Injured as a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft? Here’s What to Do
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient and reliable way to get around — but when a ride ends in a collision, it can leave you overwhelmed, injured, and unsure of your next steps. You didn’t cause the crash. You weren’t behind the wheel. But now you’re dealing with medical bills, lost time, and possibly a long road to recovery.
Whether the crash was caused by your rideshare driver or another motorist, it’s important to understand your rights — and how to protect your claim from the start.
1. What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
The steps you take immediately after a crash can directly impact your ability to recover compensation. If you were injured as a rideshare passenger:
- Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app
- Take screenshots of your ride receipt and trip details
- Request medical care promptly, even for mild symptoms
- Take photos of injuries, involved vehicles, and the scene if possible
- Get names and contact info for all drivers and witnesses
- Save all medical records, bills, and documentation of lost wages
Even if you feel okay at first, injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue damage often appear hours or days later. Early medical treatment not only protects your health — it also helps prove that your injuries were caused by the crash. Consult with a medical provider as quickly as possible regarding your injuries.
2. You’re Not at Fault — But You Still Have to Navigate the Insurance Process
As a passenger, you are not considered responsible for the crash. That means one or more insurance policies should cover your injuries, no matter who was at fault.
However, that doesn’t mean the process is simple. Injury claims often involve multiple insurance companies and overlapping coverages. You may need to file against:
- The at-fault driver’s personal auto policy
- The rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or MedPay
Understanding which policy applies — and in what order — is essential to ensuring your expenses and losses are fully covered.
3. If Another Driver Caused the Crash, Their Insurance Pays First
Many rideshare accidents happen when a third-party driver crashes into your Uber or Lyft vehicle. In this case, the at-fault driver’s insurance is typically the first source of compensation. Their policy should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
However, most personal auto policies have per-accident limits, which means the coverage is shared among everyone injured. If multiple people were hurt — including your driver and others — the available compensation may not be enough.
When the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t fully cover your losses, Uber and Lyft offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for their passengers. These policies provide up to $1 million in coverage for bodily injury and can be used when:
- The at-fault driver is uninsured
- Their policy limits are too low to cover all damages
- The crash was a hit-and-run and the driver cannot be identified
This extra layer of protection is a major benefit of being in a rideshare vehicle — and is often not available when using your own personal car.
4. If the Rideshare Driver Was at Fault, You’re Still Protected
Accidents aren’t always caused by outside drivers. Sometimes, the rideshare driver themselves is at fault — whether due to distraction, speeding, or poor decision-making behind the wheel.
If your Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash, the company’s $1 million liability insurance policy still applies. You do not have to rely on the driver’s personal insurance.
This coverage is designed to protect passengers when rideshare drivers make mistakes, and it can cover:
- Emergency medical care
- Surgeries and rehabilitation
- Future medical needs
- Lost income due to injury
- Pain and suffering
However, if your damages exceed the company’s policy limits — or if the insurer tries to reduce or deny your claim — you may still have the option of pursuing compensation from the driver directly or seeking legal support to challenge an undervalued offer.
5. Insurance Companies May Push Back — Even When Liability Is Clear
Many passengers assume that because they weren’t at fault, the insurance claim will be simple. But insurers may still try to:
- Downplay the severity of your injuries
- Claim you had pre-existing conditions
- Argue that certain treatments weren’t necessary
- Offer an early settlement that doesn't cover all your costs
- Delay or deny claims in hopes you'll give up
Even as a completely innocent passenger, you need to be your own advocate — or have someone advocating for you. Don’t accept a low settlement or give a recorded statement until you fully understand the value of your case.
Know Your Rights. Protect Your Recovery.
If you were injured as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, you may be facing a complex insurance process, medical recovery, and financial stress. But you don’t have to go through it alone — and you don’t have to guess whether you're being treated fairly.
Call Lawyer Gigi today for a free consultation.
We’ll guide you through the process, ensure the right insurance companies pay what they owe, and fight to make sure you’re fully compensated for your injuries.
