Injured in a Rideshare Accident? What You Need to Know

Rideshare services have changed the way we travel, offering quick and convenient transportation with just a few taps. However, when an accident occurs during a rideshare trip, the aftermath can be complicated. Multiple insurance policies, unclear liability, and unique legal rules can make the claims process difficult to navigate.

If you were injured while using a rideshare service, knowing your rights and how these cases work is essential to protecting your health and your financial recovery.

How Rideshare Accidents Occur

Rideshare-related injuries can occur in many different ways. Some of the most common situations include:

• You are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle involved in a collision.
• You are hit by a rideshare driver as a pedestrian, cyclist, or another motorist.
• You are injured due to the driver’s negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving.
• You are riding in another vehicle that is struck by a rideshare car.

Although companies like Uber and Lyft are often the platforms involved, the legal process for injury claims focuses more on the driver’s actions, the insurance coverage in place, and how the accident occurred.

How Rideshare Insurance Works

Rideshare drivers use their personal vehicles, but they operate under different levels of insurance coverage depending on what they were doing at the time of the accident. This can make insurance claims more complicated than standard car accidents.

Here’s a general breakdown of coverage:

• App off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
• App on, no ride accepted: Limited liability coverage is available.
• Ride accepted or passenger on board: Full commercial insurance is in effect, often up to $1 million in coverage.

If you were riding as a passenger when the accident happened, you’re typically covered under the highest level of protection. However, getting the insurance companies involved to pay what you’re owed is not always easy.

Determining Who Is Liable

Like any accident, fault must be established before compensation can be awarded. In a rideshare accident, the liable party could be:

• The rideshare driver, if they were distracted, reckless, or violated traffic laws.
• Another driver, if they caused the crash.
• A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer or municipality in the case of faulty parts or road hazards.

Even though rideshare companies may not be directly responsible due to driver classification, their insurance policies still apply when drivers are logged into the app and transporting passengers.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you are injured during a rideshare trip or by a rideshare vehicle, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can help protect your health and your legal claim. Acting quickly and documenting everything clearly is critical in these situations.

Here are the key actions to take:

• Call the police and make sure a report is filed.
• Seek medical attention and follow all treatment instructions.
• Take photos of the vehicles, scene, injuries, and rideshare app screen.
• Get contact information for the driver and any witnesses.
• Save all trip details, including receipts, messages, and screenshots.
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney.

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles often include more than one insurance policy, so having legal guidance early on is important.

What Compensation Can You Pursue?

If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Ongoing treatment or therapy
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life

The amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how the accident has impacted your life now and in the future.

Let Us Help You With Your Rideshare Injury Claim

Rideshare accident claims involve unique legal and insurance issues. Our legal team understands how these cases work, from identifying which policy applies to proving who is at fault. We manage the details so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, call (855) LAW-2407 today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward the compensation you deserve.