Uber and Lyft Passenger Rights After a Rideshare Accident

Getting into an accident as an Uber or Lyft passenger is disorienting in a way other accidents aren't: there are multiple insurance policies potentially involved, and it's not always clear who to contact first. Here is what to know about your situation as a rideshare passenger.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are More Complicated

As a passenger, your accident could involve the rideshare company's commercial insurance policy, your driver's personal auto policy, and potentially a third driver's insurance if another vehicle was involved. Both Uber and Lyft carry liability coverage while a driver has a passenger in the car, but exactly how that coverage applies depends on the specifics of the crash.

Immediate Steps After a Rideshare Accident

• Check yourself and others for injuries and call 911 if needed
• Take a screenshot of your trip details in the app before you close it, including the driver's name and license plate
• Photograph the vehicles involved, the scene, and any visible injuries
• Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, not just your rideshare driver
• Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app's safety reporting feature

Do I Need to Talk to the Rideshare Company's Insurer?

You may be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the rideshare company, the driver, or another party. You are not obligated to give a detailed statement right away, and anything you say can be used to evaluate your claim. Before providing statements or accepting any settlement, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney, particularly given how many parties may be involved in a rideshare accident.

Getting Medical Care While Questions Get Sorted Out

You do not need to wait for insurance companies to sort out coverage before seeing a doctor. Treatment options that do not require you to resolve the insurance question first include medical lien providers, your own health insurance if you have it, Emergency Medi-Cal, and community health clinics.

What If the Other Vehicle Caused the Accident?

If a separate driver caused the crash while you were a rideshare passenger, that driver's insurance may also be relevant to your situation. Sorting out which policy applies, and in what order, is exactly the kind of question a licensed attorney is equipped to answer based on the facts of your case.

How NoLawyerHelp Can Help

We help rideshare passengers get connected with doctors who treat accident injuries on a lien basis, assist with Emergency Medi-Cal applications, and can point you toward legal referral resources if you want help understanding which insurance policies apply to your situation. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.