As a car passenger, you place a lot of trust in the driver, in that they will transport you to your destination safely. This abundance of trust may extend even further for a Lyft driver, given you have never met this person before or know their driving capabilities. So if this trust is broken and you, unfortunately, get in an accident while using this ride-share service, you must make things right again. That is, you must fight for your share of financial compensation. Follow along to find out whether you are covered as a passenger involved in a Lyft accident and how a proficient Panama City Uber/Lyft accident attorney at Manuel & Thompson, PA can help you recuperate from your injuries and damages.
Can I recover compensation as a passenger in a car accident?
Well, first of all, the state of Florida requires that all motorists carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage may work to compensate a motorist for their medical bills and other related expenses in the unfortunate event of a car accident.
In addition, though, this coverage is supposed to extend to passengers present in the motorist’s car at the time of the accident. Further, it may also apply to the passengers present in the other cars involved in the accident.
This is all to say that you must make an effort to seek immediate financial relief through a motorist’s PIP coverage. However, if this is not enough to cover the full extent of your injuries and damages, then you may have to file insurance claims against all the involved motorists. Or, you may have to go as far as filing a personal injury claim.
Can I be covered if I was a passenger in a Lyft accident?
Now, you must understand that PIP coverage does not necessarily apply if you were a passenger in a Lyft ride-sharing car at the time of your accident. This is because the Lyft company has its own set of parameters for insurance coverage. With this system, your amount of coverage may depend on the “period” you were in for using the service. As a passenger, you may only be involved in Period 3. But more specific explanations for these periods are as follows:
- Period 0: when the driver is not driving for the Lyft company but for personal purposes.
- Here, no liability coverage is offered.
- Period 1: when the driver is driving for the Lyft company but has not yet accepted a ride request.
- Here, up to $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,0000 for property damage is offered.
- Period 2: when the driver has accepted a ride request and is on their way to pick up the passenger.
- Here, up to $1 million in liability coverage is offered.
- Period 3: when the driver is actively driving the passenger to their requested destination.
- Here, up to $1 million in liability coverage is offered, along with limited property damage and uninsured motorists’ coverage.
In conclusion, if you believe you need a nudge in the right direction, you should feel comfortable turning to a talented Panama City auto accident attorney for aid. With that being said, do not hesitate to contact Manuel & Thompson, PA.
