Involved in an Accident with a Lyft Driver in a Hertz Rental Car – What Are My Next Steps?
On November 17, 2024, I was involved in an accident caused by a Lyft driver who merged into my lane on the freeway without checking their blind spot. My car sustained significant damage: the front bumper is cracked, I had to replace a tire, and the windshield wiper fluid tank is also broken.
While I don’t have direct evidence of the accident, I did file a police report immediately after it occurred and recorded details about the incident. Based on the visible damages and the circumstances, it seems quite clear that their car collided with mine.
However, things have become complicated because the driver was behind the wheel of a Hertz rental vehicle instead of their personal car. They provided their insurance information and mentioned purchasing “extra insurance” for such situations. Unfortunately, I’ve learned that this Hertz insurance doesn’t cover incidents that occur while driving for Lyft.
Moreover, Lyft has informed me that if they decide to contribute to my property damage, their assistance will only include reasonable rental costs for a comparable vehicle or reasonable storage fees for reimbursement.
Does this mean they won’t cover my actual damages?
To make matters worse, I don’t have collision coverage—only the minimum insurance required in California. I want to switch to full coverage, but it’s currently too expensive for my budget (over $400 per month).
I’m feeling a bit lost on what to do next. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your accident; that sounds really stressful. Here are steps you can follow to navigate this situation:
Insurance Communication: Contact your insurance provider to inform them about the accident, even if you have only the minimum coverage. They might be able to guide you on how to proceed and may even assist in filing a claim against the Lyft driver’s insurance.
Document Everything: Keep all records of the accident, including the police report, any photos of the damage, and any communication with Lyft, Hertz, and the driver. This documentation will be crucial if you pursue a claim.
Claim with Lyft: Since the driver was working for Lyft at the time of the accident, you can file a claim with Lyft’s insurance. While they mentioned limited coverage, it’s still worth pursuing. Make sure to provide all documentation to support your claim.
Rental Vehicle Coverage: Lyft and Hertz may only cover certain expenses. If they’re stating limited coverage, you might want to clarify what is and isn’t included. Ask specifically about property damage costs.
Consult a Lawyer: Given that this situation involves multiple insurance policies and a rental vehicle, consulting with a personal injury attorney may be beneficial. They can offer specific advice, help you understand your rights, and assist you in dealing with any potential negotiation or litigation.
Evaluate Repair Costs: Get estimates for repairing your vehicle. This will help you understand the total damage and will be useful for claims.
Explore State Insurance Options: Since you’re considering switching insurance providers, look into companies that offer affordable full coverage. Sometimes, getting quotes from multiple providers can reveal lower rates.
Follow Up Regularly: Stay persistent with your claims and regular follow-ups with both Lyft and Hertz to keep your case moving.
Consider Small Claims Court: If negotiations with Lyft and the rental driver’s insurance do not yield satisfactory results, you might think about taking action in small claims court for vehicle damage.
Remember, you deserve to get compensated for the damage caused by the accident. Stay strong and persistent!