What to do if Your Lyft Crashes?

Steps to Take as a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft Crash

It’s normal to feel shaken and overwhelmed if you’re in a car accident, but it’s important to stay as calm as possible, and follow these steps.

1. Prioritize Safety

Your first priority is your health and safety, and checking yourself for injuries. If you’re able to, check on others involved in the crash. If it’s possible, move away from the vehicle and out of the way of traffic to make sure you’re safe.

2. Call 911

Even if the accident seems minor, calling 911 and getting a police report will be an important part of evidence for any legal action and insurance claims. Be sure to request paramedics as well so you can receive a medical evaluation, even if you feel fine at the moment. Some serious injuries do not present themselves immediately, and can happen hours or days later. The adrenaline rush that happens after an accident can also mask any pain.

3. Collect Evidence of the Accident

If possible, collect as much information, video, and photo evidence as you can.

Take photos of all vehicles involved.
Road conditions (i.e. skid marks or hazard signs)
Weather conditions
Any visible injuries.
Download ride receipts

4. Exchange Contact Information

Get contact and insurance information (policy and ID numbers) from your rideshare driver, as well as contact information from any witnesses. You can also find vehicle information like the make, model, and license plate number, as well as their photo of your driver in the Uber or Lyft app. It’s a good idea to take screenshots of this information as well as your trip to make sure you have this information for your records. The police report will be the source of truth for the claim, so make sure you give a thorough and accurate account of what happened.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you were evaluated by an EMT at the scene, you still should see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical examination will find any injuries you might not notice right away, as well as give you documentation to use for a future case.

6. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft require drivers and passengers to report accidents through their apps to initiate the internal investigation, and to start the insurance process. Learn how to file an accident report through Uber by reading their article and through Lyft by filling out their online form.

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Who is Liable for Your Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?

The Rideshare Driver

If the car accident was caused by the Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence, the driver could be held liable. Whether their personal insurance or Uber or Lyft’s insurance covers the accident depends on if the driver was on the app at the time.

If the driver was not on the app or merely logged into the app at the time, only their personal insurance applies.
If they were on the app and waiting on a ride, Uber and Lyft will provide limited liability coverage if the driver’s personal policy won’t pay.
If the accident happens when a driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or during a ride, Uber and Lyft’s both have a liability policy that can apply.

The Other Vehicle

If another driver crashed into your rideshare, their auto insurance would typically be responsible for covering your injuries. If a driver of the vehicle that caused the accident is uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft provide Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage when you’re a passenger.

Uber or Lyft

Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors not employees, in an effort to limit the companies’ direct liability. Their insurance policies cover passengers and third parties when drivers are on the job.

Multiple Parties

In some cases and depending on the state, accident liability may be shared if more than one party is found to have contributed to the crash, which is determined under comparative fault. If you’re in Ohio or Illinois, learn how comparative fault can impact your settlement.

What You May Be Entitled to After a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Medical expenses (i.e. hospital stays, prescriptions, and ongoing treatments).
Reimbursement for lost wages if your earning capacity is diminished due to injuries that could affect your ability to work.
Pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Property damage if personal belongings were damaged.

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Schedule a Free Consultation With a postman law Rideshare Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, contact Postman Law today for a free consultation by calling us at 844-POSTMAN or fill out our online form. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your claim, protect your rights, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance regarding your situation, consult a licensed attorney.

FAQs

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You should report the crash directly through the Uber or Lyft app as soon as possible. This helps document what happened, activates their insurance coverage, and preserves your ability to seek compensation. When reporting, stick to the facts, avoid admitting fault, and don’t sign anything or agree to statements before speaking with a lawyer. Our rideshare accident attorneys offer a free consultation, so contact us right away if you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft car crash.

It depends on who was at fault and whether the driver was logged into their rideshare app. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a ride is in progress, which may cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

If another driver caused your rideshare crash, their insurance typically pays first. If they don’t have enough coverage or are uninsured, you may be able to pursue compensation through the rideshare company’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

The deadline depends on your state’s statute of limitations. In many states, you have between one to three years to file a personal injury claim.

Nothing! Postman Law works on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only charge a fee if we win your case or secure a settlement for you. The fee is typically a percentage of the total compensation you receive.

Postman Law specializes in personal injury cases, including car and truck accidents, slip-and-fall injuries, medical malpractice, product liability, wrongful death, workplace injuries, and more. Our attorneys have secured over $3 billion for more than 1.4 million clients.

We move quickly to gather evidence, thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and represent you in court when necessary. You pay nothing up front. We only collect a fee if we secure compensation for you.

Throughout your case, we stay in close communication, answering your questions, explaining your options, and guiding you every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.