Ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber are now commonly-used. These popular services utilize an app to match passengers with drivers. At times, Lyft drivers can cause accidents that injure their passengers. Lyft drivers may also injure pedestrians or people in other vehicles. At times, Lyft drivers may be hit by other drivers who are driving dangerous. In all of these situations, an injured person may be entitled to significant compensation.

People who have been injured due to a Lyft accident need an experienced Lyft personal injury lawyer. You can trust the experienced Lyft accident lawyer John Mattiacci and the legal team at Mattiacci Law to handle your case.

Can a Lyft Driver Be Responsible for an Accident?

A Lyft driver can be held responsible for a car accident if the driver was negligent. Negligence means that driver failed to exercise reasonable care. Negligence can include actions like speeding, going through a stop sign or traffic light, using a phone while driving, or hitting another vehicle. If the Lyft driver may be responsible if he or she causes an accident.

Does a Lyft Car Provide Insurance?

Lyft can have significant insurance available. Lyft vehicles should have up to $1 million in coverage available while a passenger is being driven in the car. This should also apply when the Lyft car is on the way to pick up a matched passenger.

This amount of insurance is much greater than what is typically available through regular taxis. Taxis in Pennsylvania are only required to carry $15,000 in liability coverage. That means that if you are injured by a taxi cab in Pennsylvania, that taxi may only have up to $15,000 to pay you for your injuries and damages. However, if you are hurt in a Lyft car there should be up to $1 million in coverage to help pay for your injuries and damages.

However, the $1 million may depend on whether the Lyft car is carrying a passenger or on its way to pick up an assigned rider. There may be less insurance money available if a Lyft driver causes an accident while that driver is simply driving around waiting to be matched with a passenger.

Issues like these are why it is important to speak to an experienced Lyft personal injury lawyer immediately after an accident. Lyft accident lawyer John Mattiacci and the team at Mattiacci Law have more than seventeen years of experience handling car accident cases. Our team of Philadelphia car accident lawyers have not only handled accidents against ride share services and taxis, but also against buses, trucks, cars, commercial shuttles, trucks, and government vehicles.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motor Vehicle Insurance

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is incredibly important. Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) helps to pay you for your injuries and damages if you are injured by someone who doesn’t have insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) can pay you money if a driver injures you and that driver does not have enough insurance to fully pay for your injuries and damages.

Everyone who owns a car should have UM and UIM coverage. However, not everyone does. However, you should be covered by UM/UIM insurance if you are injured while you are in a Lyft car.

Lyft vehicles provide UM/UIM coverage when they are carrying passengers. If you are a passenger in a Lyft car and another driver hits the Lyft car and injures you, then the UM/UIM coverage may help pay for your injuries and damages. This applies even if the Lyft driver didn’t do anything to cause or contribute to the accident. This coverage can be incredibly helpful in maximizing your recovery.

It is incredibly important for you to hire an experienced Lyft accident lawyer if you are in an accident. Call the Lyft accident law firm of Mattiacci Law today for a free consultation.

Ways to Stay Safe While Using Lyft

Lyft and other ride-sharing services can be convenient. However, there are still risks associated with getting into an unfamiliar car that go beyond car accidents. Staying safe in a Lyft car takes more than just wearing your seat belt.

First, make sure you are getting into the right vehicle. The Lyft app should identify the car that has been assigned to pick you up. Make sure that the car you intend to get into matches with the vehicle make, model, color, and license plate number. Be sure to do this before getting in the car.

The app should also identify your driver’s name. Ask the driver his or her name when the driver pulls up and make sure it matches what is on the app. The driver should also know your name after being assigned to pick you up. You can ask the driver to identify your name as another way of ensuring the correct vehicle is there. 

The Lyft app also has a way to send your estimated time of arrival (ETA) to a family member or friend. Choose the 'Send ETA' option on the app after requesting a ride. That should send your chosen friend or family member a text message with an in-app link to your current route and location.

There Is No Fee Unless We Recover Money in Your Case

Our firm uses a contingent fee. Our initial consultation is always free. Our clients are never charged a retainer. Our firm fronts the costs in the case.  We only get paid if we recover money in your case.

Call Now If You Have Been Injured in a Lyft Car in Philadelphia

Contact Lyft accident lawyer John Mattiacci today if you have been in a Lyft car accident. We will fight for you and get you the compensation you deserve.