In some cases, yes. But even if you can’t sue Lyft directly, you can still pursue compensation if you have been injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle. The path to securing that compensation, however, is not straightforward. It involves understanding a unique insurance system designed specifically for rideshare companies.
The process is complicated by how Lyft classifies its drivers and the multiple layers of insurance that can apply depending on the driver’s status at the exact moment of the collision. This layered system has been put in place by provincial governments to protect the public, and an experienced Edmonton car accident lawyer can help you understand how these rules affect your claim.
Figuring out which insurance policy is responsible for your losses—the driver’s personal policy or one of Lyft’s commercial policies—is a challenge you should not have to face while you are recovering from an injury. If you have questions about what happened, you deserve to get answers.
Call MNH Injury Lawyers for a straightforward conversation about your situation at (888) 664-5298.
Why Is a Lyft Accident Claim Different From a Regular Car Accident Claim?
An accident involving a rideshare vehicle introduces legal hurdles that you would not encounter in a typical collision between two private vehicles. The primary differences lie in the legal classification of the driver and the specific insurance regulations that govern the rideshare industry. Car accidents happen in Alberta, and when they involve rideshare services, the process becomes even more complex due to these added legal and insurance layers.
The “Independent Contractor” Question
Lyft, like other rideshare companies, classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees. In simple terms, this means the company tries to distance itself from being legally responsible for the driver’s actions in the same way an employer would be for an employee. This legal concept is known as “vicarious liability.”
An employer is often responsible for the mistakes an employee makes while on the job. By classifying drivers as independent contractors, rideshare companies argue they are not directly liable for a driver’s negligence. This classification makes a direct lawsuit against the corporation more complicated.
The Real Target: A Substantial Insurance Policy
Because of these complexities, provincial governments in Canada have created rules requiring companies like Lyft to carry significant commercial insurance policies. These policies are designed to close any potential gaps in coverage and ensure that people injured in an accident with a rideshare vehicle have access to compensation. That is why it is important to choose a personal injury lawyer who understands how these policies work and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Therefore, the focus of your claim is typically not on suing the multi-national corporation itself, but on identifying and accessing the correct insurance coverage that is legally required to be in place for your protection.
How Does Insurance Coverage Work After a Lyft Accident?
The key to any claim is determining the driver’s status within the Lyft app at the moment of the incident. This status dictates which insurance policy applies, and in such cases can a lawyer help clarify which coverage applies and protect your right to full compensation.
Scenario 1: The Driver’s App is Off
If the driver is using their vehicle for personal reasons and is not logged into the Lyft app, they are considered a regular driver. In this case, any claim for damages would be made against their personal automobile insurance policy, just as in any other car accident. Lyft’s commercial insurance does not apply when the driver is offline.
Scenario 2: The Driver’s App is On, Waiting for a Ride Request
Once a driver logs into the app and is available to accept a ride, a commercial insurance policy provided by Lyft is triggered. This policy provides a significant layer of third-party liability coverage. In Alberta, for example, this coverage is typically $1 million. It also includes important protections like statutory accident benefits and uninsured motorist coverage.
Scenario 3: The Driver Has Accepted a Ride and Is Transporting a Passenger
This period—from the moment the driver accepts your ride request until you exit the vehicle—activates the highest level of insurance coverage. The commercial policy in place during this time includes at least $2 million in third-party liability coverage in provinces like Alberta, along with accident benefits and other protections. This is the policy that would most likely respond if you were injured as a Lyft passenger.
Who Can Make a Claim for Compensation?
As alluded to above, the unique insurance rules apply to several different scenarios, ensuring a wide range of people are protected if they are injured in a collision with a Lyft vehicle, and you have the right to seek compensation for injuries caused by the crash.
- If You Were a Lyft Passenger: You are covered by Lyft’s commercial insurance policy from the moment your ride is accepted. You can claim accident benefits and may be able to pursue a tort claim for your injuries if the driver was at fault.
- If You Were in Another Vehicle Hit by a Lyft Driver: Your path to compensation depends on the Lyft driver’s app status. We would investigate to determine which policy—the driver’s personal insurance or Lyft’s commercial insurance—is responsible for covering your losses.
- If You Were a Pedestrian or Cyclist: You have a right to seek compensation for your injuries. The claim would be directed at the appropriate insurance policy based on the driver’s activity in the app at the time they struck you.
What Kind of Compensation Could Be Available?
Compensation is typically divided into two main categories. This system is designed to provide immediate support while also allowing you to seek further damages if your injuries are serious.
1. Accident Benefits (No-Fault Benefits)
Regardless of who was at fault for the collision, you can apply for these benefits. They are a mandatory part of every auto insurance policy in Alberta, including the commercial policies held by Lyft. These benefits are designed to provide immediate support and can include:
- Medical and Rehabilitation Benefits: To cover costs for treatments not paid for by provincial health plans, such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and prescription medication.
- Income Replacement Benefits: If you are unable to work, these benefits can replace a portion of your lost income, typically up to a set weekly maximum.
- Attendant Care Benefits: To pay for a caregiver if your injuries are severe and you require assistance with personal care.
2. A Lawsuit (Tort Claim) Against the At-Fault Party
If the accident was caused by the negligence of the Lyft driver or another party, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages not covered by accident benefits. This is a separate action that seeks compensation for the full impact of the injury on your life, and a lawyer help me get compensation by guiding you through this process. This can include:
- Pain and Suffering: For the non-financial impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
- Future Care Costs: The projected cost of medical treatments, assistance, and modifications you will need for the rest of your life.
- Loss of Future Income: Compensation for the income you will be unable to earn due to your injuries.
- Other Financial Losses: Including out-of-pocket expenses incurred because of the accident.
What Can You Do From Home to Protect Your Right to Compensation?
While you recover at home, there are a few things you can do that can be helpful for a future claim. The information you gather in the days and weeks after the collision can become an important part of the story, so think carefully before you accept a rideshare settlement offer.
Keep a Record of Your Symptoms
Pain can change from day to day. It can flare up unexpectedly and affect different parts of your body at different times. Keep a simple journal noting where you feel pain, its intensity, and how it impacts your daily activities. This creates a detailed record of your recovery journey that can be more accurate than memory alone.
Track All Your Expenses
Hold on to every receipt related to the accident. This includes prescriptions, assistive devices (like crutches), transportation to medical appointments, and any other out-of-pocket costs. These small expenses can add up quickly, and a complete record ensures they are accounted for in your claim.
Be Cautious When Speaking to Insurance Companies
An insurance adjuster from the driver’s or Lyft’s insurer may contact you. Their role is to investigate the claim for their employer. Insurance companies are businesses, and they must balance paying claims with remaining profitable.
They will conduct a thorough investigation, which includes looking for any information that could suggest you were partly to blame. It is best to let a lawyer handle these communications. Our role is to ensure no amount of fault is unfairly placed on you.
How MNH Injury Lawyers Builds Your Lyft Accident Claim
When you are recovering, the last thing you need is the stress of a complicated claims process. This is where we step in. Our focus is on managing the legal and administrative details so you can prioritize your health while we handle your accident claim in Alberta.
- We Handle the Investigation: We will work to secure evidence to determine exactly what happened. This includes identifying the driver’s status on the Lyft app to confirm which insurance policy applies.
- We Manage All Communications: You will not have to speak to insurance adjusters. We take over all correspondence, protecting you from saying anything that could be used to diminish your claim.
- We Build Your Case for Compensation: We work with you and your medical providers to document the full extent of your injuries and the financial impact on your life. We then assemble this information to present a comprehensive demand for the maximum compensation available under the law.
- We Deal with the Paperwork: The claim process is long, tedious, and filled with paperwork. It is easy to get frustrated and accept a lower offer as bills pile up. We manage these administrative burdens so you can focus on what matters most—getting better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents
What if the Lyft driver and another driver were both at fault?
In cases of shared fault, you may be able to seek compensation from the insurance policies of both at-fault drivers. The amount of responsibility assigned to each driver will be determined, and we would pursue compensation from each insurer accordingly. As a passenger, you are not at fault, so your right to compensation remains.
Can I make a claim if I was a passenger in a Lyft that was hit by another car?
Yes. As a passenger, you have a right to make a claim. The primary source of compensation would likely be the at-fault driver’s insurance. However, the accident benefits portion of Lyft’s policy may also be available to you.
What if the at-fault driver who hit our Lyft was uninsured?
This is exactly why rideshare insurance policies are required to include Uninsured Automobile Coverage. If you are injured by an uninsured or unidentified driver, we can make a claim against this portion of Lyft’s policy to ensure you are compensated for your injuries. In Alberta, Lyft’s policy provides up to $2,000,000 in uninsured automobile coverage when you are on an active ride.
Does it cost anything for me to speak with a lawyer at your firm?
No. We provide free, no-obligation consultations. You can call us, explain what happened, and we will provide you with clear answers about your options. You do not pay any fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
Let Us Handle the Details, So You Can Focus on Healing
The moments after an accident are disorienting, and the path forward can seem unclear. When a rideshare vehicle is involved, the layers of insurance and legal questions add another level of complexity. You do not have to find the answers on your own.
Our single focus is on handling personal injury claims, and we are prepared to manage every detail of your case. We will determine which insurance policies apply, handle all communications on your behalf, and build a strong case for the compensation you need to support your recovery.
Let our experience work for you. Call MNH Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at (888) 664-5298.
