You’re riding in an Uber or Lyft, maybe heading home after dinner or catching a ride to work—and then, it happens. A crash. You’re hurt. It’s chaotic. And now, you’re stuck trying to figure out what comes next.
This isn’t just any car accident. Rideshare collisions are different. You’re dealing with a massive tech company, not just a driver. That changes everything.
According to the University of Chicago and Rice University, the rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft is associated with a 3% increase in traffic fatalities—about 1,100 deaths a year. These companies have added a new layer of risk to American roads.
If you were injured, you’re probably asking yourself: Who pays for this? What are my rights? How do I file an Uber injury claim?
Here’s what you need to know—step by step.
How Rideshare Accidents Are Different from Regular Car Crashes
Getting hit by a personal driver is one thing. Being injured in a rideshare vehicle? That’s a whole different process.
Here’s why:
- Commercial status
Uber and Lyft drivers use their cars for business. That changes the insurance landscape. When the app is on, drivers may be covered under Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance. When it’s off, they’re back to personal insurance. - Multiple layers of insurance
You could be dealing with the driver’s personal insurer, the rideshare company’s insurer, or both. Uber’s policy, for example, provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, but only under certain conditions. - Independent contractor loophole
Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors—not employees. That makes using them directly more complicated. You’ll need a rideshare accident attorney who knows how to work around this. - Delayed claims and denials
Rideshare companies often push back. Claims can drag on. Documentation needs to be airtight. A strong legal strategy matters.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Your health comes first—but evidence disappears quickly in these situations. Protect yourself and your claim by acting fast.
1. Call 911
Even if it seems minor. You’ll need an official accident report. Police documentation can make or break a case.
2. Seek medical care immediately
Don’t wait. Even if you feel “okay,” injuries like whiplash or internal trauma can take hours—or days—to show up. Medical records are the backbone of your Uber injury claim.
3. Take photos and videos
Get shots of everything: vehicle damage, street signs, license plates, injuries, and the Uber or Lyft app screen. These details help a Lyft accident lawyer build your case.
4. Collect contact information
Ask for names, phone numbers, driver’s license info, and insurance policies—from everyone involved, including witnesses.
5. Report the accident in the app
Both Uber and Lyft have in-app tools to report a crash. Be brief. Stick to the facts. Don’t admit fault or go into detail.
6. Speak with a rideshare accident attorney
Do not negotiate with insurance reps on your own. Their goal is to limit payouts. A lawyer will speak for you—and know exactly how to deal with Uber’s legal team.
Filing an Uber Injury Claim
The process depends on the rideshare driver’s app status at the time of the crash:
- App off: Only personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, no passenger yet: Uber/Lyft provide limited liability coverage ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident).
- Passenger in car or driver en route: Full commercial coverage applies—up to $1 million.
Even if you weren’t in the rideshare car—say, you were a pedestrian or in another vehicle—you can still file under this policy if the rideshare driver was at fault.
But here’s the catch: insurance companies don’t make this easy. You’ll need detailed documentation and a tight legal argument. This is where a skilled Uber accident lawyer makes all the difference.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Short answer: It’s difficult—but not impossible.
Uber and Lyft protect themselves legally by calling drivers “independent contractors.” That limits their liability. But in some cases, your attorney may argue that Uber or Lyft were negligent in how they hired or supervised the driver.
If you’re asking, Who’s the best lawyer to sue Uber?—you want someone who’s handled these cases before. These companies have deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. You need someone who knows how to beat them at their own game.
What Damages Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured, you may be eligible for compensation such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Each case is different. But you don’t have to accept a lowball settlement from an insurance company just to move on.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents aren’t simple. There’s often more than one insurer involved. Policies overlap. Timelines matter. And the other side is already building their case.
A rideshare accident attorney will:
- Investigate fault and liability
- Deal with Uber/Lyft’s insurance
- File all paperwork correctly and on time
- Negotiate for full compensation
- Take your case to court if needed
The right lawyer can make the difference between a denied claim and a six-figure settlement.
Call Mike Slocumb Law Firm Today
Injured in an Uber or Lyft crash? Don’t wait. Evidence fades fast.
Contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm today to speak with a Lyft accident lawyer or Uber accident lawyer who knows how to handle these cases. Whether you’re filing an Uber injury claim or need the best lawyer to sue Uber, we’re here to help.
Call now or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We’ll listen. We’ll fight. And we’ll work to get you the compensation you deserve.