Lyft Accident Attorneys in Alexandria, Virginia

If you've been involved in a car accident with a Lyft vehicle and are wondering what your next steps should be, you're not alone. Rideshare accidents are often confusing and involve multiple parties, which can make filing a claim very challenging.

However, once you emerge from the shock and confusion, Blaszkow Legal, PLLC is here to help you make sense of it all. Our team of experienced attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you need so you can heal and move forward.  

If you’ve been in a Lyft accident in Alexandria, Virginia, Fairfax, Woodbridge, Arlington, or Manassas, contact our team at Blaszkow Legal, PLLC, for a free consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Common Injuries from Lyft Accidents

Rideshare services like Lyft have significantly changed how we get around. While convenient and often cost-effective, they come with their own set of risks. The increase in rideshare vehicles on the road has inevitably led to a rise in accidents involving Lyft drivers. Lyft accidents can result in various injuries, such as: 

• Whiplash and other neck injuries 

• Broken bones and fractures 

• Traumatic brain injuries 

• Spinal cord injuries 

• Cuts and lacerations 

• Soft tissue injuries 

These injuries can be suffered by Lyft passengers, Lyft drivers, and other motorists, too depending on the facts of a crash. Suffering an injury in a rideshare accident can be challenging, but an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing a personal injury claim.

Who Is Liable in a Lyft Accident?

In a typical car accident case, the driver - or drivers! - who caused the accident are liable. Insurance companies pay claims because of their contractual duties to their insureds (remember - your case is against the at-fault driver, not that driver's insurance company!) What makes Lyft accidents unique is the involvement of multiple parties, each with varying degrees of liability. These include the Lyft driver, Lyft as a company, the other drivers involved, and any passengers.  

Who is At-Fault?

Lyft accidents are getting more common, because there are more and more drivers taking "rides," and thus more Lyfts are the road. Who is at-fault for a crash depends entirely on how the car accident happened.

1. The Lyft Driver - if the Lyft driver acted in a negligent manner, then that driver is going to be responsible for all injuries caused: to Lyft passengers, and to any other motorist/passengers involved.

2. The Other Driver - if, for example, the Lyft Driver was stopped at a red light, and rear-ended by a distracted driver, then the Lyft Driver, and any passenger, will have a claim against that driver. There is no claim to be made against Lyft in this situation.

Insurance Coverage in Lyft Accidents

Determining liability in a Lyft accident can be tricky. Several factors come into play, including whether the Lyft driver was logged into the app, whether they were carrying a passenger, and who caused the accident. There are "stages" of insurance coverage for Lyft Drivers and their passengers: 

• Driver logged in but without a passenger: Lyft’s insurance policy typically covers up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and up to $100,000 per accident. 

• Driver carrying a passenger or on the way to pick one up: Lyft’s $1 million liability insurance policy generally kicks in, covering both the driver and passengers. 

• Driver not logged in: The driver’s personal insurance applies - this means that Lyft or its insurance carrier are not involved. 

• Contribution from another driver: If another motorist caused the accident, their insurance may be responsible for covering the damages, regardless of the Lyft driver's status. 

• Other-party liability: In some cases, a defect in the Lyft vehicle or poor road maintenance may have contributed to the accident. In such scenarios, the vehicle manufacturer or entity responsible for the road's upkeep may share liability. 

• Passenger's actions: If a passenger's behavior distracted the Lyft driver and led to the accident, there might be an argument for shared liability between the driver and the passenger. This is, however, extremely rare.

Due to these variables, working with an experienced Lyft accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. 

What to Do After a Lyft Accident 

If you’ve been in a Lyft accident, there are certain steps you can take to protect your rights and well-being. These include:

• Get contact information: collect the names, phone numbers, and email-addresses of all those 1) involved and 2) who witnessed the scene. Lyft will never share that with you without a subpoena, so you need to get it yourself!

• Get medical attention: Your health is important. Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a medical professional because not all injuries are immediately apparent. 

• Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to the vehicles involved.  

• Report the accident: Notify Lyft through their app and report the accident to local law enforcement and your insurance company. 

• Consult an attorney: Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options. 

• Keep detailed records: Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, and correspondence related to the accident. These will be invaluable for your case. 

• Avoid discussing the accident: Refrain from discussing the details of the accident on social media or making statements to other parties without consulting your attorney first. Anything you say could impact your claim. 

Lyft Car Accidents in Virginia 

Under Virginia law, rideshare companies like Lyft must carry specific insurance policies that provide coverage in the event of an accident. Some of Virginia's specific regulations regarding rideshare vehicles include:

• Insurance requirements: Lyft must provide liability coverage of at least $1 million when a driver carries a passenger or is en-route to pick one up. 

• Uninsured motorist coverage: Lyft's insurance should also include uninsured motorist coverage, offering protection if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage (however, these limits are very low: only $50,000 per accident).

• Driver background checks: Virginia law requires Lyft to conduct thorough background checks on its drivers to ensure passenger safety. This includes reviewing the driver’s criminal history and driving record to identify any disqualifying offenses. 

• Driver vehicle inspections: Lyft drivers in Virginia must have their vehicles inspected annually by a certified mechanic to make sure they meet specific safety standards. This guarantees the vehicles are in good working condition and reduces the risk of mechanical failures.

Have You Been Hurt in a Car Accident Involving Lyft?

If you have been hurt in a Lyft Accident, then you need to call Virginia's premier Rideshare Accident law firm - Blaszkow Legal. Attorney Joe Blaszkow and his team have taken on all of the big insurance companies and won millions of dollars for their clients. These cases can get very complicated, very quickly, so call today!

We are available 24/7 to fight for you!