Were you injured in a Lyft accident in Atlanta? You could be owed significant compensation if you were injured while riding as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or if a rideshare driver hit you. Determining which party or parties are liable and what insurance coverage is available to you can be challenging. Turn to an experienced rideshare injury lawyer for the qualified legal counsel you deserve.

The Atlanta Lyft accident lawyers at Butler Kahn provide 100% free and confidential case evaluations, so you’ll never have to worry about whether you can afford to speak with a professional about your legal options. Don’t wait. Contact us to discuss your situation in detail today.

What Is Lyft?

Lyft is a rideshare service that connects riders with drivers through an application. Lyft is an affordable way to get around Atlanta if you want to avoid parking fees or don’t own a vehicle. It’s also a convenient option if you plan to consume alcohol or otherwise do not wish to use your own car.

While many people in Atlanta appreciate the convenience of rideshare services like Lyft, it’s crucial to note that those who drive for Lyft are not professional drivers. They have taken no additional classes or training and are not required to obtain any certifications other than a regular Class C driver’s license to be able to transport fares. There is also little to no supervision of rideshare drivers, meaning you could be transported by someone distracted, intoxicated, fatigued, or otherwise unable to operate a vehicle safely.

Do Drivers Have to Meet Certain Qualifications to Drive for Lyft in Atlanta?

To drive for Lyft in Atlanta, drivers must meet specific requirements. While Lyft drivers don’t need to have prior experience driving for rideshare companies, they must:

• Be 25 years of age or older
• Own an Android smartphone or iPhone
• Present a valid driver’s license
• Carry auto insurance
• Possess a clean driving record
• Use a four-door vehicle that has 5-8 seats in total and was manufactured in 2003 or later (this does not apply if the driver rents a car via Express Drive)

To start driving with Lyft, drivers must submit specific documents and personal information. They also must submit to a background check.

Does Lyft Carry Insurance for Their Drivers and Passengers?

Lyft offers insurance coverage to protect its customers and drivers. If a Lyft driver causes an accident and they were either on their way to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger then Lyft passengers may be covered by Lyft’s $1 million liability insurance policy.

Lyft also offers $1 million in UM (uninsured motorist) insurance to protect Lyft passengers who need additional coverage. For instance, if you were injured in a Lyft accident caused by another motorist with inadequate coverage, Lyft’s UM coverage could kick in to help pay for your additional losses. It should be noted that if a Lyft driver causes an accident when logged into the app but not on a ride or en route to pick someone up, Lyft only offers up to $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage.

Although Lyft’s liability coverage is generous, going through the claims process can still be challenging and complicated. That’s why consulting with a skilled legal professional who has experience helping clients seek compensation through Lyft’s auto insurance policies is essential.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Lyft Accident?

Liability for a Lyft accident depends on who caused the crash. If a negligent Lyft driver caused the accident, you could turn to Lyft’s insurance policy for fair compensation.

If you were injured in a Lyft accident caused by another motorist, that person could be responsible for the accident. In that case, you might be able to turn to their insurance policy for the money you need to pay your bills, recoup lost wages, repair your vehicle, and more.

What Are Some Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Atlanta?

Some of the most common causes of Lyft accidents in Atlanta include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Aggressive driving
• Drunk or intoxicated driving
• Driver fatigue
• Driver inexperience

What Should I Do If I Am Involved in a Lyft Accident?

If you were involved in a Lyft crash in Atlanta, there are a few crucial steps you should take to safeguard your rights:

• Seek medical attention immediately – If you need emergency medical attention, call 911 or have someone else call 911. Seeking medical attention immediately after the accident is critical. Your medical records can be used to prove that you suffered an injury in the accident, which will strengthen any insurance claim you file. If you sustained any injuries that aren’t yet showing symptoms, your doctor might be able to detect those injuries before complications occur.
• Call the police – Call the police to the scene of any injury accident. The responding officers will perform a preliminary investigation, potentially issue citations or arrest those violating traffic laws, and create an official police report. This could be crucial evidence if you need to file an insurance claim.
• Gather evidence – You should collect and preserve as much evidence from the scene as possible. If you are too injured to gather evidence, ask someone else to do it for you. Ask bystanders for their contact details so you (or your attorney) can reach out to them for a statement. Take photos of all the vehicles involved in the accident, any injuries you sustained, and the accident scene. Obtain the name of the Lyft driver you were riding with and the names of other drivers involved in the accident. It’s also a good idea to screenshot your trip details if possible.
• Contact an experienced Lyft accident attorney to represent you – If you’ve been severely injured in a crash, don’t expect the other party’s insurance company to look out for your best interests. Instead, turn to an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who will aggressively seek the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Is There a Time Limit on Filing a Lyft Accident Claim?

Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. While the majority of injury claims are settled long before a lawsuit needs to be filed, you need to keep this deadline in mind when seeking compensation from another party. Your injury lawyer will need plenty of time to investigate the crash, determine which party or parties are liable, calculate your losses and determine what you are owed, and negotiate a fair settlement.

If the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney might advise filing a lawsuit to seek compensation in court. If you fail to file your lawsuit before the two-year window expires, the court can dismiss your suit as untimely, and you can be prevented from recovering compensation.

Get in Touch with an Atlanta Lyft Accident Lawyer Today

Were you injured in a Lyft accident in Atlanta? If so, contact an Atlanta Lyft accident attorney at Butler Kahn for a no-risk case evaluation. We have extensive experience handling cases like these, so let us put our skills and resources to work for you. Call us or reach out to us online now.