Can you sue Lyft for an accident? While most Lyft claims are filed against other drivers or the rideshare company’s third-party insurance, Lyft itself can be sued for acts of negligence. These types of claims may be pursued less frequently, but are still possible.
Understanding How Traditional Lyft Claims Operate
Lyft is generally shielded from liability because its drivers are considered independent contractors (Texas Occupations Code § 2402.1141). This shifts how accident claims are covered when a Lyft driver causes an accident. It also helps Lyft avoid lawsuits from being filed directly against the company in most situations.
Lyft’s insurance coverage2 is structured so that a driver’s personal insurance covers damages when the app is off and they are not actively driving for the rideshare company. If they cause an accident while the app is on and they are waiting to receive rides, Lyft’s third-party insurance provides bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. When a driver is driving on an active ride, third-party coverage is increased to $1,000,000.
Most claims are filed at the driver level and don’t reach Lyft itself.
Grounds for Suing Lyft for an Accident
Lawsuits directly against Lyft can be filed if the company acted negligently and contributed to the accident that caused your injury. The company still maintains a degree of responsibility for who drives for it.
According to Texas Occupations Code § 2402-1073, Lyft is required to ensure its drivers are at least 18 years old, carry a valid driver’s license, proof of registration, and valid insurance coverage. The company must conduct additional checks into the applicant’s driving record and criminal history, including sex offender registration. Certain moving violations and criminal history will disqualify individuals.
If Lyft failed to properly vet a driver’s criminal or driving record, the company could be held liable for any accidents or acts of violence the individual committed. While this may give you grounds to sue Lyft directly, you could be required to resolve your case through binding arbitration instead, per the Lyft terms of service4. Lawyers can provide clarity based on the circumstances of your situation.
Support Your Claim With Substantial Evidence
Substantial evidence is needed to support claims against Lyft drivers or a lawsuit against Lyft itself. You should start by filing a police report for the accident with the Lubbock Police Department and visit the reports and forms5 page on their website to obtain a copy. Medical records after an accident are critical for demonstrating that you received timely medical treatment and to show the extent of your injuries. Photos, witness statements, and/or any dash cam footage you have can also support your case.
Some forms of evidence may be difficult to access without legal support. The lawyer handling your case can take action to access Lyft app data, GPS data, and traffic surveillance footage, to name a few. These and other forms of evidence can provide a clear picture that can make it easier to file a driver claim or Lyft lawsuit and get favorable results.
Deadlines for Filing a Lyft Car Accident Lawsuit
To file a lawsuit against Lyft or other applicable party involved in the accident, you must do so within two years of the accident, according to Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.0036. The investigation and claims process can take a significant portion of this time, which makes it imperative to take prompt action.
Lyft has significant resources available when it comes to lawsuits and claims against the company, and you likely stand the best chance of a successful recovery by working with an attorney.
Sources:
1 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=OC&chapter=OC.2402&artSec=2402.114
2 https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115013080548-Insurance-coverage-while-driving-with-lyft
3 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=OC&chapter=OC.2402&artSec=2402.107
4 https://www.lyft.com/terms
5 https://www.mylubbock.us/613/Reports-Forms
6 https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?artSec=16.003&chapter=CP.16&code=CP&tab=2