Involved in an Accident with a Lyft Driver Using a Hertz Rental Car – What Are My Next Steps?
On November 17, 2024, I was hit by a driver who was working for Lyft and merging into my lane on the freeway without checking their blind spot. My vehicle sustained damage, including a cracked front bumper, a flat tire, and a damaged windshield wiper fluid tank.
I filed a police report immediately after the accident and recorded the incident, which should clearly demonstrate that their vehicle collided with mine; however, I don’t have any additional proof.
Things have become more complicated since the Lyft driver was operating a Hertz rental car. They provided me with their insurance details and mentioned they had purchased “extra insurance” for such situations. However, I later learned that her Hertz insurance doesn’t cover incidents that occur while driving for Lyft.
Lyft has now stated that if they agree to cover any of my property damage, they will only consider reasonable rental or storage expenses, but not the actual damage to my vehicle. Does this mean they won’t cover the necessary repairs?
Unfortunately, I only have the minimum liability coverage required by California and do not have collision coverage. Switching to full coverage is currently unrealistic for me since the costs exceed $400 per month.
I would truly appreciate any advice on what to do next. Thank you!
I’m really sorry to hear about your accident and the complications you’re facing. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this situation:
Document Everything: Make sure you have all the documentation related to the accident. This includes your police report, any photos of the damage, and any notes you’ve taken about what happened. If you recorded the situation right after the accident, keep that recording as well.
Contact the Insurance Companies: Reach out to both the Hertz insurance and Lyft’s insurance (since they’re involved due to the driver being on the app at the time). Make sure you understand the details of what each policy covers. Since the driver claimed to have “extra insurance,” you should ask for details on what that entails.
Follow Up with Lyft: If Lyft’s response indicates that they may only cover certain expenses, ask for clarification on what constitutes “reasonable” expenses. Be persistent in following up, as insurance claims can sometimes be complicated.
Seek Legal Advice: You may want to consult with a personal injury attorney who has experience with accidents involving ride-share drivers. They can help you clarify your rights and provide guidance on how to deal with the insurance companies.
Explore Your Options for Coverage: Since you mentioned not having collision coverage, it might be worthwhile to explore your options for future coverage. Some insurers offer lower premiums for policies that include rental coverage or legal help in accidents, even if they are not full coverage.
Consider a Claim Against the Driver: As the driver of the rental, the Lyft driver may be liable for the damages inflicted on you. If you’re not getting the help you need from their insurance, your attorney may suggest pursuing a claim against the driver personally.
Assess Your Damages: Get an estimate for repairs to your vehicle. Having a professional assessment can help in any negotiations with the insurance companies to ensure you’re compensated fairly.
Stay Persistent: The claims process can be lengthy and frustrating, but staying organized and persistent will help. Keep records of every conversation and correspondence you have regarding this incident.
Remember, you’re not alone in this process, and there are resources available to help you navigate these challenges. Good luck, and I hope you find resolution soon!