Lyft has been a very popular and user-friendly mode of transportation for millions of users across the world to travel from one point to another. However, just like any other mode of transportation, Lyft accidents occur. Determining liability for Lyft accidents is complex and involves a range of factors.
In that regard, the services of a Lyft accident attorney to determine liability become indispensable. The lawyers have the expertise and resources to uphold the rights of the victims. They play an integral part in seeking fair compensation for damages caused as well as holding the responsible parties accountable.
Parties Involved in the Accident
In the case of a rideshare accident, the following could be the major parties:
- The rideshare driver
- The rideshare companies
- Other motorists involved in the accident
- Pedestrians or cyclists
Driver’s Status and Its Effect on Liability
Liability in a rideshare accident is very often determined by the driver’s status at the time of the accident, which dictates whose insurance would be primary. For example:
Offline Status: If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app, only their personal auto insurance would be primary.
App On, No Ride Accepted: In these cases, where the driver is logged to the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may apply. This usually has limited coverage and covers the driver’s personal insurance.
Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: In this scenario, the rideshare company commercial insurance policy would be effective if a driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger inside a car.
Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues
But in other cases, there may also be extended liability to a party or parties beyond the Lyft driver or another party that was directly involved in the accident. That might happen in the case of a vehicle defect, for example, where the crash was due to, or partially due to defective equipment – the failure of a brake system or one of the tires. Then the manufacturer or supplier would be held liable. Or when a poor state of maintenance is the cause of the accident, then it will usually be the Lyft driver or the company itself.
Third-Party Liability and Government Entities
In Lyft accident cases, there may be the liability of a third party as well. If the accident was partly caused by the improper maintenance of the road or poor road signage, which is reflective of the absence of government entities or construction firms on duty, then third parties will definitely be joined in the litigation once a case finally goes to court. Only a proper investigation and legal expertise will show the corresponding extent of their responsibility or liability.
Conclusion
Liability in a Lyft accident could be very complex because of the particular characteristics associated with rideshare services. Principal factors that come into play to determine liability pertain to driver employment status at the time of the crash, the insurance coverage involved, who owned the vehicle, and details on how the accident occurred.
Companies such as Lyft, a rideshare business, will often attempt to avoid liability by calling drivers independent contractors as opposed to employees. There could also be issues about lapses in insurance coverage or disputes between the driver’s personal policy and Lyft’s about which one is predominant.
Finally, a thorough investigation must occur to put the evidence together and prove negligence on the part of any parties. Given the complexity involved, it is highly advisable for anyone injured in a Lyft accident to consult an experienced rideshare accident attorney who understands these cases and represents their interests properly against the rideshare company and its various insurers. Furthermore, without a lawyer, the victim of the Lyft accident is constructing a case at quite a disadvantageous level.
