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Rideshare Accidents: Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Crash?

Posted November 6, 2025 | Personal Injury Blog

Ridesharing has become a daily convenience for millions of people in Texas, Utah, and across the country. But when an accident happens during an Uber or Lyft trip, figuring out who is financially responsible isn’t always simple. These cases involve multiple parties, complex insurance policies, and overlapping state laws that can easily confuse victims trying to recover compensation.

In this article, we’ll explain:

  • How liability works in Uber and Lyft accidents
  • The different insurance coverages that may apply
  • Common causes of rideshare crashes
  • What to do after an accident as a passenger or driver
  • How a rideshare accident attorney can help you navigate your claim

At Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys, we represent victims in both Texas and Utah who’ve been hurt in rideshare collisions, whether they were passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians.

How Rideshare Accidents Happen

Just like any other vehicle, Uber and Lyft cars can be involved in accidents caused by:

  • Distracted or fatigued driving
  • Speeding or reckless behavior
  • Poor road conditions or weather
  • Mechanical defects
  • Drunk or impaired driving

Unlike typical car accidents, however, rideshare collisions involve commercial activity and third-party insurance, making the claims process much more complex.

Determining Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which complicates who’s responsible for damages. Liability often depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:

1. Driver Was Not Logged Into the App

If the rideshare driver wasn’t logged in or available for rides, their personal auto insurance applies, not Uber or Lyft’s policy.

2. Driver Was Logged In but Hadn’t Accepted a Ride

When the driver is waiting for a passenger request, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage, typically up to:

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

3. Driver Was En Route to Pick Up or Transporting a Passenger

Once the driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the car, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This coverage also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist protection in many cases.

If you were injured during this active phase, your rideshare accident lawyers can pursue claims under this higher policy limit.

Common Rideshare Accident Scenarios

At Fielding Law, we handle all types of rideshare injury cases, including:

  • Passengers injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft
  • Drivers hit by a rideshare vehicle
  • Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare driver
  • Rideshare drivers injured by other negligent motorists

These cases may also overlap with distracted driving accidents or drunk driving crashes, depending on the cause.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you’re injured in a rideshare crash, take the following steps to protect your rights:

  1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
  2. Report the crash to Uber or Lyft through the app.
  3. Gather evidence, photos, witness names, and screenshots of your ride information.
  4. Do not speak to insurance adjusters until you’ve consulted a personal injury attorney.
  5. Keep medical records and bills to document your injuries and expenses.

Even minor accidents can have serious consequences, especially if internal or head injuries go undiagnosed. A skilled lawyer can help coordinate your medical care while building your legal case.

Injured as a Passenger: Your Rights

As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you’re rarely at fault for the crash. That means you may be entitled to compensation regardless of which driver caused the accident.

Your attorney may file claims against:

  • The rideshare company’s $1 million policy
  • The at-fault driver’s insurance
  • A third-party driver who contributed to the collision

An experienced rideshare accident attorney will determine which coverage applies and ensure the right insurers are held accountable.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Victims of rideshare accidents can seek compensation for:

  • Medical bills and rehabilitation
  • Lost wages and reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Property damage

If the accident causes severe, permanent injuries, such as spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries, Fielding Law’s attorneys will pursue full compensation for lifelong care, loss of independence, and diminished quality of life.

Why Rideshare Claims Are More Complicated

Rideshare companies often try to distance themselves from liability by arguing that their drivers are “independent contractors.” This can lead to disputes over which insurance policy applies, or whether Uber/Lyft’s policy even covers your accident.

That’s where experienced representation matters. Fielding Law’s rideshare accident lawyers understand how to interpret these policies, challenge denials, and force insurers to honor their coverage obligations.

Why Choose Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys

At Fielding Law, we’ve handled hundreds of complex motor vehicle cases, including those involving major corporate defendants like rideshare companies. Our team:

  • Investigates rideshare data and driver history
  • Works with accident reconstruction experts
  • Negotiates aggressively with insurers
  • Takes cases to trial when necessary

We also handle related cases such as truck accidentspedestrian injuries, and wrongful death claims.

Contact Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Texas or Utah, don’t try to navigate the insurance maze alone. Let Fielding Law Auto Accident Attorneys handle the investigation, evidence gathering, and negotiations while you focus on healing.

Texas Offices:

  • Mesquite: 18601 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway Suite 315, Mesquite, TX 75150
  • Heath: 4232 Ridge Rd #104, Heath, TX 75032
  • Richardson: 2221 Lakeside Blvd, Suite 1600, Richardson, TX 75082

Utah Office:

  • Taylorsville: 4179 South Riverboat Road, Ste 150, Taylorsville, UT 84123

Call Fielding Law today for a free consultation, because it’s not about us. It’s about you.

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Text edited by Mitchell Fielding, a personal injury lawyer and partner at Fielding Law. Mitchell is known for his hard work ethic, friendly personality and dedication to the law. You can find out personal injury law offices in Taylorsville, UT and Mesquite, TX.