You took a Lyft to make things easier. Maybe it was a quick ride to the airport, a night out, or a safer option than driving yourself. But then something went wrong. An accident happened, and now you’re left with injuries, bills, and questions.

At Stanfield Bechtel Law, we help people in Middletown and throughout Connecticut who’ve been hurt in rideshare crashes. Whether you were riding in a Lyft, hit by one, or driving your own car, we can help you figure out your next steps.

Who Can Be Hurt in a Lyft Accident?

Rideshare accidents often involve more than just the Lyft driver and their passenger. Anyone on the road can be affected. We’ve worked with people who were:

  • Passengers in a Lyft when the crash occurred
  • Drivers or passengers in another car hit by a Lyft
  • Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare driver

If you were hurt in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, you may have the right to compensation. It all depends on who was at fault and what insurance coverage applies. We’ll help you sort that out.

How Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Works

Lyft provides insurance for drivers, but the coverage that applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • App off: Lyft’s insurance doesn’t apply. The driver’s personal policy must cover the crash.
  • App on, no ride accepted yet: Lyft provides limited liability coverage, usually up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for injuries and $25,000 for property damage.
  • Ride accepted or passenger in the car: Lyft’s full $1 million liability policy kicks in.

It sounds simple, but getting access to that coverage isn’t always easy. The insurance company may argue about timing or deny that Lyft was responsible. We know how to push back and get answers.

What Causes Lyft Accidents?

Like any crash, Lyft accidents can happen for a number of reasons. However, certain issues come up more often with rideshare drivers. These include:

  • Using the app while driving, which can be distracting
  • Rushing to accept or complete rides
  • Driving while tired from long hours on the road
  • Making unsafe pickups or drop-offs
  • Bad weather or poor road conditions

In some cases, another driver may be at fault, not the Lyft driver. We’ll take a close look at what happened to build a strong case on your behalf.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Lyft Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial toll it has taken on your life. The exact amount will depend on the details of your case, but we’ll work to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Common types of damages in rideshare accident claims include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

In rare cases involving reckless or outrageous conduct, additional damages may be awarded. We’ll take the time to understand how your injuries have impacted your life and fight for a full recovery.

What Should You Do After a Lyft Accident?

The minutes and hours after a car accident can be overwhelming. If you’re hurt in a Lyft accident, try to take the following steps:

  • Call 911 and get medical attention
  • Report the crash to Lyft through the app
  • Take photos of the scene, if you can
  • Get the names and contact info of witnesses
  • Don’t give a statement to the insurance company right away

Once you’ve taken care of your immediate safety, we encourage you to reach out to a personal injury attorney. We’ll help you handle the claim so you can focus on your recovery.

How Stanfield Bechtel Law Can Help

Rideshare cases come with extra complications. There’s often more than one insurance policy involved, and Lyft’s corporate insurers are trained to protect their bottom line.

That’s where we come in. Our team will:

  • Investigate the crash and determine who was responsible
  • Gather evidence and speak with witnesses
  • Review all insurance coverage available
  • Handle negotiations with Lyft’s insurance carrier
  • Fight for fair compensation in court if needed

We’ll keep you updated every step of the way and answer your questions clearly and directly. You won’t be left wondering what’s happening with your case.

Contact Our Experienced Middletown, CT Lyft Accident Attorneys

You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident anywhere in Connecticut, we’re here to help. Let us handle the legal side while you focus on getting better. Call Stanfield Bechtel Law today for a free consultation.