Pedestrians and cyclists hit by Lyft drivers often face serious physical injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uphill battle holding the right party accountable. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, we’ve been protecting the rights of injured clients and their families since 1981.
From rideshare accidents to traumatic brain injury cases, our practice is focused solely on representing victims of preventable accidents through dedicated advocacy and compassionate client support. If you or someone you love was involved in a collision with a Lyft driver, you deserve answers, accountability, and support from a team that understands how rideshare accident claims work.
How Liability Is Determined In Lyft Pedestrian And Cyclist Accidents
After being hit by a Lyft driver, pedestrians and cyclists are often unsure of whether they have a valid claim for compensation or who may be held responsible. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, liability could rest with the Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or even a third party involved in the accident.
When liability is unclear, having one of our experienced Alexandria, VA, Lyft accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. Assigning liability in Lyft pedestrian and cyclist accidents involves evaluating several key factors.
Some of these include the following.
Driver’s Status On The Lyft App
One of the first things investigators look into is the driver’s status on the Lyft app when the crash occurred. Lyft’s insurance obligations vary based on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone.
Typically, if the driver was offline, their personal insurance is responsible for any damages. However, if the driver was on a trip or headed to pick up a passenger, Lyft’s commercial insurance policy usually applies.
Negligence Of The Lyft Driver
As with any traffic accident, negligence on the part of the Lyft driver is a central focus in these cases. If the driver was distracted, speeding, ignored traffic signals, or otherwise failed to exercise reasonable care, they may be found responsible for the crash. Evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and police reports helps paint a clear picture of the driver’s behavior and can reveal any violations of traffic laws or reckless conduct.
Liability Of The Rideshare Company
In certain situations, Lyft may share liability, especially if the company fails to properly vet or train the driver or if its policies contribute to unsafe conditions. This includes failing to conduct thorough background checks or inadequately training drivers on safety protocols. If the company is found partially responsible, this could significantly impact the outcome of a claim and increase the total compensation available to the injured party.
Third-Party Involvement
Liability isn’t always limited to the Lyft driver or the company. Sometimes, a third party, such as another driver, a government agency, or a vehicle manufacturer with a defective product, may also be held accountable. For example, if a poorly maintained road or a faulty traffic light was a contributing factor, the government agency responsible for road maintenance may be included in the injury claim.
Injured In A Lyft Accident? Let Us Help You Get The Compensation You Deserve.
The road to recovery after a Lyft accident can be long and difficult, but the good news is you don’t have to face it alone. With the right legal support, you can focus on what matters most, knowing that your case is in capable hands. At Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, our results speak for themselves.
We recently secured a $1 million settlement for a pedestrian injured by a rideshare driver and are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you need to cover medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how we can assist you in your recovery.