Rideshare crashes raise a question that ordinary crashes do not: whose insurance pays? The answer can involve the driver's personal policy, the rideshare company's commercial policy and the other driver's insurance.
This guide explains how rideshare claims usually work for passengers, other drivers, pedestrians and rideshare drivers themselves.
What usually causes a rideshare accident?
Rideshare crashes have the same causes as other crashes, plus app-related distraction and long hours behind the wheel.
- App distraction. Drivers checking the app, accepting rides or following GPS directions may take their eyes off the road.
- Fatigue. Some rideshare drivers work long shifts or drive after another job.
- Unfamiliar routes. Following GPS in an unfamiliar area can cause sudden turns or stops.
- Pick-up and drop-off. Stopping in traffic lanes or pulling over suddenly can cause rear-end or dooring crashes.
- Other drivers. Many rideshare crashes are caused by another motorist, not the rideshare driver.
Who can be held liable for a rideshare accident?
Responsibility may fall on the rideshare driver, the other driver, or the rideshare company's insurance, depending on the facts.
- The rideshare driver. Their personal policy usually applies when the app is off. When the app is on, the company's coverage may apply.
- The rideshare company's insurer. Uber and Lyft carry commercial policies that generally apply when a driver is logged in, with higher coverage during an active trip.
- Another driver. If another motorist caused the crash, their insurer is usually responsible first.
- Uninsured/underinsured coverage. If the at-fault driver has little or no insurance, rideshare UM/UIM coverage may apply in some states.
How fault is shared depends on your state. Most states reduce compensation by your share of fault, while a few bar recovery if you were even slightly at fault. Read how comparative fault works or find your state below.
What damages may be recoverable after a rideshare accident?
Depending on the facts and your state's laws, a rideshare accident claim may include the following kinds of losses. No one can promise an amount — every case is different.
- Medical bills. Emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, therapy, medication and — in some cases — future treatment.
- Lost wages. Income you missed while recovering, and possibly reduced ability to earn in the future.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress and the impact on your daily life. Some no-fault states limit this unless injuries meet a threshold.
- Property damage. Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property damaged in the crash.
- Out-of-pocket costs. Travel to appointments, help at home, rental cars and similar expenses.
Rideshare claims can include the same losses as other crash claims. The key difference is identifying which policy applies. Coverage amounts and rules vary by state and by the driver's app status at the moment of the crash.
What evidence should I collect after a rideshare accident?
The best evidence is gathered early — before memories fade and footage is deleted. If you can, collect or keep:
- Screenshots of the trip in your app — the driver's name, car, plate and trip time
- Your trip receipt and any in-app incident report
- Photos of the vehicles, the scene and your injuries
- The police report number
- The other driver's insurance information, if another car was involved
- Medical records from your first visit onward
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim?
Rideshare claims follow your state's injury statute of limitations. Insurance policies also have notice requirements, so report the crash through the app and to police promptly.
See the state-by-state deadline overview or choose your state on the state laws page.
When should I talk to a lawyer about a rideshare accident?
It's usually worth a free consultation if any of these apply to you:
- You were a passenger and were injured
- You were hit by a rideshare car as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian
- You are a rideshare driver hurt while logged in
- Insurers disagree about which policy applies
Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency, so a consultation usually costs nothing up front. Learn how contingency fees work.