More people are choosing rideshare as the way to get where they need to go. Rideshare companies, such as Lyft, are growing in popularity. There are thousands of rideshare vehicles across the country. If you have been hit by a Lyft driver, or any other ridesharing service, you will need to pursue a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages. If you have suffered serious damages, there is a chance that your losses will exceed the limit of the insurance policy. In that case, you will pursue a claim against your underinsured motorist coverage to cover the costs of the damages that exceed the insurance policy of the other driver.
If the rideshare driver is traveling to pick up a paying customer, of if he or she is transporting a paying passenger, they are covered by the company's insurance policy. Lyft, or any other rideshare platform, must maintain commercial insurance protection, which includes $1 million of liability coverage. If the driver isn’t transporting a paying customer, his or her personal auto policy is in effect and it will pay up to its maximum payout for your damages. If you have serious injuries that will lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement and long-term disabilities, your damages will exceed the maximum payout of the insurance policy and you will have to file a claim with your underinsured motorist coverage to pay out the rest of the damages. Your damages might even exceed the value of that policy as well.
What To Do If Hit By A Rideshare Driver
If an underinsured driver has hit you, stay on the scene of the accident. You will want to call the police and file an accident report. The officer will investigate the cause of the crash and determine liability. If possible, get photos of the crash scene, and ask any witnesses to provide you with written statements regarding what they saw. You will want to make sure you get the names of any witnesses as well as their contact information.
The more supporting documentation that you gather to show your damages and the cause of the crash, the more likely you are to have a successful personal injury claim. You will need to list all your damages and itemize the value of each loss. You will then need to add up those losses and come up with an overall total for your losses. A personal injury lawyer will help you determine your losses and gather supporting documentation and evidence to show the losses you sustained when you were hit by an underinsured driver.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been hit by an underinsured driver, you should enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer who is licensed in your state. Each state has a strict statute of limitations for pursuing a claim. If you wait too long, you will not be able to recover compensation for your damages. A personal injury lawyer will not require upfront payment. Instead, an accident injury attorney works on a contingency basis, which means that the lawyer will not get paid until you win your case. Get your free case review today.
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*Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Lyft or any other party, you may not be entitled to compensation.
