Injured in an Uber or Lyft? Rideshare Claims Have Their Own Rules.
Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or hit by a rideshare vehicle, coverage depends on the driver's 'period' at the time of the crash. Get matched with an attorney who understands rideshare insurance.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms create insurance questions that don't exist in a typical two-car crash. Coverage depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the moment of the collision: waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one. Each of these 'periods' can trigger different insurance policies and coverage limits, and rideshare companies' own insurers often move quickly to minimize payouts.
If you were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or a third party (another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian) hit by a rideshare vehicle, understanding which policy applies — the driver's personal policy, the rideshare company's contingent coverage, or its full commercial policy — is critical to recovering full compensation.
An attorney experienced in rideshare claims knows how to identify which period applied, pull the necessary trip data from the rideshare platform, and pursue the correct insurance policy for your situation.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Distracted driving via the rideshare app
Drivers checking the app for ride requests, navigation, or messages while driving is a common contributing factor.
Unfamiliarity with routes
Rideshare drivers often navigate unfamiliar areas, increasing the risk of sudden lane changes or missed turns.
Fatigue from long driving hours
Some drivers work extended hours across multiple platforms, increasing fatigue-related risk.
Passenger pick-up and drop-off hazards
Sudden stops or double-parking to pick up or drop off riders can cause rear-end or door-related collisions.
Common Injuries
Every case is different, but people injured in a rideshare accident frequently experience:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head and brain injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Back and spinal injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Psychological trauma
Who Can Be Held Liable?
The rideshare driver
As with any driver, negligence such as distraction or speeding can create direct liability.
The rideshare company's insurer
Depending on the driver's status in the app at the time of the crash, Uber's or Lyft's contingent or commercial coverage may apply.
A third-party driver
In many rideshare accidents, another driver — not the rideshare driver — caused the crash.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Medical expenses
Costs for treatment of injuries sustained as a passenger, driver, or third party.
Lost income
Compensation for missed work during recovery, including for rideshare drivers unable to drive.
Pain and suffering
Damages for the physical and emotional impact of the crash.
Property damage
Repair costs for a personal vehicle involved in a collision with a rideshare driver.
Legal Issues Unique to Rideshare Accidents
Insurance 'periods'
Coverage differs significantly depending on whether the app was off, on and waiting, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger.
Trip data as evidence
GPS logs, timestamps, and app status data from the rideshare platform can be crucial and may require formal legal requests to obtain.
Independent contractor status
Because rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, the company's own direct liability can be more limited than in a traditional employment case.
Multiple potential defendants
Passengers injured in a rideshare vehicle hit by another car may have claims against both drivers and both insurers.