Involved in a Collision with a Lyft Driver Using a Hertz Rental Car – What Should I Do Next?
I was involved in an accident on November 17, 2024, when a Lyft driver failed to check their blind spot and merged into my lane on the freeway. My car sustained front bumper damage, a tire was damaged and needed replacement, and the windshield washer fluid tank is cracked.
Unfortunately, I lack concrete proof of the accident, but I immediately filed a police report and documented the situation right after it happened. The evidence clearly indicates that her vehicle collided with mine based on the damage and the accident’s location.
The situation has become more complicated since the Lyft driver was in a Hertz rental car, rather than their personal vehicle.
The driver provided their insurance details and mentioned that they had purchased “extra insurance” to cover incidents. However, I’ve recently learned that the Hertz policy does not cover the accident because she was driving for Lyft at the time.
Lyft has now stated, “If we agree to pay for some or all of your property damage on behalf of our policyholder, we will only consider reasonable rental expenses for a vehicle comparable to the damaged vehicle, and/or reasonable storage expenses for reimbursement.”
Does this mean they won’t cover the actual damages to my vehicle?
Additionally, I do not have collision coverage; I only carry the minimum required by California law. I am considering switching to full coverage, but the costs are currently beyond my budget (around $400+ per month).
I would really appreciate any advice on what steps I should take next. Thank you for your help! 😔
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you can do next:
Review Your Police Report: Make sure you have a copy of the police report, as it can serve as a key piece of evidence in demonstrating that the accident occurred and was not your fault.
Document Everything: Gather all documentation related to the accident, including photos of the damage to your car, details of the incident, and any communication you’ve had with both the driver and Lyft.
Contact the Driver’s Insurance: Reach out to the insurance company provided by the Lyft driver. Although she was driving a Hertz rental, her personal insurance may still cover some damages. Explain your situation and ask them to review the claim.
Communicate with Lyft: Reach back out to Lyft’s insurance department to clarify what they will cover regarding the damages. If they have indicated they’re willing to pay for damages, ask for specifics on what those damages might include.
Check Rental Insurance: If the driver had “extra insurance” with Hertz, check the terms of that coverage to see if liability is covered while she’s driving for Lyft. If it does cover this scenario, you may need to pursue a claim with Hertz’s insurance.
Consider Small Claims Court: If you can’t come to an agreement with the insurance companies, you might consider filing a claim in small claims court against the driver for the damages, especially since you have evidence from the police report and any recorded communication.
Seek Legal Counsel: If you feel overwhelmed or if the amount of damages is significant, consulting with a personal injury attorney could help. They can provide guidance specific to your situation and may help you navigate insurance disputes.
Explore Other Options: If you’re still struggling to get coverage for damages, you might want to look into other avenues such as seeking local legal aid for guidance, or consumer protection agencies that can assist in resolving disputes with insurers.
Make sure you keep records of all communications and documents related to the incident. Best of luck, and I hope you get this resolved soon!