Rideshare Car Accidents: Who’s Liable And How To File A Claim Against Uber Or Lyft

A Hard Look At Rideshare Accident Liability

Stop me if this sounds familiar.

You were in an Uber or Lyft — maybe heading home after a night out, maybe just on your way to work — when it happened. The crash. The shock. The pain. And now? You’re stuck in the aftermath. You’ve tried reporting the accident, talking to the driver, maybe even contacting the company — but no one’s giving you a straight answer.

Who’s going to pay your medical bills? What are you supposed to do now? Can you even file a claim?

You’re not alone in asking these questions — and you’re not wrong for feeling frustrated. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are known for dodging accountability by blaming drivers, hiding behind third-party insurers, and making it incredibly hard to understand your rights. It’s not just confusing — it’s designed to be.

That’s where this article by our friends at Culpepper Law Group comes in.

You’re about to get a clear, honest breakdown of what actually happens after a rideshare accident in the U.S. — who’s responsible, when you can make a claim, and how to cut through the noise. Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver involved in the crash, this will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.

Why Rideshare Accidents Aren’t Like Regular Car Crashes

On the surface, a car crash is a car crash. Someone hits you, you’re hurt, you file a claim — right?

Not exactly.

When a rideshare vehicle like an Uber or Lyft is involved, things get complicated fast. That’s because rideshare companies have built their entire business model around avoiding responsibility. And the main way they do that? By classifying their drivers as independent contractors, not employees.

This means that if you’re injured in an accident involving a rideshare driver, you’re not automatically dealing with the company itself — you’re dealing with the individual driver and whatever insurance coverage happens to apply based on what the driver was doing at that exact moment.

Each one of these scenarios triggers different insurance rules — and if you don’t know which one applies, it’s easy to get bounced between insurers or told “you’re not covered.”

Even if the rideshare company does have insurance that applies, they often direct you to the driver’s insurer, delay processing your claim, or deny responsibility outright — hoping you’ll give up or accept a lowball settlement.

Rideshare accidents aren’t just car crashes. They’re legal and insurance gray zones — and if you don’t know how to navigate them, you’re at a serious disadvantage.

Who’s Actually Responsible?

After a rideshare accident, one of the most confusing — and important — questions is this:

Who’s at fault, and who pays for your injuries?

It depends. Liability could fall on:

1. The Rideshare Driver

If the driver caused the crash while working (logged in and on a ride), the rideshare company’s insurance may apply. But if they weren’t on the app, only their personal insurance is available — and many personal policies don’t cover commercial driving.

2. Another Driver

If another car hit your Uber or Lyft, their insurer would usually be liable. If they’re uninsured or underinsured, some states require Uber and Lyft to provide backup coverage — but not all.

3. The Rideshare Company (Maybe)

Suing Uber or Lyft directly is rare but possible. If they failed to screen a dangerous driver or their app contributed to the crash, there may be a case.

4. Multiple Parties

In complex crashes, fault may be shared — which can slow things down and involve multiple insurers blaming each other.

When (And How) You Can Sue Uber Or Lyft

Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, which means the company is usually not liable for accidents.

However, you may be able to sue the company if:

• They failed to vet a dangerous driver
• The app was unsafe or malfunctioned
• They ignored known risks or complaints

Even then, these cases are tough. Uber and Lyft typically use arbitration clauses to prevent lawsuits. You’ll likely need legal help to navigate this.

Bottom line: Most compensation comes through insurance claims — not direct lawsuits.

Understanding The Insurance Maze

The insurance coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time:

• Driver OFF the app

Only the driver’s personal insurance applies. Uber and Lyft offer no coverage.

• Driver on the app (waiting for a ride)

Limited liability coverage applies:

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

This only kicks in if the driver’s insurer denies the claim.

• Driver on a ride or heading to pick someone up

Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, and sometimes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (varies by state).

Getting that coverage to pay out often requires persistence and knowing your rights.

Common Roadblocks Injured Passengers Face

Even when you do everything right, you might run into:

• Silence or being passed around between insurers and the company
• Lowball settlement offers that don’t cover your real costs
• Delays in treatment or compensation
• Unclear or disputed liability
• Not knowing you can make a claim at all

This isn’t your fault — but it is your fight.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured

1. Get medical attention — even for minor symptoms.

Delays can hurt your health and your claim.

2. Collect evidence.

Take photos, save trip receipts, write down what happened, and get a police report if possible.

3. Report the crash in the app — carefully.

Stick to the facts. Don’t speculate about fault or downplay injuries.

4. Be cautious with insurance companies.

They’re not on your side. You don’t have to give a recorded statement right away.

5. Talk to a personal injury or car accident lawyer.

A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and deal with the insurance companies — often at no upfront cost.

Your Next Step Toward Recovery

Rideshare companies have made travel easier — but when something goes wrong, they make justice harder.

• Here’s what to remember:
• You are not powerless.
• You may be entitled to compensation.
• You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Start by protecting yourself: seek medical attention, gather documentation, and get advice from someone who knows the system.

Because Uber and Lyft may try to step back.

But you can still step forward.