Dallas Lyft Accident Lawyer | Varghese Summersett

If you were hurt in a Lyft accident in Dallas, you need legal help fast. Rideshare crashes can involve multiple insurance policies, difficult liability questions, and companies that will do everything they can to limit what you’re paid. The decisions you make in the hours and days after your crash can determine whether you get fair compensation or walk away with far less than you deserve.

You’re probably dealing with medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about what comes next. The stress of an injury is bad enough without having to fight Lyft’s insurance company. That’s where we come in.

In this article, our Dallas Lyft accident lawyers explain how Lyft accidents work, who can be held liable, how rideshare insurance coverage applies, what your case may be worth, and what steps you should take to protect your rights after a crash.

What Makes Lyft Accidents Different From Regular Car Accidents

Lyft accidents aren’t like standard car crashes. These cases involve commercial rideshare companies with multiple layers of insurance coverage that change depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision. Was the app on? Was the driver waiting for a ride request? Was a passenger in the vehicle?

The answer to these questions determines which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available. Most people don’t know this when they get hurt, and Lyft’s insurance adjusters aren’t going to explain it to you.

Texas law requires rideshare companies like Lyft to carry specific insurance coverage. Under Texas Transportation Code § 2402.003, Lyft must maintain at least $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is engaged in a prearranged ride or transporting a passenger. However, when the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, coverage drops to just $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. If the app is off completely, you may only have the driver’s personal insurance, which is often minimal.

Understanding which policy applies and how to access that coverage is one of the most challenging aspects of these cases. Insurance companies count on you not knowing these details.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dallas Lyft Accident

Liability in a Lyft crash can fall on multiple parties. The driver who caused the accident is the most obvious defendant, but depending on the circumstances, you may also have a claim against Lyft itself, the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part, or even the city of Dallas if poor road conditions contributed to the crash.

If the Lyft driver caused the crash, their actions fall under Texas negligence law. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, a plaintiff can recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. This is known as modified comparative negligence. If you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. If you’re 51% at fault, you get nothing.

This rule puts pressure on you to prove the other driver’s fault clearly and convincingly. Insurance companies will try to shift blame onto you to reduce their payout. That’s why documenting the scene, getting witness statements, and securing video footage is so important.

In some cases, Lyft itself can be held liable. If the company was negligent in screening or supervising a driver, or if there’s evidence that Lyft’s policies contributed to unsafe driving, the company may share responsibility. These claims are more complex and require experienced legal representation to pursue successfully.

How Lyft’s Insurance Works and Why It Matters

Lyft’s insurance coverage operates in three stages based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Stage one is when the driver is offline. The app is off, and the driver is not working. At this point, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Most personal policies exclude coverage for commercial activity, so you may be left with minimal protection.

Stage two begins when the driver turns on the app and is waiting for a ride request. During this period, Lyft provides contingent liability coverage of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the claim.

Stage three is when the driver has accepted a ride or is actively transporting a passenger. This is when Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies. This coverage also includes uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, which can be used if another driver causes the crash and doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your losses.

The insurance company will not volunteer information about which policy applies or how much coverage is available. They will push you to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries or your legal rights. That’s why it’s so important to have legal representation before you speak to any insurance adjuster.

Common Injuries in Dallas Lyft Accidents

Lyft accidents can cause serious harm. We’ve represented clients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal bleeding, and severe soft tissue injuries. Some injuries are obvious immediately. Others don’t show symptoms for hours or even days.

Whiplash and other neck injuries are common in rear-end collisions. These injuries can cause chronic pain, headaches, and limited mobility. Back injuries, including herniated discs and spinal fractures, often require surgery and months of physical therapy. Traumatic brain injuries can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes that affect every aspect of your life.

Internal injuries such as organ damage or internal bleeding are medical emergencies that may not be immediately apparent. If you were in a Lyft accident and didn’t seek medical attention right away, go to a doctor as soon as possible. Delayed treatment can harm both your health and your legal claim.

Psychological injuries also matter. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression are common after serious accidents. Texas law allows recovery for these types of harm as part of your overall damages.

Document everything. Keep copies of all medical records, bills, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. Take photos of your injuries as they heal. This documentation will be critical when it comes time to prove the full extent of your damages.

What Your Dallas Lyft Accident Case May Be Worth

The value of your case depends on multiple factors. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, and any permanent disability that affects your ability to work. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.

Medical bills are the easiest to calculate. If you spent $50,000 on treatment, that’s your baseline. But what about the treatment you’ll need in the future? A spinal injury that requires ongoing care for the rest of your life can easily exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Expert testimony from medical professionals is often required to prove these future costs.

Lost wages include not just the paychecks you’ve missed but also any reduction in earning capacity. If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits the type of work you can do, you’re entitled to compensation for that loss.

Pain and suffering damages are harder to quantify but equally important. How do you put a dollar amount on chronic pain, the inability to play with your kids, or the loss of activities you once enjoyed? These damages are real, and Texas law recognizes them. Insurance companies will try to minimize or dismiss them entirely. That’s why you need someone fighting for you who understands how to present these losses in a way that gets results.

According to research on Lyft accident settlement amounts, payouts vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the available insurance coverage. Minor injuries may settle for a few thousand dollars, while catastrophic injuries with clear liability and high policy limits can result in settlements or verdicts in the millions.

The Claims Process After a Dallas Lyft Accident

After a Lyft accident in Dallas, the first step is always medical treatment. Your health comes first. Once you’ve been evaluated by a doctor, the claims process begins. You’ll need to report the accident to Lyft through the app and notify your own insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster without speaking to an attorney first.

Lyft’s insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to investigate the accident. The adjuster’s job is not to help you. Their job is to minimize what the insurance company pays. They’ll ask questions designed to get you to admit fault or downplay your injuries. They may offer a quick settlement that sounds good but is far less than your claim is actually worth.

Once you hire a Dallas Lyft accident lawyer, all communication with the insurance company goes through your attorney. This protects you from making statements that could hurt your case. Your attorney will gather evidence, including the police report, witness statements, photos from the scene, medical records, and any available video footage. In Dallas, many intersections and businesses have surveillance cameras that may have captured the crash.

Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue. However, waiting too long to take action can hurt your case in other ways. Evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and insurance companies become less willing to negotiate.

Most Lyft accident cases settle before trial. Settlement negotiations can take weeks or months depending on the complexity of the case and the severity of your injuries. If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare to take your case to court. Having a law firm with trial experience makes a difference. Insurance companies are more willing to settle when they know you’re prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Why Insurance Companies Fight Lyft Accident Claims

Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay as little as possible on every claim. They have teams of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys working to protect their bottom line. They use tactics designed to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

One common tactic is the quick settlement offer. Shortly after the accident, the adjuster may call with an offer that seems reasonable. They’ll tell you it’s a fair deal and that you should accept it before it’s too late. What they won’t tell you is that your injuries may be more serious than you realize, or that you’re entitled to far more compensation than they’re offering.

Another tactic is delay. The insurance company may drag out the process, requesting document after document, hoping you’ll get frustrated and give up. They know that the longer you wait, the more financial pressure you’ll feel. Medical bills pile up, you’re missing work, and you need money now. That desperation works in their favor.

Insurance companies also try to shift blame. They’ll claim you were partially at fault for the accident, even when the evidence says otherwise. They’ll point to pre-existing injuries and argue that your current symptoms aren’t related to the crash. They’ll hire their own medical experts to say your injuries aren’t as serious as your doctors claim.

Having an experienced attorney levels the playing field. Your lawyer knows these tactics and how to counter them. They’ll negotiate aggressively on your behalf and make it clear that you’re prepared to take the case to trial if the insurance company won’t make a fair offer.

What to Do Immediately After a Lyft Accident in Dallas

The actions you take in the moments and hours after a Lyft crash can significantly impact your case. First, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, and a gap in treatment can be used against you later.

If you’re able, document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and anything else that might be relevant. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Exchange information with the other driver, including their name, phone number, insurance details, and license plate number. If the other driver was operating a Lyft vehicle, note the license plate and take screenshots of the ride details from your app if you were a passenger.

File a police report. In Dallas, you can call the non-emergency line at (214) 671-4268 if the accident doesn’t require emergency response. The police report will be an important piece of evidence later. Make sure the officer documents your version of events accurately.

Report the accident to Lyft through the app. Lyft has a process for reporting accidents, and failing to follow it can complicate your claim. However, limit what you say. Stick to the basic facts. Do not admit fault or speculate about what happened.

Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without speaking to a lawyer first. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can hurt your case. Politely decline and tell them you’ll have your attorney contact them.

Keep a detailed record of everything related to the accident. Save all medical bills, prescriptions, receipts, and documentation of time missed from work. Write down how your injuries are affecting your daily life. This information will be used to calculate your damages.

Dealing with the aftermath of a Lyft accident is overwhelming, especially when you’re hurt and trying to recover. You don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. Contact a Dallas personal injury lawyer who can take on that fight for you.

What to Expect From Varghese Summersett

Varghese Summersett has been fighting for injury victims across Texas for years. Our team includes attorneys and staff members with offices in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Southlake. When you hire us, you’re not just getting one lawyer. You’re getting a team. We assign multiple attorneys to complex cases to make sure every angle is covered. We have the resources to hire expert witnesses, reconstruct accidents, and take on well-funded insurance companies that think they can outlast you.

We handle rideshare accident cases throughout Dallas County. Our attorneys know the local courts, the judges, and the tactics that work in this jurisdiction. We know how Dallas County juries think and what they expect to see in a personal injury case.

Our approach is straightforward. We investigate your case thoroughly, calculate the full extent of your damages, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. We don’t settle cheap, and we’re not afraid to take a case to trial if that’s what it takes to get you a fair result.

We offer free consultations. You can sit down with one of our attorneys, go over the facts of your case, and get honest advice about your options. There’s no obligation, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case. That means we only take cases we believe in, and we work hard to get results.

If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Dallas, the clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. Witnesses are moving on. Insurance companies are building their defenses. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas Lyft Accidents

How long do I have to file a claim after a Lyft accident in Dallas?

Texas law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should start the claims process much sooner. Evidence can disappear, and insurance companies are more difficult to negotiate with as time passes. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better.

What if I was a passenger in the Lyft when the accident happened?

As a passenger, you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries regardless of which driver caused the crash. Lyft’s $1 million liability policy covers injuries to passengers. Your claim may be against the Lyft driver, the other driver, or both. An attorney can help you navigate this process and make sure you’re claiming against the right parties.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Under Texas modified comparative negligence rules, you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for the accident. If you’re found 30% at fault, your damages are reduced by 30%. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Insurance companies will try to inflate your share of the blame to reduce what they have to pay.

Will my case go to trial?

Most Lyft accident cases settle before trial. Insurance companies prefer to settle when the facts are against them and the plaintiff has strong legal representation. However, some cases do go to trial, especially when the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. Having a law firm with trial experience is important because it shows the insurance company you’re serious about getting what you deserve.

How much does it cost to hire a Lyft accident lawyer in Dallas?

Most personal injury attorneys, including those at Varghese Summersett, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict we recover for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. This arrangement allows injury victims to get high-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Dallas Lyft Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in a Lyft accident in Dallas, you need experienced legal help. Varghese Summersett has the resources, knowledge, and trial experience to take on insurance companies and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

Don’t wait. The longer you delay, the harder it becomes to build a strong case. Call us today at (214) 903-4000 to speak with a Dallas Lyft accident lawyer who will fight for you.