Lyft Accident in Tennessee? Learn What Your Case Could Be Worth

When you step into a Lyft, you expect a safe ride to your destination. Unfortunately, accidents happen even during rideshare trips. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft accident in Tennessee, you’re probably wondering about compensation and settlement amounts.

Lyft accidents create unique legal challenges that regular car crashes don’t have. And the reality is that settlement amounts vary dramatically based on your specific circumstances.

Tennessee’s specific laws add another layer of complexity. But knowing factors in state law can help you understand what can be done in an average Lyft accident settlement.

What Determines Your Lyft Accident Settlement Amount

Several critical factors influence how much compensation you might receive after a Lyft accident. The severity of your injuries plays the biggest role in determining your settlement value.

Through modified comparative negligence, your settlement could be reduced if you share some blame for the accident. However, you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 50% at fault.

Each case is unique, and Lyft maintains different coverage levels depending on whether the accident occurred during the pre-ride, en route, or ride period.

Lyft Settlement Ranges in Tennessee

Settlement amounts in rideshare accident cases typically fall into several categories based on injury severity. Minor injuries like soft tissue damage or mild whiplash usually result in smaller settlements.

These cases often involve:

• Limited medical treatment
• Short recovery periods
• Minimal work interruption
• Settlement ranges can vary widely, often from $2,000 to $25,000, depending on individual circumstances

Moderate injuries require more extensive medical care and result in higher compensation. These might include fractures, lacerations requiring surgery, or injuries causing temporary disability.

Moderate injury settlements typically include:

• Extended medical treatment
• Physical therapy requirements
• Significant time off work
• Settlement ranges typically vary from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on factors such as medical costs and lost wages

Catastrophic injuries command the highest settlements. These involve severe, life-changing injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities.

Severe injury cases often result in:

• Ongoing medical treatment
• Permanent lifestyle changes
• Lost earning capacity
• Settlements can potentially exceed $500,000, but actual amounts depend on the specifics of the case and insurance coverage

Remember that discussing “average” settlements can be misleading. Each accident involves unique circumstances that directly impact the final compensation amount.

How Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Affects Your Claim

Tennessee Code § 55-12-141 establishes specific insurance requirements for rideshare companies operating in our state. Lyft maintains a three-tiered insurance system that provides different coverage levels.

It’s important to note that coverage gaps can exist, particularly during Period 1 when the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride.

• Personal auto insurance may not cover rideshare activities
• Lyft’s commercial coverage may not yet apply.

When the driver is offline, only their personal auto insurance applies. Most personal policies exclude commercial activities, creating potential coverage gaps.

Period 1 Coverage (App On, No Ride Accepted):

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage
• The automobile liability insurance required under this section must comply with § 56-7-1201
• The coverage requirements of this subsection may be satisfied by any of the following:
  • Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver
  • Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or
  • Any combination of the above

Period 2 Coverage (En Route to Pickup):

• $1 million for liability coverage
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage
• The automobile liability insurance required under this section must comply with § 56-7-1201
• The coverage requirements of this subsection may be satisfied by any of the following:
  • Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver
  • Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or
  • Any combination of the above

Period 3 Coverage (Passenger in Vehicle):

• $1 million for liability coverage
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in the amount of at least $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death and bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage
• The automobile liability insurance required under this section must comply with § 56-7-1201
• The coverage requirements of this subsection may be satisfied by any of the following:
  • Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company driver
  • Automobile insurance maintained by the transportation network company; or
  • Any combination of the above

Most rideshare companies opt out of carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Tennessee so you need to check our own policy to see if it might provide this extra layer of compensation. Tennessee is one of a few states that allows these companies to provide services without uninsured coverage and the law should be changed to protect our citizens and visitors. The $1 million policy also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you even when another driver causes the accident but lacks adequate insurance.

Critical Steps After a Lyft Accident

The actions you take immediately following your accident significantly impact your potential settlement. Your safety and medical needs come first, even if injuries seem minor initially.

Immediate Actions at the Scene:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured
• Seek medical attention promptly
• Take photos of vehicles and the scene
• Get driver and witness contact information
• Report through the Lyft app
• Request a police report

Document everything thoroughly if you can do so safely. The Lyft app may automatically detect the accident, but you should also call police to file an official report.

Important Post-Accident Steps:

• Continue medical treatment as recommended
• Keep detailed records of all expenses
• Track missed work and income loss
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers
• Report the accident to your own insurance company

Avoid discussing fault or giving detailed statements to insurance representatives before consulting with an attorney. Insurance adjusters often ask questions designed to minimize your claim value.

Maintain organized records of all accident-related expenses and impacts. This documentation becomes crucial evidence during settlement negotiations.

Why Lyft Cases Require Legal Experience

Lyft employs experienced attorneys and insurance professionals whose job is minimizing payouts. They have extensive resources and know exactly how to protect their interests during claims.

Unique Challenges in Lyft Cases:

• Determining which insurance applies
• Identifying all liable parties
• Navigating corporate claim procedures
• Understanding rideshare-specific laws
• Dealing with multiple insurance companies

Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally one year from the date of the accident (Tennessee Code § 28-3-104).

However, exceptions exist. The statute may be extended under the discovery rule if injuries are not immediately apparent, for minors until they reach age 18, or for mentally incapacitated individuals until competency is restored.

An experienced rideshare accident lawyer immediately begins investigating your case. They preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong foundation for your claim.

Even After a Lyft Accident, Your Rights Need Protection

Lyft accident settlements are shaped by the unique circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and how well you navigate Tennessee’s complex rideshare liability landscape.

While settlement amounts can vary dramatically, being aware of the factors that influence compensation puts you in a stronger position to secure the financial recovery you deserve.

Don’t let insurance adjusters dictate the value of your case. Contact our experienced personal injury team today for a straightforward evaluation of your claim.

At The Higgins Firm, we’ll tell you exactly what your case is worth and how we can help you get there.