Rideshare Accident Claims: What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Crash

Who Can File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare accident victims are often confused about whether they have a case or what kind of insurance applies. The truth is, multiple types of victims may be eligible for compensation, including:

• Rideshare passengers injured in an accident
• Drivers of other vehicles struck by an Uber or Lyft
• Pedestrians or cyclists hit by a rideshare car
• Uber/Lyft drivers injured due to another party’s negligence

If your injury was caused—directly or indirectly—by a rideshare vehicle, you may be entitled to financial compensation. But getting to that point requires knowing how rideshare insurance works.

Understanding Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Structure

Uber and Lyft both provide tiered insurance policies based on what stage the rideshare trip is in. This structure makes it difficult for victims to know who is liable—and for how much.

Rideshare Insurance Breakdown:

1. App Off (Driver Not Logged In)
The driver’s personal insurance applies. Uber/Lyft bear no responsibility.

2. App On, No Passenger (Waiting for Ride Request)
Limited liability coverage applies:

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

3. En Route to Pick Up or Transporting Passenger
Full commercial coverage kicks in:

• $1 million liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision

Navigating which phase applied at the time of your crash is crucial—and is something our legal team helps determine immediately.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers are under constant pressure to accept trips, navigate traffic, and meet arrival time goals—all while managing in-app distractions. This makes them more likely to engage in risky behavior, such as:

• Distracted driving (GPS, app updates, passenger chats)
• Speeding to meet quotas
• Fatigue from long shifts
• Unsafe pickups or drop-offs in active roadways
• Ignoring traffic laws during peak demand hours

Michael Madadi investigates the specific causes behind each crash to determine both direct fault and corporate liability when applicable.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Your actions in the hours and days after a crash can make a major difference in your legal outcome. We recommend:

Call 911 and seek medical care, even if injuries seem minor.

Document the scene, including all vehicles, license plates, rideshare app screens, and witness information.

File a report through the Uber or Lyft app, but avoid admitting fault or discussing injuries.

Consult an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.

These cases often involve multiple insurers, corporate interests, and attempts to delay, deny, or diminish your claim. Having legal representation early protects your rights from day one.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Victims of Uber or Lyft accidents may be able to recover compensation for:

• Emergency room and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and anxiety
• Property damage
• Future care needs in severe injury cases

Michael Madadi builds cases backed by medical evidence, expert reports, and aggressive negotiation strategy to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

Why Choose Michael Madadi?

Rideshare injury cases require more than general legal knowledge. You need a firm that understands:

• Rideshare technology and app usage logs
• California insurance law and coverage disputes
• Uber and Lyft’s corporate structure and liability defenses
• Multi-party negotiations with personal and commercial insurers

Michael Madadi has successfully represented numerous rideshare victims and knows how to challenge the defense’s strategies and hold negligent parties accountable.

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Take Action Now.

You have the right to hold rideshare companies accountable for the harm their drivers cause. Don’t let complex insurance tiers or legal red tape delay your recovery.