Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around more convenient. But when an accident happens, the situation can quickly become complicated. Who is responsible? Which insurance policy covers your injuries? How do you make sure you get the compensation you deserve?
These are not simple questions. Unlike regular car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple parties, corporate policies, and complex insurance rules. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, meaning they often try to avoid responsibility when something goes wrong.
This is why hiring a ridesharing accident lawyer is important. A lawyer with experience handling Uber and Lyft accidents can help you understand your legal rights, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you need. RRBH Law has a dedicated team that knows how to navigate these cases and will work to protect your interests.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different from Regular Car Accidents?
At first, an Uber or Lyft accident may seem like any other car crash. But legally, there are important differences that make these cases more complex.
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Rideshare Insurance Coverage is Complicated
Unlike regular accidents where the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for damages, rideshare drivers are covered by different policies depending on their status at the time of the accident.
- If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, only their personal insurance applies.
- If the driver is logged in but has no passenger, Uber and Lyft provide third-party liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- If the driver has a passenger or is on the way to pick one up, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage and additional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Determining which policy applies can be difficult, especially when insurance companies try to reduce payouts.
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More Than One Party May Be Liable
In a regular car accident, liability usually falls on one driver. In a rideshare accident, multiple parties could be responsible, including:
- The Uber or Lyft driver
- Another negligent driver on the road
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance providers
- A vehicle manufacturer (if the accident was caused by defective parts)
- Local governments (if poor road conditions contributed to the crash)
Each of these parties will try to avoid blame. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can investigate and determine who should be held responsible.
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Uber and Lyft Try to Avoid Liability
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This allows them to avoid direct responsibility for most accidents involving their drivers. Even though they provide $1 million in insurance coverage, getting them to pay a fair settlement can be challenging.
A lawyer who understands rideshare accident cases knows how to push back against these companies and fight for a fair settlement.
Who is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident is not always clear. Here are some of the possible responsible parties:
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The Rideshare Driver
If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident, they (or their insurance) may be liable. This includes cases where the driver was:
- Speeding
- Running a red light
- Distracted by their phone or GPS
- Driving under the influence
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Another Driver on the Road
If another driver hit the Uber or Lyft vehicle, they may be responsible for covering the damages. However, if they don’t have enough insurance, Uber or Lyft’s policy may come into play.
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Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Provider
Uber and Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy is only active when a passenger is in the vehicle or the driver is en route to a pickup. If your injuries are serious, a lawyer can ensure you receive the full benefits of this coverage.
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Vehicle Manufacturers or Mechanics
If the accident was caused by brake failure, tire blowouts, or other mechanical defects, the car manufacturer or repair shop may be responsible. In such cases, a product liability claim may be necessary.
How a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Case
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Investigating the Accident
A lawyer will collect important evidence, such as:
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Traffic camera footage
- Rideshare app data to confirm the driver’s status
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Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters work to protect the company’s bottom line, not your best interests. A rideshare accident lawyer can negotiate with them and fight against low settlement offers.
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Determining the Full Value of Your Claim
Beyond immediate medical bills, a lawyer will help calculate:
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering damages
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Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If Uber, Lyft, or their insurers refuse to pay fair compensation, your lawyer can take legal action. Many cases settle before trial, but having an experienced attorney can increase the likelihood of a higher payout.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident?
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be eligible for compensation, including:
- Medical expenses (hospital visits, therapy, rehabilitation, surgery)
- Lost wages (including future earnings if you can’t return to work)
- Property damage (if your vehicle was involved)
- Pain and suffering (chronic pain, emotional distress, PTSD)
- Wrongful death damages (if a loved one died in the accident)
Settlement amounts vary, but serious injuries often result in settlements of $100,000 or more. In cases involving traumatic brain injuries or permanent disabilities, compensation can exceed $500,000 or more.
Speak with a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer Today to Protect Your Rights
Uber and Lyft accidents are more complicated than regular car crashes. The insurance claims process is difficult, and rideshare companies often try to limit their payouts. If you’ve been injured, you need a ridesharing accident lawyer who knows how to handle these cases.
At RRBH Law, we have the experience to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our team will:
- Investigate your accident
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Fight to get you the maximum settlement possible
You don’t have to deal with this alone. If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact RRBH Law today for a free consultation. Call 305-800-4663 now to discuss your case. We’re here to help.