Lyft Accident Attorney in Washington DC

Passenger using ridesharing app to book a ride.

Have you been in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle in Washington, D.C.? If so, you may have a claim to financial recovery for the injuries and other harm you suffered as a result. However, pursuing your case and recovering fair compensation could prove challenging. You’ll have to navigate overlapping insurance policies and complex corporate policies meant to shield Lyft from direct liability.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this process alone because a DC Lyft accident lawyer from Marks & Harrison is ready to handle all the legal work on your behalf. Since 1911, our firm has fought for the rights and interests of accident victims across Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Our experienced team has over 30 attorneys and 100 support staff, including former claims adjusters, investigators, and law enforcement officers. Our award-winning attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and skill to tackle the most challenging accident claims and fight for the financial compensation and justice you deserve.

Ready to stand up and demand the money you’re owed? Then contact Marks & Harrison today to discuss your case for free with a Lyft accident attorney in Washington, D.C.

What Are Common Causes of Washington DC Lyft Accidents?

A Lyft driver has extra demands on their attention that many other motorists don’t, such as following navigation, managing ride requests, and interacting with passengers.

These obligations make Lyft drivers especially prone to making mistakes behind the wheel, including:

  • Speeding
  • Reckless driving
  • Tailgating, or following too closely
  • Running red lights or stop signs
  • Turning or changing lanes without signaling
  • Making illegal or unsafe turns
  • Failing to yield the right of way
  • Stopping in the road or double parking
  • Distracted driving
  • Drowsy driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Lyft drivers often work far from areas they’re familiar with, going where the fares take them and relying on GPS devices to guide them. However, unfamiliarity with local roads and over-reliance on guidance systems can also be a recipe for preventable accidents.

What Should I Do If I Am in a Lyft Accident in Washington DC?

If you’ve been involved in a Lyft accident in Washington, D.C., taking the following steps can help you begin the healing process and effectively seek compensation:

  • Report the accident to Lyft via its website.
  • If you were driving, report the accident to the D.C. police and obtain a copy of the police crash report.
  • Seek prompt medical attention to diagnose any injuries you sustained in the crash and begin treatment.
  • Request copies of the medical records of your treatment and rehabilitation.
  • If you were driving, notify your car insurance provider about the accident, but do not get into any details or suggest you were at fault.
  • Keep all bills, invoices, and receipts for expenses you incur, such as medical care or vehicle repairs.
  • Gather copies of your pay stubs or income statements to calculate your lost wages if you need to take time off work to recover from injuries.

Once you’ve taken these steps, contact a Washington, D.C., Lyft accident attorney from Marks & Harrison as soon as possible to discuss the next steps to pursue financial recovery.

Who Could Be Held At Fault in a Lyft Accident?

Several different parties could be liable for a Lyft accident, depending on the cause of the crash. Parties you might hold at fault for a DC Lyft accident include:

  • The Lyft driver – A rideshare driver who negligently causes a collision may bear liability for injuries and losses suffered by accident victims.
  • Lyft – Lyft usually cannot bear employer liability for a rideshare accident caused by one of its drivers because the company does not directly employ them. Instead, Lyft drivers work as independent contractors. However, Lyft maintains insurance coverage for its drivers so that accident victims can pursue financial compensation through its policy.
  • Another driver – If another driver hit the Lyft vehicle you were riding in, you can pursue a claim against that driver’s liability policy.

Does Lyft Have Insurance for Auto Accidents?

DC law requires rideshare companies and drivers to have insurance policies that meet minimum coverage requirements of:

  • $50,000 per person of bodily injury liability coverage
  • $100,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
  • $25,000 of property damage liability coverage

This coverage is active when a driver logs in to the rideshare network and makes themselves available for rides. However, those figures increase to $1 million in combined liability coverage for the period when a driver accepts a ride or has a rideshare passenger in their vehicle. According to Lyft’s website, they carry this required insurance coverage for their drivers. Contact our Washington DC Lyft accident lawyer today.

Can I Receive Compensation for My Injuries from a Lyft Accident?

If someone else was at fault for causing the Lyft accident, they could owe you money for your:

  • Medical treatment and rehabilitation, including hospitalization, surgeries, pain management care, doctor’s appointments, and physical or occupational therapy
  • Lost wages due to missed time from work or reduced earnings while in a modified duty role
  • Loss of future earning potential and job benefits if you become disabled from working
  • Pain and suffering
  • Reduced enjoyment or quality of life

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Lyft Accident Claim in Washington DC?

Under the DC Code, you typically have three years after suffering injuries in a Lyft accident to file suit. You can protect your legal claims by speaking with a Lyft accident attorney from Marks & Harrison as soon as possible. If you do not file within the deadline, you may lose the opportunity to seek financial recovery.

Contact a Washington DC Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft accident in Washington, D.C., get the legal representation you need to navigate complexities and challenges in the claims process. Contact Marks & Harrison today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Washington DC Lyft accident attorney to discuss your options for seeking compensation.