Your Uber or Lyft Accident Survival Guide

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around easier than ever. But what happens if your convenient trip ends in a crash? Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be confusing to deal with, especially when it comes to understanding who’s responsible and how to seek compensation for injuries or damages. Knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in protecting your rights if you find yourself in this situation.

Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety

The first priority after an accident is the safety of everyone involved. Follow these steps as soon as possible:

• Check for Injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
• Move to a Safe Location (if possible): If the car is in a dangerous spot, such as the middle of the road, move to the side to prevent further harm or traffic disruption.
• Stay Calm: Rideshare accidents are stressful, especially if the driver or other party becomes confrontational. Focus on gathering information and keeping yourself safe.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, having an official police report is essential when it’s time to file an insurance claim. Inform the officer that the accident involved a rideshare vehicle and describe what happened as accurately as possible. Ensure to get the responding officer’s contact information and a copy of the report when it becomes available.

Step 3: Collect Information and Evidence

Documenting the accident is critical for protecting your rights and strengthening your case. Be thorough and gather the following:

• Rideshare Driver’s Info: Write down their name, phone number, license plate, and insurance policy number.
• Other Parties’ Info: Exchange contact details with other drivers involved in the accident and their insurance information.
• Photos: Take pictures of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Rideshare App Details: Screenshot your ride receipt in the app to prove you were a passenger during the accident.

Additionally, ask for contact details from witnesses who saw what happened, as their statements may support your claim.

Step 4: Notify the Rideshare Company

Both Uber and Lyft have accident reporting procedures built into their apps. Use the app to report the incident as soon as you’re able. This notification is an important step, as it alerts the company and can help initiate their insurance coverage process.

Rideshare companies typically provide liability coverage when you’re injured as a passenger, but this varies depending on the circumstances of the accident (more on that below).

Step 5: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not appear immediately after an accident. Visit a doctor as soon as possible to document any injuries and get proper care. Detailed medical records will also play a key role if you pursue a legal claim later.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance

After a rideshare accident, one of the biggest questions is whose insurance will cover your injuries or damages. Here’s how insurance coverage generally works in accidents involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle:

Rideshare Insurance Tiers

Rideshare companies provide different levels of liability coverage depending on whether the driver was active on the app:

1. Offline: Only their personal insurance coverage applies if the driver was not logged into the rideshare app when the accident happened.
2. App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: During this time, the driver’s insurance is primary, but Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person for injury and $25,000 for property damage.
3. En Route to Pick Up or During a Ride: Once a driver accepts a ride and is either on their way to pick up a passenger or actively transporting them, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in some cases.

Navigating Multiple Insurers

Rideshare accidents can involve multiple layers of insurance, including:

• The Rideshare Company’s Coverage
• The Driver’s Personal Policy
• The Insurance Policies of Other Drivers Involved in the Crash

Determining which coverage applies can be complex, so it’s often helpful to consult with an attorney who can help you navigate these issues and pursue your claim.

Know Your Legal Options

If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including ongoing treatment
• Lost wages due to time off work
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, or diminished quality of life

Here are the steps to take to ensure your legal rights are protected:

1. Consult a Lawyer

A skilled personal injury attorney can review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the claims process. They can also deal with insurers or file a lawsuit if needed, so you can focus on recovery.

2. File a Rideshare Injury Claim

Your attorney will help determine which insurance policy applies and negotiate with the liable party for a fair settlement. If the rideshare company is resistant or disputes liability, they’ll advocate for your compensation.

3. Prepare for Litigation (if Necessary)

Litigation may be the next step if negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory settlement. An experienced lawyer will represent you in court to prove your case and fight for your rights.

Prevent Common Mistakes

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed after an accident, but avoiding these mistakes can help protect your legal claim:

• Don’t Sign Anything Without Legal Advice: An insurance company may try to get you to settle quickly, but initial offers often undervalue your losses.
• Don’t Admit Fault: Resist the urge to apologize or accept blame, even informally, as this could affect your case.
• Stay Off Social Media: Posting about the accident or your injuries could hurt your claim, so it’s best to avoid sharing until the case is resolved.

Trusted Auto Accident Attorneys Serving Montana & Oregon

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Kalispell, MT, and need legal assistance, Bliven Law Firm, P.C. is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the claims process and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today at (406) 625-0100 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your case.