Collisions involving Lyft drivers can raise unique legal questions about liability and coverage. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, the Lyft accident lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. in Alpharetta are ready to help you navigate the claim process. Call 770-205-8887 today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.
Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident in Alpharetta
Getting into an accident involving a Lyft ride can be overwhelming. Whether you were riding as a passenger, driving your own car, or walking nearby, a crash involving a rideshare vehicle creates a lot of uncertainty. You may be dealing with injuries, property damage, or confusion about who is responsible. These cases often involve multiple insurance policies and questions about when and how the Lyft driver was using the app.
If you’re involved in a Lyft accident in Alpharetta, knowing what to do next can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you through the process.
Focus on safety first
After any accident, your first priority should be safety. If the accident just happened, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 right away if anyone is hurt. Even if the crash seems minor, it’s still important to alert law enforcement so an official report can be filed.
If you’re able to do so safely, move to a secure area away from traffic. If you’re in a vehicle, turn on your hazard lights and wait for help. Try to stay calm. This moment can feel stressful, but your actions in the next few minutes may shape what happens in the days ahead.
Report the accident to the police
Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, it’s important to make sure the police are contacted and that a report is created. A police report serves as an official record of the accident. It typically includes information on how the crash happened, the drivers involved, and any witnesses.
This document will be useful if you need to file a claim later. It can help prove liability and establish that the incident occurred while the Lyft driver was working.
Get medical attention right away
Not all injuries show up right away. You might feel fine in the moment, but pain or other symptoms can appear later. It’s always a good idea to see a doctor after an accident, even if you think you weren’t seriously hurt.
Medical professionals can detect injuries like concussions, soft tissue damage, or internal trauma that may not be obvious at the scene. Early treatment can prevent complications and also link your injuries clearly to the accident.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend any follow-up appointments. Keep records of your medical visits, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
Gather Important Information At the Scene
If you’re physically able, start collecting details as soon as possible. This includes:
- The Lyft driver’s name, contact information, and license plate number
- The insurance information for all drivers involved
- Screenshots of your Lyft ride, including the trip timeline and driver info
- Photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
- Contact information for any witnesses
- The name and badge number of the responding police officer
These details will help you later when you file a claim or talk to a lawyer.
Report the incident through the Lyft app
If you were a passenger, make sure to report the accident to Lyft using the app. There’s an option to report a safety issue or an accident under the ride details. Once reported, Lyft will start a claims process through its insurance partner. Lyft’s coverage applies based on what stage the driver was in—waiting for a ride request, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger.
Keep a copy of all correspondence you receive from Lyft or their insurance provider.
Do not talk to insurance adjusters without legal advice
After the accident, you may be contacted by insurance representatives—Lyft’s insurer, the driver’s personal insurance, or another involved party’s provider. Be careful. These adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is usually to minimize payouts.
Avoid giving recorded statements or signing anything without legal guidance. Even innocent comments can be taken out of context and used to question your injuries or reduce your claim.
Understand how insurance coverage works in Lyft accidents
One of the most confusing aspects of a Lyft accident is figuring out which insurance policy applies. Lyft’s coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
- If the driver was not using the app, their personal insurance applies.
- If the driver was waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage may apply through Lyft.
- If the driver was on their way to pick up a rider or had a rider in the car, Lyft provides more extensive coverage, including $1 million in third-party liability.
Knowing the driver’s activity when the crash happened is key to identifying the available coverage. That’s why it’s important to take screenshots and report the ride status promptly.
Reach out to a personal injury lawyer
Lyft accident claims are often more complex than standard car accident cases. Rideshare companies have teams of lawyers and insurance providers on their side. You deserve someone on your side too.
A personal injury attorney with experience in Lyft accidents can help:
- Determine which party is liable
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence
- Handle communication with insurance companies
- Calculate the full value of your losses
- Negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court
Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if your case is successful.
Watch out for deadlines
In Georgia, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the crash involved a government vehicle or public transit agency, the deadline may be even shorter.
It’s best to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and insurance companies move fast to close claims. Getting started early puts you in a stronger position.
Track your recovery and expenses
As you heal, keep a journal about your recovery. Write down your pain levels, mobility issues, missed workdays, and how the injury has affected your life. Save all receipts related to medical care, transportation, home modifications, or other related costs.
This documentation can help your lawyer build a strong case for damages that go beyond just your initial medical bills.
A Lyft accident can turn your day upside down. Between physical pain, medical costs, and dealing with insurance companies, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
Work with a Lyft Accident Attorney Focused on Your Recovery
After a Lyft accident, you deserve guidance from someone who understands how rideshare injury claims work. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our Alpharetta Lyft accident attorney can help you navigate the insurance process and fight for the compensation you need. Call 770-205-8887 to schedule your free consultation today.