While rideshare drivers must meet certain minimum requirements and have their vehicles undergo a 19-point inspection, they cannot control the actions of other individuals on the road. Unfortunately, accidents still happen.
If you are involved in an accident involving a Lyft driver, it is important to follow the following steps: 1. Check yourself and others for injuries.
Call the Police
While Lyft drivers may not be responsible for all car accidents, they play a significant role in these tragedies. It is important to call the police right away so that an officer can create a detailed accident report.
This report will be a critical piece of evidence for your claim. You could also be compensated for all losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and other costs if injured.
Illinois law requires that all crashes be reported to the authorities. In addition, calling the police enables you to comply with Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies. When a driver has the app on and is logged in to the company, they must carry $1 million of coverage for accidents during a ride. If the driver is offline, they would only be covered by their personal insurance policy.
Move Your Car to the Shoulder of the Road
Depending on the circumstances, you might need to move your car so the police can take a closer look. Doing so could protect you from further harm and make filing a Lyft accident claim easier.
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft provide a convenient alternative to traditional taxis in Chicago. They are often cheaper than cabs and can get you where you need to go faster and more comfortably than the Metra. Unfortunately, these drivers are still susceptible to the same careless driving behaviors that cause many car accidents in Illinois. If you are injured in a rideshare accident, pursuing a claim against the driver and their company might help pay medical bills and other expenses. A Lyft lawyer Chicago can guide you through the process.
Get Medical Attention
Immediately after the accident, it is best to seek medical attention. Not only will this ensure you get treatment for any injuries you have, but it also helps your case when the insurance company sees your medical records.
Many rideshare drivers rush to pick up passengers or complete rides to make as much money as possible. As a result, they may be more likely to speed or engage in other dangerous driving practices to meet their earnings goals.
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, so they are not subject to the same safety standards as cab and bus drivers. This can make it more challenging to recover compensation after a crash involving one of these vehicles.
Exchange Information
Rideshare programs like Lyft allow passengers to get where they need to go without waiting for a taxi. However, these services place riders on the backs of strangers’ vehicles and expose them to reckless or careless conduct that can cause car accidents.
Drivers must adhere to safety regulations to ensure their passengers’ safety. Yet, the desire to complete more daily trips might make some drivers neglect those rules and drive recklessly.
If you are in a crash with a Lyft driver, you should collect their name, address, phone number, license plate information, and insurance information. Also, look for any witnesses in the area and ask for their contact information. They can provide valuable testimony that helps support your claim for damages.
Contact an Attorney
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient but have risks. If you are a victim of an accident involving a Lyft driver, it is important to contact an experienced Chicago Lyft car crash attorney as soon as possible.
When a Lyft driver is on duty and has the app open, they are considered actively working and are covered under the company’s $1 million insurance policy. However, when drivers are not on duty or have the app closed, they are not covered under Lyft’s insurance.
Pursuing a claim against the company can be difficult because it is based on comparative rather than fault-based negligence. A skilled Chicago Lyft accident lawyer could help victims receive the compensation they deserve.
