If your Lyft driver gets in an accident in Florida, you should take steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Reporting the accident, gathering documentation, and filing an insurance claim may seem straightforward, but rideshare laws and claims are complicated in Florida. A Fort Lauderdale Uber & Lyft accident attorney from our firm can help you navigate the complexities of a Lyft accident claim and pursue compensation for your losses.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement and Get Medical Care
The first step in any car accident that involves injuries or damages above $500 is to call 911 and report it to the authorities. Ensure everyone at the accident scene is out of harm’s way and seek emergency medical assistance, if necessary. Your health and safety are the primary concerns immediately after the accident. Medical care protects your health while creating critical documentation for your claim.
Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
If your injuries allow, take photos or video of the accident scene. Document the location of the accident and damage to the vehicles and surrounding area. The attending officer may facilitate the exchange of information between the involved parties and obtain contact details from witnesses.
Typically, an accident report will be filed within 10 days of the investigation’s completion. Our Florida law firm can request a copy of the report for your injury claim.
File an Insurance Claim for Your Lyft Accident in Florida
If you are a passenger when your Lyft driver gets in an accident in Florida, you have options to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and more. The claim process may vary depending on the circumstances of your accident and the insurance coverage for those involved.
Personal Injury Protection in a Florida Lyft Claim
Generally, you can file an insurance claim through Lyft for accidents that occur while you are officially a passenger. However, insurance companies often push back against claims, especially if they believe another party is at fault.
Florida’s no-fault laws further confuse the issue, putting personal injury protection (PIP) coverage in the mix. If you or a member of your household carries PIP insurance with your auto policy, you can file a claim within your policy’s limitations. PIP coverage applies to a portion of your medical care and lost income, regardless of who is at fault.
If you do not have PIP insurance or it is insufficient to cover your costs, our car accident lawyers may be able to file an insurance claim with Lyft or the at-fault party’s insurance.
Lyft Rideshare Accident Insurance in Florida
Lyft and other rideshare companies are required to carry auto liability insurance to cover damage inflicted by their drivers. The coverage typically applies when the driver is in the process of transporting a passenger through the Lyft app.
If your accident occurred while the driver was waiting for a ride or off duty, Lyft may decline your insurance claim. In that case, you may have to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance instead.
Lyft Driver Personal Auto Insurance Policies
Filing a claim against a Lyft driver’s auto insurance is the same as filing a claim for any other car accident. You must be able to prove that the driver was responsible for the accident and have documentation to show that you suffered damages, such as medical bills and physical pain, as a result.
If the insurance company denies your claim or fails to cover your losses, you may have to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for your damages.
Third-Party Auto Insurance Claims
Some Lyft accidents occur because of a third party’s negligence. For example, if your Lyft driver only lost control because a motorcyclist unexpectedly swerved in front of them, the motorcyclist could be liable. You could file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance for your losses.
Rideshare accident claims are often confusing and complicated. Insurance companies may deny claims, minimize payouts, and try to shift blame in order to protect their profits. You could benefit from working with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer who is familiar with rideshare laws in Florida. We can help you determine who is liable and negotiate with insurers on your behalf.
Report the Accident to Lyft
To file a claim with Lyft’s insurance, you must advise them of the accident. They will take the information you provide to begin the claim process through their insurance carrier.
How to Report an Accident to Lyft
You may have the option of reporting the accident through the app or via Lyft’s website.
Lyft drivers can report the accident through the Lyft app by selecting “Help” and then following the prompts to “Accident, damage, or unsafe ride” and then “Report an accident.”
However you file your report, make sure to provide as much information as possible. Lyft will ask for:
- Your contact information and ride details
- Accident details
- Vehicle, driver, and rider information
- Information about other involved parties
The Lyft driver and other involved parties will file their own claims, so it is important to report the accident for yourself. Our rideshare injury attorneys can help you give a statement that does not compromise your legal right to fair compensation.
Consult With a Lyft Accident Attorney in Florida
Before you file a claim with Lyft or another insurance carrier, contact a car accident lawyer in Florida who handles Lyft and Uber claims. At Rosenberg & Rosenberg, our family-owned firm is committed to helping injured parties pursue compensation and understand what happens if a Lyft driver gets in an accident in Florida.We offer free consultations and representation on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing up front for our legal assistance. Contact us today to speak with our legal team about your claim.
