When you’re injured in a Lyft accident, you may be unsure which insurance policy applies or how to pursue a claim. The Lyft accident lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. in Carrollton are here to guide you through the legal process and advocate for fair compensation. Call 770-205-8887 to schedule your free consultation today.

Steps to Take When Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Lyft Accident in Georgia

Getting into a car crash can be stressful under any circumstance, but when a rideshare service like Lyft is involved, things often feel more complicated. You may be unsure of how to file a claim, who is responsible for your injuries, or what your next steps should be. These concerns are common, especially after a crash that leaves you with medical bills, missed work, and pain.

If you were hurt in a Lyft accident in Georgia, whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, you have the right to pursue compensation. But knowing how to start the process and avoid mistakes along the way is key.

Start by Getting Medical Attention

Your health should come first. Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, some injuries take time to appear. Neck pain, headaches, or soft tissue injuries may show up hours or days later. Getting checked by a medical professional not only helps your recovery but also documents your injuries—something that will be important later in your claim.

Make sure to follow all medical advice and keep records of your treatments, prescriptions, and appointments. These documents will be essential when calculating the full value of your claim.

Report the Crash to Law Enforcement

In Georgia, drivers are legally required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage above $500. If a Lyft driver is involved, the same rule applies. Make sure a police officer comes to the scene and files an official accident report. This report will include important details like witness statements, contact information, and the officer’s observations, all of which can support your case.

You should also ask for the report number so you can request a copy later.

Get Information from Everyone Involved

Whether you were a passenger in the Lyft or in another vehicle, try to collect the following:

Names and contact information for all drivers and passengers
Insurance information for the Lyft driver and any other driver involved
Names and contact details for any witnesses
Photos of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries
Screenshots from the Lyft app showing your ride details

This information will help your attorney or insurance adjuster understand the full picture of what happened.

Understand Who May Be Liable

Responsibility in Lyft crashes isn’t always simple. There may be more than one at-fault party. Here are some common scenarios:

The Lyft driver caused the crash
Another driver hit the Lyft vehicle
A third factor, like a defective part or unsafe road, contributed to the accident

Your personal injury claim will depend on who caused the crash and what the Lyft driver was doing at the time. Lyft uses a tiered insurance system based on the driver’s activity:

Driver is offline or not using the app: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
Driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride: Lyft provides limited liability coverage—up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car: Lyft’s $1 million commercial insurance policy applies.

These coverage differences can affect how much compensation is available and from which policy your claim should be filed.

File an Insurance Claim

Once you’ve determined which insurance policy applies, the next step is filing a claim. This usually involves:

Notifying the at-fault driver’s insurance
Reporting the incident through the Lyft app if you were a passenger
Contacting your own insurance provider if necessary

Be careful with what you say during these conversations. Insurance companies may try to limit payouts by getting you to downplay your injuries or accept a quick settlement. Avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.

Calculate Your Damages

Personal injury claims can include more than just your initial medical costs. You may be entitled to compensation for:

Emergency room visits
Ongoing medical care or therapy
Prescription medications
Lost wages from missed work
Future income loss
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress

Keep records of everything related to the crash. This includes receipts, medical bills, and a journal of how your injuries have affected your daily life.

Consider Legal Representation

Rideshare accidents are not like typical car accidents. The added layers of insurance, corporate liability, and multiple parties make these claims harder to manage on your own. A personal injury attorney who has handled Lyft accident cases can investigate the crash, handle insurance negotiations, and build a strong case on your behalf.

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. That means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. While that may seem like a long time, gathering evidence, speaking with witnesses, and securing expert opinions can take months. It’s best not to wait too long.

What to Expect from the Claims Process

Most claims begin with a demand letter sent to the insurance company. This outlines your injuries, medical treatment, and the amount you’re seeking. The insurer may respond with a settlement offer. If the offer is too low or if the company disputes liability, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.

While many claims settle before going to trial, having the option to sue gives you more leverage during negotiations. A strong case supported by clear documentation often results in a better outcome.

Things to Avoid After a Lyft Crash

To avoid harming your claim, keep these tips in mind:

Do not post about the crash or your injuries on social media
Do not agree to a quick settlement without knowing the full extent of your injuries
Do not delay medical treatment
Do not assume Lyft will automatically compensate you
Do not sign anything without understanding what it means

These mistakes can weaken your claim or reduce the compensation you receive.

A crash involving Lyft can raise a lot of questions. But as a victim, you have rights. You can seek compensation for your injuries, losses, and pain—just like in any other car accident case. The difference is knowing how to navigate the rideshare system and dealing with insurance coverage that changes depending on the driver’s status.

Protect Your Rights with a LYFT Accident Attorney in Carrollton

After a Lyft accident, it’s important to act quickly and understand how rideshare policies affect your claim. A Lyft accident attorney at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. can help you recover the compensation you need. Call 770-205-8887 for a free consultation with our team today.