A Lyft accident can be one of the most frightening experiences a person can endure. Yet the trauma often continues long after the vehicle comes to a stop. Victims are left with painful injuries, overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and confusing questions about insurance coverage. It can be especially frustrating when Lyft, the driver, and other motorists all point fingers at one another.
If your Lyft accident was caused by someone else’s careless or unsafe behavior, you may be wondering what your next steps should be and who will ultimately be responsible for covering your losses.
If you are looking for a Lyft accident lawyer in Washington, D.C., the personal injury attorneys at Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP have helped countless passengers, drivers, and pedestrians pursue compensation after serious Lyft crashes. We understand how to navigate the complex rideshare insurance system, and we are ready to fight for you.
What To Do After a Lyft Accident in Washington, D.C.
Rideshare crashes are not the same as typical car crashes. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, and what you do right after the collision can significantly affect your claim.
#1 Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first.
Even if injuries feel minor, get evaluated by a doctor. Many Lyft accident injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage, worsen in the hours and days following the crash.
Prompt medical care:
- Protects your health
- Creates documentation linking your injuries to the accident
- Prevents insurers from arguing your injuries came from something else
Delaying treatment gives Lyft’s insurer an opportunity to claim you were not truly hurt or that your injuries are unrelated to the crash.
#2 Call 911 and File a Police Report
Contact emergency services to report the Lyft accident and request medical help. A police report will document:
- Time, date, and location
- Weather and road conditions
- Driver statements
- Witness information
- Preliminary assessments of fault
Our Lyft accident lawyers will use this report as critical evidence when building your case.
#3 Document Everything
Evidence can disappear quickly in rideshare cases. Protect yourself by gathering:
- Names and contact information of drivers and witnesses
- Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene
- Your Lyft ride details
- Screenshots showing the driver’s name, the vehicle, and the ride status
Write down everything you remember while the details are still fresh.
#4 Speak to a Washington, D.C. Lyft Accident Lawyer
Lyft accident claims can be complicated because the available insurance coverage depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash. A lawyer can determine whether the driver was:
- Off duty
- Logged into the Lyft app
- Actively transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up
Each situation triggers a different level of insurance coverage, including Lyft’s one million dollar commercial policy when a passenger is in the vehicle or a ride is accepted.
Our Lyft accident lawyers will identify which policies apply and what compensation you may be eligible for.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Lyft Accident in D.C.?
In Washington, D.C.:
- You have three years from the date of the accident to file an injury claim
- If the crash was fatal, families have two years to file a wrongful death claim
Waiting too long means losing your right to compensation, even if the evidence is overwhelming.
How Do I Prove Liability in a Lyft Accident in D.C.?
Liability can be complicated because more than one party may be responsible. However, all Lyft accident claims still follow the core rules of negligence:
Duty of Care
Lyft drivers, like all motorists, must operate their vehicles safely.
Breach of Duty
A breach may include:
- Distracted driving (GPS use, app use, texting)
- Speeding
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Ignoring traffic laws
- Failing to maintain the vehicle properly
Causation
You must show the driver’s negligence directly caused the accident.
Damages
Your injuries and financial losses must be documented and tied to the crash.
Because rideshare companies often deny responsibility, strong evidence is essential.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Lyft Accident in D.C.?
Every Lyft accident is different, but victims commonly recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (ER care, surgery, therapy, medication)
- Future medical needs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death damages
Expert witnesses, medical, vocational, and economic, are often necessary to fully and accurately value your claim.
Once a settlement is reached or a verdict is entered, you cannot go back for more money, so it’s critical to get it right the first time.
No-Fault Insurance and Lyft Accidents in Washington, D.C.
D.C. has a hybrid no-fault insurance system. This affects Lyft accident claims in specific ways:
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
PIP may cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
Regardless of fault.
Within 60 days, you must choose:
- PIP benefits OR
- A liability claim against the at-fault driver
Serious Injury Threshold
You can pursue a claim even after choosing PIP if:
- Injuries exceed PIP limits
- Injuries involve permanent scarring, disfigurement, or other serious conditions
A rideshare attorney will help you determine the best option.
Could I Be Liable for My Own Lyft Accident? (Contributory Negligence in D.C.)
Washington, D.C. has one of the toughest rules in the country:
If you are even 1% at fault, you cannot recover compensation.
Insurers often use this to avoid paying by claiming:
- You weren’t wearing a seatbelt
- You distracted the driver
- You chose a driver with low ratings (yes, they try this)
Your Lyft accident lawyer’s job is to protect you from unfair blame-shifting.
Unique Insurance Issues in Lyft Accident Claims
One key difference between regular car accidents and rideshare crashes is Lyft’s tiered insurance One major difference between standard auto accidents and Lyft accidents is Lyft’s tiered insurance structure, which depends on the driver’s app status:
- App off: The driver’s personal policy applies
- App on, driver waiting for a request: Limited Lyft coverage may apply
- Ride accepted or passenger onboard: Lyft’s one million dollar commercial policy becomes available
Your attorney will verify the driver’s exact status by obtaining:
- Trip logs
- App activity records
- Phone usage data
- Lyft driver status reports
This is essential for securing the full compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Washington, D.C. Lyft Accident Lawyers
After a Lyft accident, your focus should be on healing while we handle the legal process. Securing the compensation you deserve is the first step toward getting your life back on track.
Choose Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP as your Lyft accident lawyers and schedule a confidential consultation today. We represent Lyft accident victims throughout Washington, D.C., including Capitol Hill, Columbia Heights, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Downtown D.C., and surrounding areas.
You focus on recovery. We will take care of everything else.