What to Do After a Rideshare Accident: Lyft vs Uber Liability
Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber have changed how people travel, especially in urban areas like Providence, Rhode Island. However, with more drivers on the road working for these companies, the number of motor vehicle accidents involving rideshare vehicles has grown.
The legal issues that follow are often more difficult than standard collisions, particularly when it comes to determining who is liable and what kind of insurance coverage applies. Victims need to take quick action to protect their health and their legal rights.
Basso Law LLC understands how rideshare accidents can quickly turn into frustrating legal situations. From confusing insurance policies to determining whether a driver was “on the clock,” these cases demand attention to detail.
When a Lyft or Uber ride ends in an accident, passengers, other drivers, and even pedestrians need to know what steps to take—and how liability is handled differently depending on the rideshare company involved.
Take These Immediate Steps After a Rideshare Accident
Be sure to take the following steps right after the crash:
Call 911 and report the accident: Make sure emergency responders are on the way, especially if anyone is injured.
Seek medical attention immediately: Even minor injuries can worsen without treatment or go unnoticed at first.
Get contact information: Collect names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers of all drivers involved.
Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Ask for a police report: An official report can support your case when dealing with insurance companies or a legal claim.
After these immediate actions, it’s wise to contact a law firm familiar with motor vehicle accidents involving rideshare companies.
Know Who Was Driving and When
Be aware of these key distinctions based on the driver’s status:
Driver was offline (not using the app): The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and Lyft or Uber aren’t responsible.
Driver was online but hadn’t accepted a ride: Both companies offer limited third-party liability coverage—often up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per accident.
Driver had accepted a ride or had a passenger: This activates the company’s full coverage, including up to $1 million in liability insurance and additional coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Identifying the driver’s exact status at the time of the crash is a critical step in pursuing any kind of compensation.
Understand How Lyft and Uber Handle Insurance
Let’s take a closer look at how Lyft and Uber’s insurance policies typically work:
Offline drivers: No coverage from the rideshare company applies—only the driver’s insurance.
Online but waiting for a request: Limited liability coverage kicks in, usually much lower than when a ride is in progress.
En route to pick up or transporting a passenger: Full commercial liability insurance applies, including coverage for injuries, property damage, and uninsured motorists.
No-fault or medical payments (MedPay): Depending on the state and policy terms, this may or may not be included.
Since Rhode Island doesn't require no-fault insurance, claims may depend heavily on showing fault and tapping into the appropriate policy limits.
Determine Who Is Liable
Possible liable parties in a rideshare crash include:
The rideshare driver: If the driver caused the accident due to speeding, distraction, or impaired driving.
Another motorist: If a third-party driver collided with the rideshare vehicle or contributed to the crash.
The rideshare company (in limited cases): If it can be shown that the company failed to screen the driver or forced unsafe driving conditions through app use.
A vehicle manufacturer or mechanic: If a defect or mechanical failure led to the collision.
A government agency: In rare cases involving unsafe road conditions or improper signage.
Rideshare accident claims often require a thorough investigation and sometimes expert reconstruction to determine fault accurately. This exemplifies the intricacy of professionally recreating motor vehicle accidents.
Recognize the Differences Between Lyft and Uber
The following differences between Lyft and Uber may impact liability or coverage:
Policy limits may differ slightly: While both advertise up to $1 million in liability coverage, specific benefits like MedPay or property damage coverage might vary.
In-app reporting tools: Uber and Lyft have different processes for reporting incidents, which may affect how quickly a claim is processed.
Driver vetting standards: Each company has unique background check systems and may have differing policies on driver deactivation after accidents.
Legal posture: Uber has historically fought harder to classify drivers as independent contractors, while Lyft has engaged in some limited settlements.
These variations may not seem major, but they can affect how much compensation a victim receives and how long the claim process takes.
Be Aware of Common Challenges in Rideshare Claims
The following challenges can delay or derail claims:
Disputes over whether the driver was logged in to the app
Multiple insurers are pointing the blame at each other
Difficulty accessing rideshare company records or dashcam footage
Delayed medical treatment creates gaps in documentation
Unclear communication between the driver, the passenger, and the rideshare platform
Inadequate settlement offers from insurers looking to close the case quickly
Having a knowledgeable attorney to handle communication and build the case helps level the playing field and avoids these common setbacks.
Know What Compensation May Be Available
Types of compensation typically available include:
Medical expenses: Hospital bills, physical therapy, surgery, and medication costs.
Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery.
Loss of earning capacity: If injuries prevent the victim from returning to their prior occupation.
Property damage: Car repairs, replacement value, and personal items damaged in the crash.
Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, stress, and reduced quality of life.
Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, surviving family members may claim loss of companionship and financial support.
Injured parties shouldn't accept a settlement without fully evaluating the long-term impact of their injuries—many initial offers fail to cover the true cost of recovery.
Report the Accident to the Right Parties
Here’s a closer look at who to report the accident to and why it matters:
Uber or Lyft through their app or website: Reporting the incident triggers an internal review and connects victims to the company’s insurance resources.
Personal insurance carrier: Especially important if the victim was driving their own car or if their policy includes MedPay or UM/UIM coverage.
The other driver’s insurer: If another driver was at fault, their policy may apply.
An attorney: Reporting the incident early to a legal professional helps preserve evidence and avoid mistakes.
Failing to report the accident promptly can jeopardize a claim and leave victims with fewer legal options down the road.
Why Legal Help Matters in Rideshare Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving rideshare platforms often require experienced legal handling. From interpreting multiple insurance policies to preserving evidence before it disappears, a skilled attorney can step in to protect the injured party’s rights.
Jessica Basso has represented numerous clients in rideshare and traditional motor vehicle accidents. She and her firm at Basso Law LLC understand the nuances of Rhode Island injury law and work to pursue compensation while the client focuses on recovery.
The sooner an attorney is involved, the more likely key evidence will be preserved and strong arguments made for full compensation.
Contact Basso Law LLC Today
For those dealing with a rideshare-related injury, Basso Law LLC provides trusted legal support and clear guidance through every stage of the claim process. The firm serves clients across Rhode Island, including Providence, Newport, and the surrounding areas. You don’t have to face the aftermath of your accident alone; contact Attorney Jessica Basso today.
