What Happens If a Lyft Driver Hits a Cyclist? - Adamson Ahdoot

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What Happens If a Lyft Driver Hits a Cyclist?

April 30, 2024 Alan Ahdoot
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Cycling is a popular mode of transportation in the US, with more than 54.7 million Americans riding their bikes to get around major cities like Los Angeles. But as the number of cyclists on the road increases, so does the potential for catastrophic bicycle accidents. 

Cyclists are at high risk of being hit by another car whenever they’re on the road. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says roughly half a million cyclists are injured in car-on-bike collisions. These incidents can be complicated, especially when they involve Lyft drivers. 

While no one wants to prepare for a Lyft accident, knowing what to do in the aftermath is crucial in protecting your rights. Below, we’ve outlined what you must do if you hit a cyclist or if a Lyft driver hits you while biking. 

What to Do If a Lyft Driver Hits You

If you’ve been hit by a Lyft driver while riding your bike, here’s what you must do:

  • Get to safety: If you can, move to a safe area where you won’t be in danger of getting hit again. 
  • Get immediate medical attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor, you must get immediate medical attention. It would be best to get a proper evaluation from a medical professional to know the true extent of your injuries. 
  • Call the police: Once you get emergency treatment, call the police and ask them to make an official police report. The report will be crucial for filing your claim.
  • Exchange Contact Information: Talk to the Lyft driver and ask them to exchange contact information with you. We also recommend you get the name of their insurance provider so you know who to contact when you file your claim.
  • Keep your bike: Keep your damaged bike, clothing, and other items you wore when the incident occurred. You can use your bike as physical evidence to support your claim. 

What to Do If You Hit a Cyclist

If you’re a Lyft driver, here’s what you need to do if you hit a cyclist:

  • Get to safety: Park your car safely, away from traffic, if possible. 
  • Check for injuries: Check if anyone is injured, including your passenger. If the cyclist has been injured, call emergency services immediately and ensure they receive immediate medical attention. 
  • Call the police: Stay on the scene and call the police. Ask the responding officer to make a formal police report of the incident. 
  • Take photos: Take photos of any visible damage on your car and the cyclist’s bike. We also suggest you take photos of your surroundings when the incident occurred. These pictures will give your insurance provider an idea of the damage you and the cyclist have sustained. 
  • Exchange information: Once you can, exchange contact and insurance information with the cyclist. Get their name and phone number so you know who to contact.
  • Report the incident: Lyft requires every driver to report any accident they’re involved in, especially if they occur while using the platform.
A woman riding her bike before a Lyft driver causes an accident.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly half a million cyclists are injured due to car-on-bike collisions.  

What Damages Can Cyclists Claim?

The damages that an injured cyclist may claim vary depending on the nature of their case. But typically, they can get compensation for the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Wrongful death

Should I Hire A Lyft Accident Lawyer?

While you can pursue legal action alone, hiring a Lyft accident lawyer to help you with your claim is best, and here’s why:

Establishing Liability

Determining liability for bicycle accidents involving ridesharing companies like Lyft can be difficult. 

By default, Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors. They’re not employees, meaning the company is not legally responsible for their actions.

However, they can still be held responsible for your injuries under certain circumstances. For instance, if Lyft knowingly hired a driver with a suspended license or a history of reckless driving, you could hold them liable for negligent hiring.

A Lyft accident lawyer will help determine whether you can file a claim against the driver or the company. 

Understanding Lyft’s Insurance Policy

Lyft offers every driver several insurance policies, depending on when the accident occurred: 

  • Off-Duty: If the Lyft driver was not on duty during the incident, their personal auto insurance will be applied. 
  • Available for Hire: If the Lyft driver logged into the app and was available for hire when the incident occurred, they will receive a $50,000 coverage for bodily injury per person. They may also receive up to $100,000 total injury liability coverage per crash and a $25,000 policy for property damage. This cover only applies if the driver was found liable for the accident. 
  • En Route to Passenger: If the Lyft driver was on their way to a passenger during the accident, they could receive up to $1 million in coverage. 
  • En Route with Passenger: If the Lyft driver was on their way to drop off the passenger, the company will provide them with a $1 million liability insurance coverage and another $1 million policy for bodily injury. 

A Lyft accident lawyer can help you determine which insurance policy applies to your case and contact Lyft’s representatives. 

Calculating Damages

When you work with a Lyft accident lawyer, they will calculate the amount of damages you’re entitled to. They will consider important factors such as future medical treatments, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress in their calculations. 

This way, you’ll be able to get the compensation you need to get your life back on track. 

Get Expert Legal Representation Today

Pursuing legal action after a Lyft car crash can be complicated. But the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. 

Adamson Ahdoot’s Lyft accident lawyers are here to help you fight for your right to justice. 

Adamson Ahdoot is one of California’s leading personal injury law firms serving clients in Los Angeles and nearby cities.

With a combined legal experience of 100 years, our legal team has handled several ridesharing accident claims, including cases involving cyclists. Our Lyft accident attorneys will guide you through the process of filing your claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Schedule a free consultation and call us at (800) 310-1606 today!

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Our team can better advise you on your legal options once we receive any available evidence about the incident.

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