Catching a ride through Uber or Lyft is something millions of people do every day without a second thought. It’s fast, easy, and often cheaper than owning a car. But what happens when your convenient ride ends in a collision? Suddenly, you’re left with injuries, medical bills, and a whole lot of questions.
At TorHoerman Law, we understand how confusing a rideshare accident can be—especially when it comes to figuring out who’s responsible and what to do next. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know if your ride goes from routine to wrecked.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different
Accidents involving rideshare vehicles aren’t the same as typical car crashes. That’s because you’re dealing with more than just drivers—you’re also dealing with companies like Uber or Lyft, each with their own policies, coverage rules, and layers of legal protection.
These companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. That technicality often complicates matters when someone gets hurt. It also means insurance coverage can vary depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash—were they waiting for a ride request, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger?
Understanding these details is crucial to figuring out who pays for your injuries.
So, Who’s Liable?
Liability in a Rideshare Accident depends on several factors:
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Was your driver at fault? If the rideshare driver caused the crash, you may be covered under the company’s liability policy.
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Was another driver to blame? If a third party hit your rideshare vehicle, their insurance may be responsible.
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Were you the rideshare driver? If you were driving for Uber or Lyft and got hit, different coverage levels may apply depending on your app status at the time.
Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle—but there are gray areas, especially if the app was on but no ride was accepted yet. That’s where having an experienced attorney makes a real difference.
What to Do Right After the Crash
If you’re in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, driver, or another motorist—the steps you take right afterward can significantly impact your case.
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Get medical help – Even if you feel okay, some injuries show up hours or days later.
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Report the accident – Notify local law enforcement and get a police report.
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Document everything – Take photos, gather witness names, and keep all medical records.
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Report the crash to the rideshare app – Both Uber and Lyft have in-app options to report incidents.
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Talk to a lawyer before speaking to insurance companies – You may be pressured into accepting a low settlement too soon.
What You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term rehabilitation or disability
- Emotional distress
Because rideshare claims often involve multiple insurance carriers and conflicting policies, it’s easy for victims to get shortchanged or buried in red tape.
How TorHoerman Law Can Help
We don’t believe you should have to untangle a legal mess on your own while trying to recover from an injury. At TorHoerman Law, we’ve helped clients navigate complex rideshare claims and hold the right parties accountable.
Our team investigates every angle, works with insurance adjusters, and builds a strong case focused on your recovery. And if negotiations stall, we’re always prepared to take things to court to fight for what you’re owed.
Final Thoughts
A rideshare crash can leave you dealing with more than just physical pain—it can upend your job, your finances, and your peace of mind. But you don’t have to face it alone.
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, reach out to TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you move forward—one step at a time.
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