Average Lyft Accident Settlement Amount in California (2024 Update)
Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Short answer: The average Lyft accident settlement entirely depends on what stage of the ride a driver or passenger is in. If a driver is waiting for a ride request, settlements can be approximately $75,000. If a driver is in route to pick up a passenger, or is driving a passenger and both are injured, settlements can exceed $350,000 quickly.
Average Lyft Accident Settlement in California
| Stage of Ride Accident Happens | Average Settlement |
| When the App is Off | Approximately: $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Waiting for a Ride Request | Approximately: $50,000 – $175,000 |
| In Route to Pick Up Passenger(s) | Approximately: $200,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Passengers in Car | Approximately: $200,000 – $1,000,000+ |
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How Lyft Insurance Policies Work for Drivers and Passengers
- Coverage When the App is Off:
When the Lyft driver app is not active, your personal auto insurance applies. In other words, your regular car insurance coverage comes into play during this time.
- Coverage When the App is On and Waiting for a Ride Request:
Lyft maintains third-party liability insurance for covered accidents if your personal insurance does not apply. The minimum coverage amounts are:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
- Coverage When Drivers Are En Route to Pick Up Passengers or During Rides:
During this phase, Lyft provides the following insurance:
- Third-party auto liability: At least $1,000,000 per accident.
First-party coverages, which may include:
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Underinsured motorist coverage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- MedPay
- Occupational Accident coverage
If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto policy, Lyft also maintains contingent comprehensive & collision coverage:
- This covers physical damage to your vehicle resulting from an accident.
- The coverage extends up to the actual cash value of your car (with a **$2,500 deductible**).
- Importantly, this coverage applies regardless of whether you’re at fault.
Remember that if you already carry commercial insurance or personal coverage specifically for ridesharing, Lyft’s policy will be excess to your existing insurance coverage.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amount the Most
Extent and Duration of Injuries
The severity and longevity of the injuries sustained in the accident.
Impact on Pre-Crash Normal Life
How the injuries have affected your lifestyle and ability to perform regular activities prior to the accident.
Hiring a Lawyer
How clear the liability or negligence was of the at-fault Lyft driver
Pattern of Liability
How clear the liability or negligence was of the at-fault Lyft driver.
Loss of Income
If your injury has caused you to miss work, this may limit your earning capacity and can be factored into the settlement.
Pain and Suffering
This includes both physical pain and emotional suffering.
Past and Future Medical Expenses
The cost of medical bills, both present and future, can affect the settlement.
What are Common Challenges People can Face When Trying to Settle an Accident Claim with Lyft?
Common challenges people may encounter when trying to settle an accident claim with Lyft include:
Complex Insurance Policies
Understanding and navigating Lyft’s insurance policies can be challenging, as they may have different coverages depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
Determining Liability
Establishing who is at fault in the accident can be disputed, leading to challenges in negotiations and settlement discussions.
Insurance Limits
The insurance coverage available may have limits, and if the damages exceed these limits, obtaining full compensation may be difficult.
Negotiation Tactics
Lyft and their insurers may employ negotiation tactics to minimize the settlement amount, making it crucial for claimants to be prepared for negotiations.
Pre-existing Injuries
If the claimant had pre-existing injuries, there might be challenges in proving that the Lyft accident exacerbated or worsened those injuries.
Time Constraints
There may be time constraints for filing claims or meeting specific deadlines, and missing these deadlines could affect the ability to pursue a settlement.
Disputes on Damages
Disputes may arise regarding the extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Limited Communication
Communication challenges with Lyft or their insurance representatives may hinder the resolution process, requiring persistence and legal assistance.
Uncooperative Witnesses
If there were witnesses to the accident, their cooperation and willingness to provide statements can impact the strength of the claim.
Legal Complexity
The legal process itself can be complex, and individuals may face challenges in navigating the legal system without proper legal representation.
*Given these challenges, seeking legal advice early in the process can help individuals address these complexities and enhance their chances of successfully settling an accident claim with Lyft.
What Lyft Drivers Should Consider After an Accident
Report the Accident to Police
It’s important to report the accident to the police as soon as possible.
Document the accident
Document as much as you can after the accident. Take pictures, notes, save footage, find any witnesses and any additional evidence that could help your claim.
Seek medical attention
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact your insurance company
Report the accident to your insurance company. Provide them with all the information you have about the accident.
Report the accident to Lyft
Lyft requires drivers to report any accidents that occur while they are using the app.
Consult a lawyer
Speak with a lawyer who is experienced in handling rideshare accidents. They can guide you through the process and help protect your rights
What Lyft Passengers Should Do After Being in an Accident
If you’re a Lyft passenger and have been involved in an accident, here are the steps you should follow:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you or anyone involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention, call 911.
Call Law Enforcement
Request a police report at the scene of the accident.
Document the Accident
Use your cell phone to take photos of the scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any factors that might have contributed to the accident.
Exchange Information
If more than one vehicle is involved, drivers should exchange insurance information.
Report the Accident to Lyft
Lyft requires passengers to report any accidents that occur while they are using the app.
Avoid Direct Communications with the Insurance Company’s Claims Adjuster
While your medical treatment is underway, avoid direct communications with the insurance company’s claims adjuster.
Consult a Lawyer
Speak with a lawyer who is experienced in handling rideshare accidents. They can guide you through the process and help protect your rights
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer
Hiring a lawyer after a Lyft accident is crucial for maximizing compensation. Attorneys understand the complexities of rideshare accident cases, navigating Lyft’s insurance policies, and determining liability.
They can assess damages accurately, ensuring all relevant factors are considered, from medical expenses to lost wages and non-economic damages.
Lawyers negotiate with Lyft’s insurers, utilizing their expertise to secure fair settlements. In cases of disputed liability or inadequate compensation, lawyers can escalate the matter to court, advocating for the injured party’s rights and significantly improving the chances of recovering the full and deserved compensation.
Get Connected with an Attorney
Recently in a Lyft accident as a passenger or driver and looking for help? Contact LawLinq today to speak with some of the best Lyft accident lawyers in the state. All initial consultations are free and our lawyers will answer any questions you have.
Sources:
- Insurance coverage while driving with Lyft – Lyft Help. https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115013080548-Insurance-Policy.
- Insurance resources for Lyft drivers. https://www.lyft.com/driver/insurance..
- Lyft Insurance Policies: What You Need to Know | Quick Accident …. https://quirkwins.com/lyft-insurance/.
- en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyft.
