Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient part of daily life in Utah, offering affordable transportation at the tap of a screen. But when an accident happens involving one of these vehicles, things can get complicated fast. Unlike a typical car crash, rideshare accidents raise unique legal questions: Who’s responsible? Which insurance policy applies? What happens if the driver wasn’t on duty?
Suppose you or a loved one was injured in a rideshare accident in Utah (whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver). In that case, it’s essential to understand your rights and how a rideshare accident attorney can help.
Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Crashes
Although Uber and Lyft drivers operate their own personal vehicles, they’re also part of a much larger corporate structure. This creates a multi-layered insurance system that can be confusing to navigate after a crash. In general, coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies
- App on, no passenger yet: Limited rideshare coverage may apply
- Passenger in vehicle or en route to pick up: Uber or Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability policy is active
Without the right legal support, figuring out which stage the driver was in (and what coverage applies) can be difficult.
What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident in Utah, take these steps to protect your health and your legal claim:
- Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to appear
- Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, the rideshare app screen, and the scene
- Collect contact info for the driver, other involved parties, and any witnesses
- Request a police report, which will serve as an official record of the crash
- Do not speak with insurers or accept a settlement without consulting a lawyer
These actions can help preserve important evidence and ensure your side of the story is documented from the start.
Rideshare Crashes Are on the Rise
With the growth of the gig economy, rideshare traffic has surged across the U.S. According to a study by the University of Chicago and Rice University, rideshare services may be linked to a 2–3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide.
In Utah, rideshare accidents occur most frequently in busy areas like Salt Lake City, Provo, and along I-15. The combination of unfamiliar drivers, fatigue, and navigating on-demand routes increases the risk of crashes.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Just like other motor vehicle crashes, rideshare accidents can lead to serious, long-lasting injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash and spinal injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue damage
- Emotional trauma
Whether you were a passenger in an Uber/Lyft or hit by one as a driver or pedestrian, you may be eligible for compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare crash isn’t always straightforward. Potentially responsible parties may include:
- The rideshare driver, if they were distracted, impaired, speeding, or careless
- Another motorist, if they caused or contributed to the collision
- Uber or Lyft, under certain conditions, especially if the company failed to screen drivers properly
- Third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or government agencies responsible for road maintenance
A skilled Utah rideshare accident lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to determine all liable parties and pursue compensation from every available source.
Understanding Utah’s No-Fault Insurance System
Utah is a no-fault state, which means your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage generally pays for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
However, if your injuries are serious (such as permanent impairment or medical bills over $3,000), you may step outside the no-fault system and file a personal injury claim against the responsible party or their insurer.
This is especially important in rideshare accidents, where the rideshare company’s $1 million policy might be available, depending on the situation.
How a Utah Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Rideshare companies have legal teams and insurance adjusters whose job is to limit how much they pay out. Having an attorney on your side helps level the playing field. Here’s what your lawyer will do:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly
- Collect rideshare app data and driving logs
- Review video footage or dashcam evidence if available
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Identify the correct insurance coverage for your case
- Ensure you receive fair compensation for all damages
You shouldn’t have to figure all this out alone while you’re recovering from an injury.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Depending on the nature of your accident and injuries, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses (present and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term care or disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
A rideshare accident attorney will evaluate your case to make sure every aspect of your loss is considered.
Compassionate Support When You Need It Most
We know how confusing and stressful the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be. Between mounting bills, physical pain, and the uncertainty of how to move forward, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’re here to help.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we bring decades of experience handling complex personal injury cases throughout Utah. We understand the specific challenges of rideshare accident claims, and we work tirelessly to get our clients the care and compensation they need.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Utah, don’t wait to get legal advice. Time limits apply, and important evidence may disappear quickly.
Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today at 801-500-4000 to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you take the next steps toward recovery with skill, compassion, and the legal experience you can trust.
