Any car accident is stressful, but it can be particularly confusing when the accident involves a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft. It can be challenging to determine who is responsible and what insurance policies are available to compensate you, especially if you’ve been injured, can’t work, and have mounting medical bills.

If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident through no fault of your own, you shouldn’t be held responsible for these expenses. A trusted rideshare accident law firm like Demas Law Group can help you through this confusing process and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.

Can I Bring a Car Accident Claim Against Uber or Lyft?

Whether you can seek compensation from Uber or Lyft depends primarily on the circumstances and who was at fault.

If you were in a collision with a rideshare driver and that driver was at fault, you can make a claim against the company, no matter whether you were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle, another motorist on the road, or a pedestrian or cyclist.

However, it’s important to note that the driver is only considered to be an “Uber or Lyft driver” when they’re on the clock. The driver is only considered to be on the clock when they have officially indicated that they are available to take clients and they are either waiting to receive an assignment, on the way to pick up a rideshare client, or transporting a rideshare client.

The amount of insurance coverage provided by the rideshare company may differ depending on whether the driver was simply available and waiting for fares, or actively en route to pick up a passenger or transporting one.

Even if the rideshare driver was not at fault for the accident, you might be able to bring a claim against Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy if the other driver who was at fault is uninsured or underinsured. Both companies carry uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance, which is required by California law.

How to File a Claim with Uber or Lyft

If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle when the crash occurred, you can use the rideshare app to report the accident to the rideshare company. If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you can notify the company about the crash through their website or by calling them.

Before you make a claim, you should contact a qualified rideshare accident attorney. Once you have a lawyer, you can leave the entire claims process up to them. You won’t have to worry about saying or doing something that could jeopardize your right to compensation.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Depending on the specifics in the crash, multiple parties might be liable, including:

  • The rideshare driver
  • Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare operator
  • Other drivers involved in the crash
  • The car’s manufacturer if a part or design defect contributed to the crash
  • A government entity if a road hazard contributed to the crash

How Can Demas Law Group Help?

At Demas Law Group, we understand how devastating injuries and damages from rideshare accidents are. We don’t want you to have to battle for the compensation you deserve all alone. Let our compassionate attorneys fight for you.

With over 25 years of experience, we have successfully won millions of dollars for our clients and helped them get on the road to recovery. Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve. Call us today or contact us by our online contact form or chat with us live to set up a free consultation.