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Can Passengers Sue Lyft For Injuries And Damages?
Lyft is a rideshare facility offered to citizens to ease their transportation. It also acts as an environmentally friendly option because fewer people travel by individual vehicles.
However, accidents can happen anywhere. And lyft rides are no exception and have been rising in the city of Atlanta. There are many cases where rideshare vehicles get into a crash and injure people. Sometimes, the injuries are severe and may lead to long-term disability in the passengers.
Fortunately, if god forbid you ever get injured in a rideshare crash, you can claim compensation from the liable party. The legalities in rideshare cases are much different than in typical car crashes.
So, read on to comprehend more about who compensates your damages in different rideshare crash cases.
Are you Entitled To Sue Lyft For Your Damages?
Yes, you are legally entitled to sue the liable person for causing you injuries and damages, be it economic or punitive. According to lyft accident attorney atlanta, it has commercial liability insurance; thus covers the damages to passengers if the compensatory amount surmounts the driver’s insurance coverage.
In addition, there are several other instances where the rideshare’s Insurance covers the victims’ losses. Let us read further to understand its insurance policy and its benefits to the victims.
Lyft Insurance Policy
You’d be glad to know that Lyft has at least $1 million in insurance coverage per accident. However, certain circumstances imply that it may not be fully available to the victims.
There are four types of coverage that this Insurance provides. These are:
- Period 0: When the driver is using the ride for personal use, and the app is off
- Period 1: The driver is waiting for a ride with the app open and logged in
- Period 2: The driver is on his way to pick up the passenger
- Period 3: The passenger is in the vehicle at the time of the crash
In case of an accident, the plaintiff is entitled to compensation in period three only. In this portion, the rideshare company offers two coverages, namely:
- Third-party liability of Dollar one million
- UM/UIM (Uninsured/ Underinsured Motorist) protection of up to one million dollars.
Whose Insurance Will Pay You Your Compensation?
Generally, accidents involving rideshare vehicles are complex and confusing. It is because most rideshare drivers use their cars for commercial purposes; thus, most insurance companies do not cover an accident if it happens in a retail setting.
Consequently, the rideshare company’s liability is to offer you the amount for all your damages. It uses the third-party liability claim to cover the victim’s injury and property losses.
Certain factors may affect the rideshare’s liability toward the victim. These include:
- The driver is not at fault: If the rideshare driver is not at fault, the victim can claim the damage coverage from the at-fault party. It could be the other driver, property owner, or others. However, If the at-fault driver does not have insurance or is underinsured, then the company’s UM/UIM insurance comes into place.
- Whether the state considers the rideshare driver as an employee or no
- Whether or not you, as a passenger, were wearing a seatbelt.
Bottom line
It is best to consult an attorney to discuss your case and understand your rights as a victim in rideshare crash cases. The rights may differ as per the state you have been hurt in. However, there is complete justice in every case.
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