehicles, in Louisville, Kentucky, are not straightforward. Because Lyft drivers are independent contractors and not employees, determining what insurance policy will offer coverage in case of an accident can get complicated. If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident with a Lyft driver, contact an experienced Kentucky auto accident attorney.

Kentucky insurance

Kentucky is a “choice no-fault” state. Every insurance policy is either a “fault” or a “no-fault” policy. Drivers have an option to chose the policy they want. If a driver opts out of no-fault, there are no mandatory first-party PIP benefits available from their insurer. This results in some very difficult legal situations after an accident.

Kentucky requires that all drivers have auto insurance. The state also has a minimum coverage requirement in place. The minimums in Kentucky are:

  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $25,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $10,000 personal injury protection

Nevertheless, many people still choose to drive without insurance. That is why it is recommended that drivers have uninsured motorist coverage (UM) and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM). Uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in Kentucky.

What is Lyft?

Lyft, a ride-sharing company, matches a customer and a driver through the Lyft application. When paired, the Lyft driver takes the passenger to their location.

Lyft pricing is based on the distance and time traveled and time of day. Extra charges are applicable during a higher demand period, like at night or during rush hours. Lyft fares are paid via the Lyft application.

Accidents involving Lyft vehicles

An accident involving a Lyft driver often becomes a complicated matter. Figuring who is responsible and what insurance will cover the damages and injuries is a complex process. This process if further complicated because Lyft drivers are not considered employees. Instead, the company considers its drivers as independent contractors.

While Lyft offers an insurance policy for its drivers, the insurance only applies in certain instances. Lyft insurance will only activate in certain situations when a Lyft driver is involved in an accident. Most often, Lyft drivers use their personal vehicle insurance to cover damages and injury compensation. Three periods dictate driver status, insurance coverage and insurance amount.

Period 1: The Lyft driver is not logged into the Lyft application. The driver’s personal insurance policy will be in effect in case of an accident.

Period 2: The driver is logged into the application and looking for passengers, but has not accepted a ride request. Lyft’s reduced insurance policy may apply. The policy activates when the driver has their own insurance. If the driver is involved in an accident, then Lyft is required to provide liability coverage of $50,000 per person an $100,000 per accident. The policy will also cover $25,000 in property damage.

Period 3: The driver has accepted a ride and/or has a passenger in the vehicle. Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy may cover the accident when the driver is at fault. A third party insurance policy protects other drivers and passengers when a Lyft driver is at fault.

Lyft insists they are not a transportation company, and they do not provide drivers or vehicles. Instead, Lyft claims that they merely provide the application that links a driver with a customer. In other words, Lyft considers its drivers as independent contractors and not employees. This way, Lyft is attempting to limit its responsibility and liability for any accidents involving Lyft drivers. This does not mean, however, that obtaining compensation for injuries and damages is impossible.

In an accident involving a Lyft driver, determining whose insurance will cover damages and injuries is often complicated. Anyone involved in a collision with a Lyft vehicle should contact an attorney right away.

Contacting a Lyft accident attorney

At Hessig & Pohl, we know how difficult it is to try and navigate in the aftermath of a car accident with a Lyft vehicle. We work in partnership with you to ensure you get fair and equitable compensation. Our Lyft accident attorneys at Hessig & Pohl evaluate each accident thoroughly. We will advise you on your chances of recovering compensation.

Hessig & Pohl are highly experienced personal injury attorneys who know how to handle Lyft car accidents. They make sure you get fair and equitable damages for your injuries. They do not quit until they get justice. Call them today for your free consultation at (502) 777-1111.

Marty fought for me when the insurance company denied my claim. We sued and got the insurance limits.

- JERAMY

Louisville personal injury lawyer