Injured as a Lyft Passenger? How to Hold Lyft Accountable for Your Injuries
When we order a Lyft, we expect a smooth ride—not an accident. Still, accidents happen. And when they do, we’re often left with more questions than answers. Who’s responsible? Can we sue Lyft? What rights do we have as passengers?
At Baltimore Accident Center, our attorneys help people injured in rideshare accidents get clarity and compensation. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, we serve serve clients throughout Baltimore including Pigtown, Fells Point, Canton, Bayview, Belair-Edison, Govans, Roland Park, Central Park Heights, Mondawmin, Charles Village, and West Baltimore.
Let’s walk through how liability works with Lyft accidents, what steps you should take after a crash, and how we can fight for your recovery.
The Unique Legal Position of Lyft
Unlike a traditional taxi company, Lyft treats its drivers as independent contractors. That’s important because it affects who’s legally responsible when something goes wrong.
If you’re hurt while riding as a passenger, the driver might be at fault—but Lyft could also be involved depending on the situation. Lyft does carry a $1 million liability policy, but accessing that coverage isn’t always easy. Companies like Lyft often try to deflect blame or limit payouts. That’s where working with a personal injury attorney makes a real difference.
Types of Rideshare Passenger Injuries We’ve Seen
Passenger injuries can range from minor to life-changing. Some of the most common include:
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Head trauma or concussions
Broken bones
Cuts and bruises from shattered glass or airbag deployment
Emotional distress or PTSD
No matter the severity, we take every case seriously. Medical bills add up fast, and emotional trauma can linger long after physical wounds heal. A personal injury attorney can help tally the full scope of your damages and seek proper compensation.
Common Causes of Lyft Passenger Accidents
While each crash is different, several patterns tend to repeat:
Distracted driving – Lyft drivers may check directions, messages, or ride requests during trips.
Driver fatigue – Some drivers work long hours across multiple apps.
Aggressive or reckless driving – Speeding to complete more trips or ignoring traffic signals.
Third-party negligence – Another driver hits the Lyft vehicle.
Poor vehicle maintenance – Bald tires, faulty brakes, or broken lights can lead to accidents.
Once we understand what caused the crash, we can start building a case that shows who’s at fault and why they should be held responsible.
Can Lyft Be Held Responsible?
The short answer: yes, sometimes. It depends on what phase of the ride the driver was in when the crash happened. Lyft’s insurance coverage varies depending on the driver’s status:
Driver Logged Out of the App
If the driver is not logged in, Lyft provides no coverage, leaving the driver’s personal insurance as the sole option.
Driver Logged In but No Ride Accepted
Lyft offers limited liability coverage—typically $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This might apply if you were struck as a pedestrian or in another vehicle.
Ride Accepted or In Progress
This is where Lyft’s $1 million liability policy kicks in. If you’re hurt during a ride, this coverage is meant to protect you as a passenger.
Still, even when the coverage should apply, we’ve seen Lyft and its insurers delay, deny, or lowball claims. A personal injury attorney can step in to hold them accountable.
Steps to Take After a Lyft Accident
If you’re involved in a rideshare crash, it’s critical to protect your health and your legal rights. Here’s what we advise our clients to do right away:
1. Call 911 and Get Medical Help
Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms—like concussions—may not appear right away.
2. Document the Scene
Capture photos of the vehicles, the road, your injuries, and any other details that could help illustrate what occurred.
3. Collect Information
Get your driver’s name, license plate, and Lyft profile info. If another driver was involved, gather their insurance details too.
4. Report the Crash to Lyft
Use the app to file an incident report. Keep a copy of anything you send or receive.
5. Avoid Speaking to Insurers Without Legal Advice
Insurance companies may try to get a recorded statement or push you to accept a quick settlement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with a personal injury attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Accidents
If you’ve been hurt in a Lyft accident, you probably have questions about liability, insurance coverage, and what steps to take next. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, the answers can vary depending on the circumstances. Below are some of the most common questions people ask after a Lyft-related crash.
What if the Lyft driver wasn’t at fault?
Even if another driver caused the crash, you’re still eligible to file a claim. Lyft’s insurance may cover you as a passenger. A personal injury attorney can help determine which party—or parties—should be pursued.
How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?
Maryland law typically gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. That said, the sooner you speak with an attorney, the better. Evidence can disappear fast.
Can I sue Lyft directly?
It’s difficult to sue Lyft as a company due to the contractor model they use. However, in cases of gross negligence, or if Lyft failed to act on reports of a dangerous driver, there might be grounds to hold the company liable.
What if I already accepted a settlement?
If you’ve signed a release, it may be hard to seek further compensation. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with a personal injury attorney before signing anything.
Why Timing Matters in Lyft Injury Claims
Delaying action after a Lyft accident can hurt your case. Critical evidence, such as witness contact information, app data, or vehicle damage, can vanish quickly. Additionally, waiting too long may lead insurance companies to doubt the severity of your injuries or the validity of your claim.
Acting early also allows your attorney to build a stronger case. The sooner we begin investigating, gathering records, and communicating with insurers, the better your chances of securing a full and fair settlement. That’s why prompt legal action is one of the most important steps you can take after a rideshare crash.
Lyft’s Liability Limits and What That Means for You
While Lyft’s $1 million policy sounds generous, it doesn’t always cover every loss. If you suffer catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or permanent emotional damage, you may need more than what’s initially offered.
In some situations, we’ve pursued additional coverage through:
The driver’s personal insurance
Other involved drivers’ insurance
Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Umbrella or excess policies
Our goal is to explore every possible option to make sure our clients aren’t left covering expenses out of pocket.
Challenges With Multiple Parties Involved
In many Lyft accident cases, more than one party may share responsibility. For example, a third-party driver may have caused the crash, while Lyft’s driver also failed to take defensive action. Sorting out liability between multiple insurance companies can quickly become complicated. Each insurer may try to shift blame, delay responses, or undervalue your claim.
When several parties are involved, having legal representation becomes even more important. A personal injury attorney can help piece together the facts, determine fault percentages, and fight for your full compensation. This layered liability often affects how claims are filed and how much you’re ultimately able to recover.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
If you’ve been injured as a Lyft passenger, time matters. Evidence fades, and the clock on your claim doesn’t stop ticking. At Baltimore Accident Center, we serve clients in Baltimore, Maryland, Pigtown, Fells Point, Canton, Bayview, Belair-Edison, Govans, Roland Park, Central Park Heights, Mondawmin, Charles Village, and West Baltimore. We know how to hold rideshare companies accountable. Reach out to our experienced attorneys today.