Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed urban transportation, offering convenience and accessibility. However, accidents involving these services can introduce unique challenges, especially when protecting your legal rights and pursuing compensation. Understanding the appropriate steps immediately after such an incident is crucial to safeguarding your interests.
This guide by Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, provides a comprehensive overview of the steps to take after an Uber or Lyft accident to protect your claim. It focuses on preserving evidence, understanding insurance implications, and initiating the claims process. By following these steps, you can position yourself to manage the aftermath and protect your potential claim effectively.
1. Ensure Safety and Contact Emergency Services
Your immediate priority after any vehicular accident should be safety. If possible, move to a secure location away from traffic to prevent further harm. Once safe, contact emergency services by dialing 911. Reporting the accident ensures that medical assistance is dispatched and law enforcement can document the scene.
An official police report serves as a critical piece of evidence, detailing the circumstances of the accident, involved parties, and any violations observed. This documentation can be instrumental when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action.
2. Seek Prompt Medical Evaluation
Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, it is advisable to undergo a medical evaluation following the accident. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal trauma, may not manifest symptoms right away. A thorough medical examination can identify these issues early, allowing timely treatment.
Medical records generated from these evaluations provide essential evidence linking injuries to the accident. These documents can substantiate claims for medical expenses and demonstrate the impact of the incident on your health.
3. Document the Accident Scene
Gathering detailed information at the scene can significantly strengthen your claim. Consider the following actions:
- Photograph the Scene. Capture images of vehicle positions, damages, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
- Collect Witness Information. Obtain names and contact details of any bystanders who witnessed the accident.
- Exchange Information. Share and record the names, contact information, driver's license numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved.
- Note Rideshare Details. If you were a passenger, take screenshots of your ride details from the app, including driver information and trip specifics.
This documentation can account for the incident, supporting your version of events during the claims process.
4. Report the Incident to the Rideshare Company
Uber and Lyft have protocols for reporting accidents through their respective apps or websites. Promptly notifying the rideshare company ensures the incident is officially recorded and initiates their internal claims process.
When reporting, provide accurate and concise information about the accident. Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Retain copies of all correspondence with the rideshare company for your records.
5. Understand Applicable Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage in rideshare accidents can be complex, as it depends on the driver's status at the time of the incident:
- Driver Not Logged into the App – The driver's personal auto insurance is the primary coverage.
- Driver Logged in but Without a Passenger – Both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage during this period, typically including:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
- Driver En Route to Pick Up or Transporting a Passenger – A higher level of coverage applies, with both companies offering up to $1 million in liability coverage.
The type of coverage available depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, on their way to a passenger, or had an active ride. Each stage determines which insurance policy applies and who is financially responsible for damages.
6. Preserve Evidence and Maintain Records
Maintaining organized records can be pivotal in supporting your claim. Consider the following:
- Medical Records. Keep copies of all medical evaluations, treatment plans, and bills related to injuries sustained in the accident.
- Correspondence. Save all communications with insurance companies, the rideshare service, and medical providers.
- Expense Logs. Document any out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the accident, including transportation costs, medical supplies, and lost wages.
- Diary of Events. Maintain a personal account detailing your physical and emotional state following the accident, noting any pain, discomfort, or limitations experienced.
These records can provide a comprehensive picture of the accident's impact on your life, aiding in the pursuit of fair compensation.
7. Consult a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Given the complex nature of Uber and Lyft accidents, consulting with a rideshare lawyer experienced in these cases can be beneficial. An attorney can assist in:
- Evaluating Claims – Assessing the validity and potential value of your claim.
- Negotiating with Insurers – Engaging with insurance companies to seek fair settlements.
- Litigation – Representing your interests in court if the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement.
Legal counsel can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, help you navigate the intricacies of the claims process, and advocate on your behalf.
8. Determine Who May Be Legally Responsible
Responsibility for a rideshare accident may fall on one or more parties. Liability is not determined solely by who was driving. Legal responsibility may rest with:
- A negligent third-party driver who collided with the rideshare vehicle
- The Uber or Lyft driver if their conduct caused the crash
- A commercial vehicle operator or delivery service
- A municipality or construction contractor if road conditions contributed to the incident
Establishing liability requires an investigation supported by evidence. Police reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness statements can help clarify who contributed to the accident. Liability may also be shared among multiple parties.
Where multiple parties are involved, each insurer may attempt to limit its share of responsibility. Early evaluation with an Uber or Lyft lawyer will help collect evidence and ensure all responsible entities are included in the claims process.
In some cases, additional parties may be indirectly responsible. For example, if the rideshare driver was operating under contract for a delivery service or performing job-related duties, their employer or contractor may share legal liability. Establishing this connection may uncover additional insurance coverage or resources to satisfy a claim.
9. Avoid Statements That Could Jeopardize Your Claim
Insurance companies representing Uber, Lyft, or third-party drivers may contact you shortly after the accident. These communications are typically recorded; anything you say may later be used to reduce or deny compensation.
Avoid doing the following:
- Speculating about who was at fault
- Downplaying injuries or saying you feel fine
- Agreeing to a recorded interview without legal advice
- Accepting a settlement before medical treatment is complete
Even casual remarks may be interpreted in ways that hurt your claim. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, limit your responses to factual information such as date, time, and location. Direct other inquiries to your attorney, especially when injuries are still being evaluated.
10. Review Rideshare Terms and Liability Waivers
When you request a ride using Uber or Lyft, you accept the terms and conditions of the platform. These user agreements typically contain language about liability limitations and dispute resolution. While these terms do not override your legal rights under Texas law, they may influence how and where claims are pursued.
For example, some versions of the terms may include arbitration clauses. This means that disputes may need to be resolved through private arbitration instead of a public court process. Other sections may outline reporting deadlines or limitations on certain damages.
Reviewing these terms immediately after an accident is unnecessary, but it may be beneficial later if a claim is contested. A skilled Uber or Lyft lawyer can review the relevant terms, determine their impact, and ensure that your claim is prepared following current requirements.
11. Track How the Injury Affects Your Daily Life
Physical and emotional consequences often extend beyond the initial injury. For rideshare passengers or drivers recovering from an accident, documenting the ongoing impact can help demonstrate damages not captured in medical bills alone.
Keep a daily or weekly log noting:
- Physical pain or restrictions (mobility, sleep, endurance)
- Emotional changes such as anxiety, irritability, or depression
- Missed workdays and difficulty performing job duties
- Reduced ability to drive, exercise, or participate in family activities
- Any new support needs, such as help with childcare or household tasks
These details can support claims for non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. They also help explain how the injury has affected your routines, responsibilities, and relationships.
12. Monitor the Progress of Your Medical Recovery
Claims involving Uber or Lyft accidents often remain open until the injured party reaches a point known as maximum medical improvement (MMI). This does not necessarily mean that full recovery has been achieved, but it does mean the condition has stabilized enough for long-term outcomes to be assessed.
Once MMI is reached, treating physicians may be able to provide:
- A final diagnosis
- A prognosis outlining future care needs
- A disability rating, if applicable
- Recommendations for physical therapy or assistive devices
These findings help quantify future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity. They may also influence how insurers calculate settlement offers. Until this point, any proposed settlement may underestimate the full cost of care.
13. Be Cautious with Social Media and Public Statements
Insurance investigators may review public content posted on social media to evaluate injury claims. Photos, location check-ins, and personal comments can be taken out of context to suggest that the injury is less severe than reported.
To protect your claim:
- Avoid posting about the accident or your condition
- Do not share updates about travel, fitness, or physical activity
- Review privacy settings and remove public access where possible
- Refrain from responding to inquiries about the accident online
Even unrelated posts can create confusion if they appear inconsistent with documented injuries. Assuming that an opposing party may review public content until the claim is resolved.
14. The Timeline for Filing a Rideshare Accident Claim
In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the accident date. If a claim is not filed within this period, the right to seek compensation may be lost, regardless of its merits.
While two years may seem like ample time, delays in medical treatment, insurance correspondence, or evidence collection can consume a significant portion of that period. Beginning the claims process well before the deadline is advisable to ensure all documentation is in order.
Additional deadlines may apply in cases involving:
- Government entities (shorter notice requirements)
- Minors (some extensions may apply)
- Claims requiring arbitration under rideshare agreements
Tracking deadlines is part of preparing a legally sound claim. Early legal representation can ensure compliance with all required timeframes.
15. Use UM/UIM Coverage if the Rideshare Driver Was Not Logged into the App
Uber and Lyft carry commercial insurance that applies during active trips, but complications may arise if the rideshare driver is offline or has lapsed personal coverage. Your uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy may provide compensation in these situations.
These policies are optional in Texas but can apply when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. A legal team can review your coverage and determine whether a UM/UIM claim can be pursued in addition to or instead of a third-party claim.
Contact an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
Protecting your right to compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident requires more than reporting the incident. It involves documenting the event, seeking prompt medical care, preserving evidence, and understanding how insurance policies apply. Each step plays a role in shaping the strength and success of your claim.
Taking prompt, informed action can make a measurable difference if you were injured as a passenger, driver, or third-party motorist in a rideshare-related crash. With the proper guidance and documentation, you can move forward with a claim that reflects the true impact of the accident.
Contact the law firm of Lorenz & Lorenz, PLLC, to learn more about your legal options. We offer a free consultation to review your case and explain how we can assist with your Uber or Lyft accident claim. Call (512) 477-7333 or complete our online form to schedule your case review.
