If you were in an accident with a Lyft driver, you may not know what to do. Do you inform Lyft? Does the driver have insurance? If you suffered injuries due to an accident with any vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation. The same could be said if the other driver happened to be carrying passengers for the rideshare service.
After an accident, here are the steps that you need to take to ensure that you receive adequate compensation.
Contact the Insurance Company
After an accident, you should receive the insurance details of the Lyft driver. Lyft drivers are independent contractors. This means that the company is not liable for the accident. In most cases, you will not file a claim against the company or with the company’s insurance policy. Lyft does have an insurance company and if your injuries or damages exceed the driver’s insurance limit, you may be covered under Lyft’s policy. Lyft insures up to $1,000,000 per accident.
Be careful when discussing the accident with the insurance company. Most insurance companies want to pay the bare minimum. Even if an insurance adjuster sounds sympathetic, her or she can use anything that you say against you. For instance, if you apologize or if you say anything that alludes to fault, the insurance company may use it against you. Be brief and discuss the details of the accident.
Consult with a Lawyer
If you filed a claim with the insurance company, your next step should be to talk with a lawyer. Once you filed the claim, a claims adjuster will investigate your case. He or she will determine who is at fault for the accident. The insurance companies tend to work together but do not always agree.
It is possible that the insurance company could attempt to say that the Lyft driver was not the one at fault. If you have a lawyer, you have a better shot at proving your case. He or she can help compile your evidence and use it to make sure that you receive the best possible settlement. If the insurance company refuses to settle, the lawyer can take the case to trial.
No matter the type of car accident, it is always a good idea to consult with a lawyer, like a Lyft accident lawyer in Towson, MD from Seigel & Rouhana. Your attorney will advocate for you, will negotiate for you, and will ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.