What to Do After a Rideshare Accident: Know Your Rights

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different

Being involved in an accident as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle brings complexities that are not present in standard car crashes. Below, we outline a few of the things that differentiate regular car accidents from rideshare accidents.

1. Multiple insurance policies: Unlike regular car accidents, rideshare incidents often involve multiple layers of insurance—both personal and company-provided—depending on whether the driver is on duty or off the app
2. Coverage varies by driver’s status: The level of coverage changes depending on whether the driver is logged into the app, actively picking up a passenger, or carrying a passenger
3. Higher coverage for active rides: When a ride is in progress, rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft provide more comprehensive insurance than typical personal policies
4. Complex claims process: Rideshare accident claims can involve both the driver’s personal insurer and the rideshare company, making the process more complex to navigate without legal help

Rideshare Company Liability

Understanding the liability of rideshare companies is crucial when involved in an accident. When you’re injured, it’s not just the driver and their liability insurance you’ll have to deal with. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry large insurance policies, but the coverage depends on whether the driver was actively using the app at the time of the crash.

• Driver off the app: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies
• Driver logged in, but no ride accepted: The driver’s personal insurance applies first, with limited backup from the rideshare company’s insurance
• Driver en route to a passenger or with a passenger: The rideshare company’s insurance offers the most protection, covering both the driver and the passenger

It’s important to understand these differences, as they determine which policy applies and how much compensation you can receive. Consulting with an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents can help clarify your options and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Immediate Steps Following a Rideshare Accident

The steps you take immediately after a rideshare accident are critical in ensuring your well-being and building a strong case for compensation:

1. Check for injuries and call 911: Your health is the top priority. First thing, make sure to get medical help on the scene if needed for yourself or anyone else involved who may need it. As soon as everyone is safe and well, report the accident to law enforcement
2. Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and the vehicle. Gather information from the Uber or Lyft driver, including their name, contact details, insurance information, and details from the app. Create a complete record of the accident
3. Notify the rideshare company: Use the app to report the accident to Uber or Lyft. This step creates a record of the incident and will help you in the claims process. It's important you do this as soon as possible
4. Get witness information: If there were any witnesses at the time of the accident, get their contact information as well. Their statements could prove valuable in your claim

Navigating Rideshare Insurance

One of the most challenging aspects of these types of accidents is understanding how insurance works. Unlike typical vehicle accidents, you’re dealing with multiple policies, including the driver’s personal policy and the rideshare services coverage.

Personal insurance limitations: In many cases, personal auto insurance policies do not cover accidents that occur while the driver is using their vehicle for commercial purposes (like Uber or Lyft). This means if the driver wasn’t logged into the app at the time, their personal insurance might refuse to pay for your damages.

Rideshare company insurance: When a rideshare driver is active on the app and transporting passengers, Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies typically offer higher coverage. For example, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage while a passenger is in the car.

However, insurance companies may try to dispute claims or delay payments, especially when multiple policies are involved. This is where having a car accident lawyer can be crucial.

Legal Considerations & Rights After an Accident

Given the complexities of these types of accidents, it’s important to consider legal representation early in the process, especially if your injuries are severe or if you encounter difficulties with the insurance companies involved.

Multiple insurance companies: You may be dealing with both the driver’s and the rideshare company’s insurers. These companies are often more concerned with minimizing their payouts than ensuring you receive full compensation. Having a lawyer can help you navigate these disputes and protect your interests.

Proving liability: Establishing fault in this type of accident can be challenging, especially if there are conflicting reports from the driver or other involved parties. An attorney can help gather the necessary evidence and build a strong case on your behalf.

Gathering Evidence for Your Case

Building a strong case for compensation after a rideshare accident involves gathering as much evidence as possible to support your claim:

• Medical records: Keep a detailed record of all medical treatments, doctor visits, and therapy related to your injuries
• Receipts and bills: Document all costs associated with the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other financial impacts
• Communications with insurance companies: Save all emails, letters, and phone call records from insurance providers to track their responses and any delays in processing your claim

When to Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Not every accident needs a lawyer, but some situations do. If you have serious injuries that require a lot of medical treatment, a personal injury attorney can help. They know how to deal with insurance claims and can help you get fair compensation.

If there is a disagreement about who is at fault or if the other people involved are unhelpful, a personal injury attorney can stand up for your rights. They will look out for your best interests.

Keep in mind that hiring a lawyer doesn’t always mean you will go to court. Having legal help can often make it easier to negotiate with insurance companies. This way, you can get a fair settlement that pays for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering you’ve experienced.

Conclusion

Rideshare accidents are complex, and navigating the legal landscape can be overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with physical and emotional recovery. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident, understanding the nuances of rideshare insurance, and seeking legal guidance can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.

At YourAccident.com, we understand how daunting it can be to navigate the aftermath of an accident on your own. To help cut through the noise, we offer some helpful resources, such as our free settlement calculator, which estimates potential payouts, and educational articles for further insights. We’re also dedicated to connecting you with skilled rideshare accident attorneys who specialize in cases like yours. 

Our experienced professionals can help you handle everything from negotiating with insurers to collecting crucial evidence for your claim. With a free consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to learn your legal options, safeguard your rights, and begin your path to recovery. Reach out today, and let us guide you confidently through this challenging process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do first after a rideshare accident?

The first step after a Lyft or Uber accident is to ensure everyone's safety. If someone is hurt, seek medical attention right away. If it is safe, move to a safe spot. Then, exchange insurance information with everyone involved.

How do I report an accident to the rideshare company?

You can usually report an accident using the app where you booked your ride. Make sure to give correct contact information, details about the driver, and specifics about the accident. This will help make the claim process easier.

What if the rideshare driver was at fault?

If the driver was responsible for the accident, their insurance (or Uber/Lyft’s) should cover your damages. Your lawyer can help determine which policy applies based on the circumstances.

Can I file a claim if the driver wasn’t logged into the app?

If the driver wasn’t logged into the Lyft or Uber app, you may have to rely on their personal insurance, which might limit your compensation. Consulting with a car accident attorney can help you explore your options for recovering damages.