Unless you have been living in a bubble or under a rock for the past few years, you are sure to be familiar with Lyft, even if only by name. Lyft, like Uber, is a ridesharing service which enables San Bernardino car owners – once they have fulfilled certain criteria – to offer rides to app users in need of traveling from Point A to Point B. Basically, Lyft operates similar to cab service, except using independent contractors, and at a potentially much-reduced cost. Opinions around Lyft and similar ridesharing options are very mixed, with some people being much in favor of the convenience of using an app to hail a ride, track the car and driver, pay, and leave a review, whilst others lament the perceived lack of regulation and the potential damage to the more traditional cab providers.
Regardless of your feelings about the ethical and moral side of using a ridesharing service, a Lyft attorney from JML Law can provide the legal representation, guidance, and support you need, should you or a loved one sustain serious, or even fatal, injuries in a San Bernardino traffic accident involving a Lyft driver.
What is Lyft, and How Does a Lyft Accident Differ from a Regular Car Accident
Lyft is a ridesharing service, which was launched in 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer, and is based in San Francisco. Some 6 years later, the service operates in over 300 United States cities – including San Bernardino –and is available to all users who download the app and enter a valid method of payment. There are six types of Lyft ride available, but the type you chose – or the type which the driver who collides with your car is working on – is irrelevant in the case of an accident. All your Lyft accident attorney needs to ascertain is where the fault lies.
Before becoming a Lyft driver, prospective candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
- Background checks covering a variety of factors, including motoring offenses, sex offenses, and criminal convictions
- Compliance with a zero-alcohol and drug policy
- Aged at least 21, with the current United States driving license
Although Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, the operating company is obliged, under California law, to hold the following insurance coverage:
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage up to $50,000 with a $2,500 deductible. (This applies from the moment when a driver accepts a job, to the moment where it is ended in the Lyft app)
- Contingent liability coverage up to $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident/$25,000 property damage. (Applies from when a driver becomes available on the app until a job is accepted)
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage up to $1 million
The driver must also hold valid personal auto insurance.
In terms of differences between Lyft accidents and other car accidents, the common scenarios and resulting injuries are likely to be almost identical, however, the legalities of recovering compensation can be much more arduous.
Entrust Your Case to an Outstanding Lyft Accident Attorney Today
When you, or a loved one, have been injured in a San Bernardino Lyft accident, you deserve outstanding legal representation from the best lawyers. To secure our expert guidance and support, call JML Law today on 818-610-8800 to schedule your free initial consultation.
Get your questions answered.
Contact Our Lawyers.
Every case is unique and needs to be evaluated by our experienced lawyers. If you have been injured in Lyft accident,
