A 2024 survey ranked Washington, D.C. as the city with the second-worst traffic in the U.S. So, it is no wonder many residents and visitors to the nation’s capital opt to take public transportation, like the bus and metro instead of driving their own vehicles. 

However, many D.C. commuters take ridesharing services like Lyft instead of public transport for safety or speed reasons. And as these mobile-based services offer more and more locations with more and more available drivers, Washington, D.C. has seen a high number of Lyft drivers on its roads.

Unfortunately, the rising popularity of these services has also given rise to more accidents. At the Law Offices of Duane O. King, we have the experience and confidence necessary to confidently advocate for your rights after a Lyft accident in Washington, D.C.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Lyft Accident in Washington, D.C.?

Especially as a passenger on an in-progress ride, if you get into an accident on the roads of D.C., you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. 

First and foremost, ensure your own safety, the safety of the Lyft driver, and that of all other parties by checking for serious injuries. Get everyone out of the flow of traffic and turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights. 

Then, call 911 to report the accident to the police and seek medical attention. D.C. law mandates that you report the accident in cases of injury or property damage that might put you or others in danger. Even in non-injury cases, reporting the accident will help with evidence for a legal claim down the road. 

Then, if it is possible and safe, take photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Gather the contact information of any witnesses, and exchange the same info with any other drivers involved in the crash. Avoid discussing your accident on social media or you may jeopardize your chances of claiming compensation. 

Report the accident as soon as possible using your Lyft app. However, when speaking with insurance adjusters and Lyft representatives, refrain from volunteering any information that may be used against you.

Who Is Liable in a Washington, D.C. Lyft Accident?

Because Washington, D.C. is a “no-fault” state regarding car accidents, you will likely need to file a claim with your insurance company to cover any injury or damages. If your medical expenses exceed the limits of your policy or if your injuries count as “severe” under D.C. law, you can sue the at-fault party to recover your costs. 

Because of the multiple parties involved in a Lyft accident, you may have difficulty figuring out who exactly that “at-fault” party is. Your first instinct might be to sue Lyft to recover compensation related to your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, Lyft and other rideshare companies employ their drivers as independent contractors and not as employees. Some extraordinary scenarios may open up Lyft itself to a lawsuit. You will need to prove that Lyft contributed directly to the accident by ignoring repeated safety concerns about their driver, failing to conduct adequate background checks, allowing for poor safety practices, or another negligent act.

How Long Do You Have to File a Lyft Accident Claim in Washington, D.C.?

If you need to file a claim, bear in mind that D.C.’s statute of limitations gives you a time limit of three years from the date of your collision to sue; otherwise, you forfeit your right to pursue a claim in court.  

Additionally, in Washington, D.C., the law follows the concept of contributory negligence. If the court finds that you were even 1% at fault for the accident, they may bar you from recovering any compensation.

How Does Lyft’s Insurance Policy Work in Washington, D.C.?

When your own insurance policy does not cover your accident-related expenses—or when you suffered a severe injury, Lyft’s insurance policy can provide coverage depending on the status of your ride at the time of the accident. The rideshare company provides coverage of up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage if the driver had the app on without an active ride request. If the driver was either in the process of picking a passenger up or actively transporting a passenger, that coverage increases to at least $1 million for third-party auto liability coverage. However, Lyft provides no coverage if the driver’s app was off during the accident.

What Are the Common Causes of Lyft Accidents in Washington, D.C.?

Lyft drivers can practice poor driving habits that lead to accidents. Distracted driving is a main cause, especially because Lyft drivers use the rideshare app for navigation, communication, and ride management. These drivers may also experience fatigue and exhaustion-related lack of alertness, as the long hours on the road can tire out even the most seasoned Lyfter. The pressures inherent to ridesharing, as drivers attempt to maximize their income, can lead to speeding or reckless driving. All of this can create incredible danger on the busy, narrow streets of Washington, D.C.

Protect Your Rights With the Washington, D.C. Lyft Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King

If you need to recover compensation for your car accident damages and injuries, you do not need to go through the process alone. The seasoned Washington, D.C. Lyft accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King can help. Give us a call at (202) 931-6252 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., National Harbor, Maryland, and Falls Church, Virginia, we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.