If you are injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, you can hold them accountable for your damages through an insurance claim. You can seek compensation for things like your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Recovering compensation after an accident with a Lyft driver isn’t as simple. Because of Lyft’s complex relationship with its drivers, it can be unclear who is liable. Our Pawleys Island Lyft accident lawyers can identify all responsible parties and handle your claim while you recover.
Hopkins Law Firm has recovered more than $100 million for injured victims in South Carolina. When you’re hurt in an accident, Don’t Delay, Call Clay and find out how our Pawleys Island rideshare accident lawyers can help with your case during your free case evaluation.
Who Is Liable in a Lyft Accident Case?
Lyft drivers aren’t company employees. They are contractors who use their personal vehicles and choose their own schedules. To some extent, this shields Lyft from liability when accidents happen. That means, if a Lyft driver has hit you, you have to figure out how to file your claim.
Our Pawleys Island car accident lawyers will investigate your crash. We may review police reports, driver logs, witness statements, and any other evidence that will give us a clear picture.
This helps us understand what happened and who is responsible for your damages.
When Lyft Is Responsible
Whether Lyft’s insurance applies to your accident depends on what the driver was doing at the time. If they were logged into the Lyft app and waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage may apply.
However, if the driver had accepted a ride and was either en route to pick up or transporting a passenger at the time of the crash, Lyft provides up to $1 million in coverage for other drivers, pedestrians, and riders.
When the Driver Is Responsible
If the driver wasn’t logged into the Lyft app, the accident is typically treated like any other crash, and you must file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance. Our Pawleys Island personal injury lawyers can file and manage your claim.
In rare cases, Lyft may share liability if it was negligent, for example, in its hiring practices or in failing to address prior complaints.
It’s important to note that Lyft’s responsibilities in South Carolina are governed by S.C. Code § 58‑23‑1680. Our attorneys can help you understand how these laws affect your specific case.
What Compensation Can You Get for a Lyft Accident?
Your compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. It can range from thousands of dollars to many millions. Our team will assess your damages and seek maximum compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to your measurable financial losses resulting from an accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and future loss of earning capacity. These damages are based on actual costs and are verifiable through documentation.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are meant to cover your intangible losses like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. These damages don’t have a direct financial value and are often subjective.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, our Pawleys Island Lyft accident attorneys may seek punitive damages. Under South Carolina law, punitive damages are awarded to punish a defendant for willful, reckless, or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior.
Can You Sue Lyft for an Accident?
Yes, you can sue Lyft after an accident, but it might not always be the best option. Whether to file an insurance claim or sue depends on your situation. Filing a claim with the driver’s or Lyft’s insurance is usually faster and less costly, and insurance claims often settle more quickly.
However, if you’ve suffered serious injuries, face large damages, or the insurance company denies or delays your claim, suing may be necessary to pursue full compensation. Lawsuits are useful when liability is disputed or the insurance coverage limits are insufficient.
Rideshare accidents are common, and cases typically start with an insurance claim and escalate to a lawsuit. Our Lyft accident lawyers in Pawleys Island can help you understand your options and determine the best approach based on your unique circumstances.
Speak With Our Pawleys Island Lyft Accident Attorneys
An accident with a Lyft driver comes with all the stress and frustration of any car accident. You might have injuries that take time to heal and prevent you from performing your usual duties, such as working and caring for your family. Your debts can pile up, putting you at financial risk.
On top of that is the confusion of deciphering whether Lyft or its driver is liable for your damages. Our Pawleys Island Lyft accident attorneys can take that worry off your shoulders. We’ll investigate your crash, identify all liable parties, and hold them accountable.
Hopkins Law Firm is Your Trusted South Carolina Law Partner. Our team has more than two decades of combined legal experience, advocating for people injured in accidents through no fault of their own.
Call today to schedule your free case evaluation and tell us what happened.