Lyft Held Liable? Court Allows Negligence Claim in Fatal Carjacking Case

The rideshare industry has revolutionized transportation, offering convenience and accessibility to millions. However, this convenience comes with inherent risks, and the question of liability in cases of driver or passenger injury, particularly in violent crimes like carjacking, is a growing concern. Can Lyft be held liable? A recent court decision is paving the way for victims to seek justice.

The Rising Concern of Rideshare Carjackings

Lyft carjackings are becoming increasingly common. Over the years, Lyft has implemented some improvements for user safety, but the continued carjackings and Lyft assault cases show more must be done. From 2017 to 2019, 10 people were killed in physical altercations and more than 4,000 people were assaulted during Lyft rides.

These incidents raise critical questions about the safety measures implemented by rideshare companies and their responsibility to protect their drivers and passengers.

Landmark Ruling: Lyft App Declared a “Product”

In a groundbreaking decision, a Missouri Court of Appeals recently reversed a trial court’s decision to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit against Lyft. The court found, for the first time in Missouri history, that a rideshare app is a “product” and subject to Missouri’s product liability laws. This ruling stems from a tragic case where a Lyft driver was killed during a carjacking after being lured to a location by individuals using a fake identity created through the app.

Johnny Simon of Simon Law stated, “Rideshare companies have worked hard to make sure consumers cannot take legal action against them even [when] the negligence of a rideshare company causes injury or death. This ruling significantly changes that and creates a path to hold these companies accountable through litigation for their negligent actions that have had real, tangible, and harmful consequences.”

Negligence and Foreseeability: Key Elements of Liability

The court emphasized that Lyft had a duty to protect its drivers from harm, stating that “special facts and circumstances rendered [the driver’s] injuries foreseeable to Lyft in this case.” The court further explained that Lyft brought the driver into contact with individuals it “knew or should have known to be particularly liable to commit criminal acts” and did so under circumstances that afforded the perpetrators a “peculiar opportunity or temptation for such misconduct.”

This ruling highlights the importance of establishing negligence on the part of Lyft. To prove negligence, it must be shown that Lyft failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing the incident. This could involve demonstrating that Lyft’s background check process was inadequate, that the company failed to implement sufficient safety measures, or that it was aware of a potential risk and failed to take appropriate action.

The Duty of Care: What Responsibilities Do Rideshare Companies Have?

Lyft, like any person or entity, has a duty of care to prevent harm to others. If they breach this duty of care and cause injury or death, the victims have the right to pursue a legal claim for negligence. This duty extends to both passengers and drivers.

Some examples of how Lyft could be considered negligent:

Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly screen drivers and ensure they can safely perform their job duties, including conducting thorough background checks.
Inadequate Safety Measures: Not implementing sufficient measures to protect drivers and passengers from foreseeable risks, such as carjacking or assault.
Failure to Respond to Complaints: Not taking appropriate action in response to complaints about driver or passenger behavior.

The Independent Contractor Defense: A Challenge to Liability

Rideshare companies often classify their drivers as independent contractors, which can complicate the issue of liability. Generally, companies are not held liable for the actions of independent contractors. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

One exception is if the company was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the independent contractor. For example, if Lyft failed to conduct a thorough background check on a driver with a history of violence, the company could be held liable for the driver’s actions.

Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents

Lyft maintains a $1 million liability insurance policy that applies to passengers who suffer injury in accidents caused by its fleet of drivers. However, the applicability of this policy depends on the circumstances of the accident.

When the driver is actively transporting a passenger: The $1 million policy is in effect.
When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request: Lyft provides contingent liability coverage up to \$50,000 per person/\$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and up to \$25,000 for property damage if the driver’s personal auto insurance does not apply.
When the driver is not actively logged into the app: Lyft does not provide any insurance coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance would apply.

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Rideshare Accident or Carjacking

If you are involved in an accident or carjacking while using Lyft, it is important to take the following steps:

Ensure Safety and Call for Help: Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.
Gather Information: If it is safe to do so, collect information from the other driver, including their name, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to the vehicles involved.
File a Police Report: File a police report as soon as possible. This will create an official record of the incident.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured, it is important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can also help you negotiate with the insurance company and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Seeking Justice and Compensation

If you have been injured in a Lyft accident or carjacking, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage

A personal injury attorney can help you assess the value of your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.

The Path Forward: Holding Rideshare Companies Accountable

The recent court decision in Missouri marks a significant step forward in holding rideshare companies accountable for the safety of their drivers and passengers. As ridesharing continues to grow in popularity, it is crucial that these companies prioritize safety and take proactive measures to prevent violent crimes like carjacking. By pursuing legal action against negligent rideshare companies, victims can not only obtain compensation for their injuries but also help to create a safer environment for everyone who uses these services.