Who would have thought renting a ride could be this easy? In the 21st century, transportation has undergone dramatic changes, from massive cargo ships to ridesharing apps like Lyft, which fit right into your pocket. The transportation industry has become a booming sector, offering people more options than ever before.

However, accidents are not predictable and can occur anywhere—even in highly developed areas like Alberta, renowned for its scenic landscapes, thriving economy, and growing population. Its capital city, Edmonton, is not only a cultural and commercial hub but also a place where rideshare usage is particularly high due to its busy downtown, major event venues, and university crowd. Despite the infrastructure, the increasing volume of traffic and rideshare vehicles means accidents are still a real risk.

If you or someone you know has been involved in such an incident, getting help from a Lyft accident lawyer in Alberta and Edmonton can help a lot in your claim. These local lawyers understand how rideshare laws work in your area and can guide you through the complicated claims process to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Accidents involving rideshare cars occur for many of the same reasons as other crashes, but there are also some additional risks.

• Driver distraction: Lyft drivers often juggle multiple apps, navigation, and traffic simultaneously.
• Fatigue:  Many drivers work long, straight hours, sometimes for multiple apps.
• Rushing for rides: To accept more rides and earn more, drivers automatically tend to speed or make risky moves.
• Other road users: Just like any other accident, other careless drivers can also be at fault.

Lyft cars are still regular vehicles on busy roads, and their most important advantage is that people choose them over public transportation nowadays. However, the other side of this is the pressure to use the app and find passengers, which adds more room for mistakes for the drivers.

How Are Lyft Accident Claims Different from Regular Car Accidents?

1. More Complex Insurance Policies

When you’re in a car accident, you usually deal with the other driver’s insurance company. However, with Lyft accidents, things become a bit more complicated. Lyft offers different insurance options depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash, making the claiming process a bit tricky.

• If the driver weren’t even logged into the Lyft app, their car insurance would apply.
• If they were waiting for a ride request but hadn’t accepted one yet, Lyft has some backup insurance; however, the driver’s insurance also still plays an important role.
• If the driver is on an active ride or has passengers, Lyft’s commercial insurance typically provides higher coverage.

2. Multiple Parties Involved

Unlike a regular car accident, where it’s just you and another driver, rideshare accidents include many people:

• The Lyft driver
• Lyft as a company
• Other drivers involved
• Passengers in the car

Each of them has different insurance and varying responsibilities. For example, if a car’s brakes failed because the driver skipped maintenance, and Lyft didn’t enforce its vehicle checks, then both could share blame. Then, if a passenger panics and distracts the driver, or another driver breaks traffic rules, that adds even more complexity.

3. Different Legal Requirements

Lyft drivers must meet the same specific legal requirements as regular drivers. These rules govern the handling of accident claims.

Drivers must:

• Have a driver’s license with clear background checks
• Keep their automobiles in good condition and pass regular inspections

These are the rules that must be followed; if the state and a driver fail to meet these criteria, it can change who’s responsible for the cause. These rules add layers to the review and settlement of claims.

5. Potential for Higher Settlements

Because Lyft carries a much larger insurance policy when the driver is on duty, the potential settlement for injuries or damages can be higher than in a regular accident. This means you could get more money for medical bills, lost income, and other damages compared to a regular accident. It might sound good, but it also means the insurance companies may fight harder to avoid paying the full amount.

Always make sure to stay calm, gather information, and understand that this process is slightly different from a regular car accident. If you’re ever in this situation, consult a rideshare accident lawyer; they know how to dig into every detail, challenge insurance companies, and help you get the compensation you truly deserve.