Driving for Lyft comes with great flexibility and decent pay, but it also comes with some risks. One of the biggest risks is getting into a car accident while on the job. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and Lyft drivers need to be prepared should the worst come to pass.
So what exactly happens if a Lyft driver gets into an accident while working? Here's what Lyft drivers need to know.
The Basics Of Reporting An Accident
First things first, if a Lyft driver gets into any kind of accident while on the job, it needs to be reported to Lyft immediately. Of course, this is after ensuring the safety of the driver and any other parties involved.
The driver app has an easy-to-use feature to report any accident or damage to the vehicle. Lyft will first confirm that any passengers or the driver are unharmed. After that, they will begin the claims process.
Lyft's Insurance Policy
A big question many Lyft drivers have is, "What happens if my Lyft driver gets in an accident?". Lyft provides insurance coverage for drivers in certain scenarios. Lyft maintains insurance coverage on all vehicles used on its platform. The coverage includes:
- Contingent liability coverage up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, bodily injury, and $25,000 property damage. This kicks in when a driver has accepted a ride request but has not yet picked up the passenger.
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to $50,000 with a $2,500 deductible. This covers damage to the driver's car during periods 2 and 3.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage up to $1 million per accident if the at-fault party does not carry adequate insurance.
So in the event of an accident during most normal driving conditions for Lyft, drivers can be covered by Lyft's insurance policy, taking a lot of the stress out of the situation.
What About Your Own Insurance?
In addition to Lyft's coverage, a driver's own personal car insurance still comes into play as well. Nearly all insurers will exclude any commercial use, like ridesharing, from a personal auto policy. But some insurers now offer rideshare coverage endorsements or policies to cover the gaps between a personal and commercial policy.
Drivers should specifically ask their insurer about rideshare coverage options. This addition to your personal policy will cover you during period 1 - when the app is on, but you haven't accepted a ride request yet. This is the only time when Lyft's insurance will not apply.
Dealing With Injuries
Unfortunately, accidents do sometimes involve injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or occupants of other vehicles. Lyft's insurance described above will cover medical payments for injuries up to the defined limits.
If injuries are catastrophic, though, exceeding coverage limits, the situation can become complicated. Lawsuits may arise attempting to prove the driver, Lyft, manufacturers, or other parties were negligent and liable for additional damages.
An experienced personal injury attorney can advise on the options in these scenarios. Drivers should be sure to only make factual statements to Lyft, insurance companies, and authorities when an accident occurs. Anything said could be used later in attempting to prove or disprove liability.
What Happens In Case a Lyft Driver Gets In An Accident: Final Thoughts
The best accident is the one that never happens in the first place. Lyft drivers can take proactive steps to prevent accidents, such as by staying alert and driving defensively to help avoid catastrophic accidents. But when accidents do happen, Lyft drivers can take some comfort in knowing coverage is available when accidents are reported according to laid-down procedures, and they can always get in touch with an injury attorney for legal support.