What Happens When Lyft Denies Liability?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. When a rideshare company like Lyft is involved, things can quickly become more complicated. You might assume that filing a claim with Lyft’s insurance will be straightforward, especially if their driver was clearly at fault. But that isn’t always the case. Sometimes, Lyft may deny responsibility altogether. When that happens, knowing what steps to take is critical to protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

Here’s what you need to know if Lyft denies liability after an accident in Georgia.

Understanding How Lyft’s Insurance Works

Lyft provides liability coverage for its drivers, but it’s important to understand how and when that coverage applies. Lyft’s insurance kicks in based on the driver’s status in the app:

• App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible.

• App on, waiting for a ride: Limited liability coverage may apply—typically up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.

• En route to a passenger or during a trip: Lyft’s full coverage of up to $1 million may be available.

If Lyft denies liability, it usually means they believe their driver was either not responsible for the accident or was not using the app at the time. In other cases, they might claim that another driver was to blame or argue that the accident doesn’t qualify under their coverage.

Reasons Lyft May Deny a Claim

There are several common reasons why Lyft or its insurer might deny a liability claim:

• Driver was offline: If the driver wasn’t actively using the app, Lyft’s insurance may not apply.

• Insufficient evidence: If there’s no clear documentation showing their driver caused the crash, Lyft may refuse to pay.

• Disputes over fault: If the other driver (or even the injured party) is partly or fully at fault, Lyft might reject the claim.

• Policy exclusions: In rare cases, Lyft may argue that the accident isn’t covered due to some technical exclusion in their policy.

Whether the denial is valid or not, it doesn’t mean the case is closed. You still have options.

What to Do After a Denial

If Lyft refuses to accept liability, you need to treat it like any other legal dispute. The first step is to review the denial letter or communication closely. Look for the specific reason they’re denying the claim. This can help your attorney build a response.

Next, you’ll want to gather all relevant evidence. This includes:

• Photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries

• Police reports or traffic citations

• Medical records

• Witness statements

• Communication with Lyft or their insurance company

In some cases, an attorney may also request app data or ride logs from Lyft to prove that the driver was working at the time of the crash.

Involving Your Own Insurance

While it may seem unfair, your own insurance company may step in to cover some of your expenses after an accident—especially if Lyft is refusing to do so. For example, if you carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, that policy might help pay for medical bills or lost wages.

However, don’t assume your insurer will fight to get you the full amount. Their priority is often minimizing costs. This is another reason to have a personal injury lawyer involved early in the process.

Filing a Lawsuit Against the Driver or Lyft

If informal negotiations and insurance claims go nowhere, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. In Georgia, you may have the option to sue:

• The Lyft driver

• Lyft itself (in certain situations)

• Another driver who contributed to the crash

Proving Lyft’s responsibility can be difficult because the company classifies its drivers as independent contractors. That classification is often used to distance the company from liability. However, in some cases, courts may find that Lyft still has a duty to ensure safe drivers and may be held accountable.

A lawyer can evaluate whether Lyft can be included as a defendant or whether your case should focus solely on the driver or other parties involved.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Denial

Going up against a large company like Lyft on your own is a tough task. Rideshare companies have legal teams and insurance adjusters working to limit payouts. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to challenge denial tactics and present a strong case.

Your lawyer can help by:

• Requesting key records and communications from Lyft

• Working with accident reconstruction experts

• Dealing with all insurance carriers

• Negotiating a fair settlement

• Filing a lawsuit if needed and representing you in court

In many cases, the simple fact that you have legal representation can make Lyft or its insurer take your claim more seriously.

Don’t Wait Too Long to Act

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. That may sound like a lot of time, but building a strong case takes work. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or retrieve digital data from rideshare platforms.

If Lyft has denied liability for your injuries, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. You may still have a valid claim, and a denial does not automatically mean you’re out of options.

Conclusion

Being hurt in a crash involving a Lyft vehicle is already frustrating. Having your claim denied on top of that can feel like a dead end. But in many cases, denials are not the final word. Whether it’s due to a technicality, lack of evidence, or an error in how the incident was reported, a strong legal response can make a big difference.

If you’re dealing with a denial from Lyft in Georgia, don’t let it discourage you from pursuing the compensation you need. Medical bills, lost income, and long-term recovery deserve to be taken seriously. Getting advice from a personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of rideshare claims can help you move forward with confidence.