Rideshare injuries: What if you’re hurt in a Lyft or Uber?

Let’s paint a picture.

It’s late evening, and someone is heading home after a friend’s birthday dinner. It’s been a long week, so they make the smart choice—open the Uber app, buckle their seatbelt, and let someone else handle the driving.

But ten minutes into the ride, their driver speeds through a yellow light just as a truck makes a sudden left turn—and the two vehicles collide. In an instant, a routine ride becomes a scene of chaos, confusion, and injury.

And then come the questions:
– Who’s at fault?
– Whose insurance covers the damages?
– What should happen next?

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—you’re not alone. Services like Uber and Lyft have changed how we travel, but when accidents happen, the legal road to compensation can be anything but straightforward.

At Gibb Law Firm, we believe knowledge is power. So let’s walk through everything you need to know if you’re ever injured in a rideshare accident.

The Rideshare Revolution (And the Risks That Come With It)

We love the convenience of tapping a button and seeing our ride pull up. But behind that convenience is a legal and insurance framework that’s anything but simple.

Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees. That distinction matters a lot when it comes to liability. Unlike a typical fender bender between two regular drivers, rideshare accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage that depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

Step One: Get Medical Attention Immediately

Whether your neck feels sore or your knee took the brunt of the hit, see a doctor. Not tomorrow. Not when it’s “more convenient.” Today.

Delayed symptoms are common with whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries. More importantly, medical documentation is your first line of evidence in a personal injury claim. Insurance adjusters look for any excuse to downplay your injuries. Don’t give them one.

Even if an ambulance wasn’t necessary at the scene, go to urgent care or your primary provider and make sure your injuries are fully documented.

Step Two: Gather Information Like a Pro

If you’re physically able, treat this like a crime scene—because in a way, it is.

Here’s what to collect:

• Driver’s info (name, phone, license plate, and rideshare app used)
• Screenshots of your ride receipt, time of pickup, and the route
• Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road signs, and injuries
• Witness contacts (names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the crash)
• Police report number (and officer’s name/badge if possible)

You might think Uber or Lyft will “handle everything.” That’s a myth. While they do carry commercial insurance, that doesn’t mean they’ll be eager to pay out—or even admit fault.

Step Three: Report the Incident to All Relevant Parties

Many riders stop after contacting Uber or Lyft through the app. Don’t.

You should:

1. Report the crash in the app (screenshots help here, too).
2. File a police report if one wasn’t taken at the scene.
3. Notify your insurance, especially if you have MedPay or Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. Yes, even if you weren’t driving.
4. Talk to a lawyer before you accept any offer or speak in-depth to insurance reps.

Which brings us to…

Why Rideshare Injury Claims Are So Complex

Here’s where things get tricky. Uber and Lyft have tiered insurance coverage depending on what “stage” the driver was in during the crash.

Stage 1: Driver is Logged Out of the App

Only their insurance applies. Uber/Lyft won’t cover anything.

Stage 2: Driver is Logged In But Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

Limited contingent liability coverage kicks in:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Stage 3: Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger

This is when commercial insurance applies. Coverage includes:

• $1 million in third-party liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision (depending on circumstances)

But knowing which stage the driver was in? That’s not always clear unless you have legal representation digging into the evidence.

What If You Weren’t a Passenger?

Maybe you were a cyclist hit by a rideshare car. Or another driver with the green light when a distracted Uber driver ran a red light. Your claim may still qualify under the driver’s personal or Uber’s insurance, depending on the stage above.

But here’s the reality: Rideshare companies and insurance providers often point fingers at each other. Delay tactics are common. Victims are left dealing with multiple adjusters, unclear liability, and lowball settlement offers.

That’s where the right legal team makes all the difference.

Common Challenges Victims Face

Fault Disputes – Was the Uber driver speeding? Was another car to blame? Witnesses, traffic cams, and expert analysis can all matter in proving fault.

Delay in Compensation – Insurance companies may drag their feet. They might ask for endless documentation—or deny claims altogether.

Multiple Insurance Carriers – You may be negotiating with the driver’s insurer, Uber’s insurer, your provider, and possibly a third-party insurer. That’s a full-time job.

Denied or Reduced Claims – If your documentation is incomplete or your story doesn’t match the evidence, they may reduce or deny your claim. Don’t let that happen.

How Gibb Law Firm Can Help

At Gibb Law Firm, we’ve handled rideshare injury claims for clients across Utah. We understand the unique dynamics of these cases because we’ve lived them alongside our clients.

Here’s what we offer:

• Free case evaluation – No commitment, just clarity.
• Thorough investigation – We collect ride data, subpoena app records, and work with accident reconstruction experts if needed.
• Aggressive negotiation – We don’t let insurance companies minimize your pain or delay your future.
• Personal support – You’ll never feel like just another case number here.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages or income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Disability or reduced earning capacity

Your Next Steps—Made Simple

If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare accident:

1. Get medical care.
2. Document everything.
3. Don’t talk to insurance adjusters alone.
4. Contact Gibb Law Firm.