A Lyft crash can leave you uncertain about which insurer must pay and what steps to take next. A Chicago car accident attorney at Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC can help guide you through the process, call (312) 701-0090 or message us online to arrange a free consultation.
Focused Support After a Lyft Crash
- We bring decades of personal injury experience to claims involving disputed fault, serious injuries, and layered insurance coverage.
- You work directly with an attorney who explains the process clearly and keeps you informed as your claim develops.
- We handle Lyft accident claims on a contingency fee basis, so attorney fees depend on recovering compensation for you.
Who Can File a Lyft Accident Claim?
Liability depends on who caused the collision and what the Lyft driver was doing at the time. You may have a claim whether you were a Lyft passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a motorcyclist. Potentially liable parties include:
- The Lyft driver: The driver may be responsible for speeding, distracted driving, unsafe stops, failure to yield, or another negligent action.
- Another motorist: A driver who strikes the Lyft vehicle or causes it to crash may bear responsibility.
- A vehicle owner: An owner may face liability for allowing an unsafe or unqualified person to operate the vehicle.
- A business or employer: A company may be responsible when its employee causes the collision while performing work duties.
- A vehicle or parts manufacturer: A defective tire, brake, steering component, or other part may contribute to the accident.
Liability is determined by reviewing police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage, video footage, app data, and other evidence showing whose negligence caused the crash.
When is Lyft Responsible for an Accident?
Lyft offers different coverage levels based on whether the driver is using the app at the time of a collision. For example:
- If the driver is not logged in, only personal auto insurance applies.
- If the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, Lyft provides limited liability coverage.
- Once the driver accepts a ride or is transporting a passenger, Lyft provides up to $1 million in coverage.
Trip records and app data can confirm the driver’s status at the time of the crash and help identify which policy must pay damages.
Illinois Rideshare Accident Laws
Lyft Insurance Requirements
Under 625 ILCS 57/10, Lyft and its drivers “shall comply with the automobile liability insurance requirements” in the Transportation Network Providers Act. As a result, when a driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, coverage must include:
- At least $50,000 per person;
- $100,000 per accident,
- and $25,000 for property damage.
Once the driver accepts a request, $1 million in primary liability coverage applies until the ride ends. The law also requires $50,000 in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage while a passenger is inside the vehicle.
Driver and Vehicle Safety
Under 625 ILCS 57/15, Lyft must review applicants’ driving histories and conduct criminal background checks. Section 25 also requires a “zero tolerance policy” for drug or alcohol use and requires vehicles to meet Illinois safety and emissions standards.
Filing Deadline
Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, most injury lawsuits must be filed “within 2 years next after the cause of action accrued.”
Why Hiring a Lawyer Protects Your Lyft Claim
An experienced personal injury attorney in Chicago can step in early to preserve key evidence such as app data, trip logs, and video footage, and to determine which policies apply. They can also handle all communication with insurers, ensure your injuries and losses are fully documented, and push back against attempts to minimize your claim. If complications arise—such as conflicting accounts of the crash, insufficient insurance coverage, or multiple liable parties—your attorney can build a strategy to pursue all available sources of compensation and take the case to court if necessary.
Get Answers After a Chicago Lyft Accident
Reach Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLC at (312) 701-0090 or send us a message online to discuss your Lyft accident during a free consultation.