Navigating Personal Injury Claims Involving Rideshare Companies

Published April 21, 2025 by Harker Injury Law

A city intersection scene showing two cars involved in a collision, one displaying an Uber decal.

Ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have become a popular form of public transportation. According to an annual report, Uber completed about 30 rideshare trips every second. However, with the rise in rideshare usage, accidents involving these vehicles have also increased.

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident — whether as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or motorist — you may be entitled to compensation. Unfortunately, filing personal injury claims involving rideshare companies can be complex due to issues involving insurance coverage, liability, and legal regulations.

In this article, we will discuss liability issues, insurance coverage, and other important aspects of handling a rideshare accident claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?

Negligence laws allow accident victims to pursue compensation from the party that caused them harm.

One or more of the following parties may be found liable in rideshare accidents:

The rideshare driver: If a rideshare driver was negligent (driving distracted, speeding, running a red light), he or she could be held personally liable for damages.

Rideshare companies: Uber and Lyft have large insurance policies that may cover injuries, but coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

Another driver: Did another motorist cause the accident? If so, his or her auto insurance policy should cover the damages.

Vehicle or parts manufacturer: If a mechanical defect contributed to the crash, the manufacturer might be liable.

Government entities: Did poor road conditions or missing traffic signals contribute to the car accident? These hazards could lead to a liability claim against the city or state.

Understanding Rideshare Company Insurance Policies

Unlike traditional taxi services, rideshare drivers are independent contractors. They are not Uber or Lyft employees. This distinction affects who is held responsible for damages and which insurance policies apply.

Liability in a rideshare accident generally depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.

The driver was not logged into the app

If a rideshare driver is not logged into the app when an accident occurs, Uber or Lyft will not provide any insurance coverage. Instead, the driver’s personal insurance policy applies.

The driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride request

If the driver was logged in and waiting for a ride request but had not yet picked up a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage:

$50,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

The driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger

Once a driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage. Additionally, there may be coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.

Steps to Take Following a Rideshare Accident

Being involved in any sort of car accident is a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, the steps you take following the accident can make a difference in your health and financial recovery.

We recommend taking the following steps after being involved in a Lyft or Uber accident:

Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as internal trauma, may not be easily apparent.

Report the accident to the authorities: Call the police and request an accident report. A police report serves as valuable evidence in determining fault and liability.

Record photo and video evidence: Document the accident scene as thoroughly as you can. Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, all your injuries, and anything else that seems relevant. If you were a rideshare passenger, take a screenshot of your trip details from the Uber or Lyft app.

Exchange contact information: Get contact info from the rideshare driver, other drivers involved, passengers, and any other eyewitnesses to the accident.

Report the accident to the rideshare company: Uber and Lyft have features in their apps that allow you to report rideshare accidents. Filing a report ensures that there is a record of the incident with the company.

Notify your insurance company: Even if you were not at fault, notify your insurance provider about the rideshare car accident. Some policies require timely reporting for coverage eligibility.

Consult a personal injury lawyer: An attorney experienced in rideshare accidents can help you through every step of the claims process.

Challenges in Rideshare Accident Claims

After being involved in a Lyft or Uber accident, it is understandable that you just want the money you need to cover your expenses and move forward. Unfortunately, recovering compensation might not be as straightforward as it should be. Many rideshare accident victims face challenges when seeking compensation for their injuries.

Common challenges in rideshare accident claims include:

Dispute over driver status: Rideshare drivers often argue that their drivers are independent contractors to limit their liability. Proving that the driver was actively working at the time of the accident is crucial.

Insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts: Insurance companies may attempt to offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. A personal injury lawyer can help counter these tactics.

Complex multi-party claims: If multiple parties are involved, determining liability and negotiating settlements can be more complex than in a typical car accident.

Why Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Rideshare Accident

If you have been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be unsure of how to go about getting fair compensation for your losses.

Consider some of the benefits of having a rideshare accident lawyer on your side:

Understanding complex insurance policies: Rideshare accidents may involve various insurance claims. Experienced personal injury lawyers can determine which insurance policies apply and ensure that you maximize your claim.

Proving liability: Determining fault in a rideshare accident can be complicated. A personal injury lawyer will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and build a strong case to establish liability.

Maximizing compensation: A lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. Having an attorney on your side ensures that all damages are accounted for and you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Negotiating with insurers: Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. This means they may try to pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Personal injury attorneys are familiar with the tactics insurers use and can negotiate effectively on your behalf.

Meeting deadlines: Rideshare accident claims must be filed within a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to compensation. A lawyer will ensure that all filing deadlines are completed on time.

Accessing to expert witnesses: Rideshare accident cases may require expert testimony from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial experts. A skilled personal injury lawyer has access to these resources to strengthen your claim and prove the extent of your damages.

Going without paying upfront fees: Most rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case. This allows you to pursue legal action without worrying about upfront legal fees.

Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Our Law Firm Is Here to Help

Personal injury claims involving rideshare companies are often more complicated than standard car accident cases. You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. Our rideshare accident lawyers can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

The personal injury lawyers at Harker Injury Law understand that a serious car accident can completely derail your life. We truly care about our clients. Our legal team will handle every aspect of your case so that you can focus on your health and recovery.

Our law firm offers all rideshare accident victims a free case review. We want to hear your story, and there is no pressure when you speak to us about your case. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.