Lyft drivers are an increasingly common part of modern life. These ridesharing contractors use their own time and vehicles to provide transportation for people nearby. While Lyft driving can be a convenient way of earning money or getting around a city, it does lead to some legal questions. What happens when a Lyft driver gets involved in a wreck? The answer to this can greatly depend on the situation.
What Is the Licit Role of a Lyft Driver in a Wreck?
One of the first things to consider is the licit role of the driver. Legally speaking, this refers to everything that a Lyft driver is legally permitted to do but may not necessarily be required to do. As a contractor, a Lyft driver is allowed to act like a private citizen following the accident. They can call the police to assess damage, seek medical help for themselves or their passengers, and document the scene of the accident. Lyft’s contracts with their drivers also allow the driver to report the accident to Lyft and file a claim with their insurance policy. If someone else besides the Lyft driver was at fault for the accident, the Lyft driver has the right to seek compensation in a lawsuit.
What Are a Lyft Driver’s Legal Responsibilities in a Wreck?
The actual legal duty of a Lyft driver is a little more complicated. While they can technically do many different things after an accident, there are certain responsibilities they have. Because the driver entered into an agreement to transport the passenger, the Lyft driver has a duty to keep the passenger safe to the best of their ability. Therefore, the driver may be responsible for some of their passenger’s healthcare if the driver caused the accident. If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent, the passenger may be able to sue them. Likewise, if the Lyft driver damaged another car or pedestrian while driving negligently, they might owe that party compensation.
Keep in mind that Lyft also has some responsibilities toward the driver. Due to the driver’s position as a contractor, Lyft may be required to help pay for some costs related to the accident. Especially if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover compensation, Lyft’s liability insurance may have to pay some expenses. Due to the way insurance for Lyft and its contracted employees is intertwined, Lyft may also need to help their drivers file some claims following the accident.
How to Handle Accidents Involving Lyft Drivers
Ultimately, accidents involving Lyft vehicles involve a lot of shifting responsibilities and roles. For example, if a Lyft driver was speeding, they might owe compensation to a passenger injured in an accident. However, if a Lyft driver was hit by another speeding car, Lyft might help the driver seek compensation from the owner of the other vehicle. A Lyft driver’s role as a contractor means that the outcome of any case will depend on the unique circumstances of the accident.