Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient way for Utah residents to get around Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden, and beyond. But what happens if you’re hurt in an accident while riding in one of these vehicles or if an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash that injures you?
Rideshare accidents are often more complex than regular car crashes because they involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we help victims of Uber and Lyft accidents navigate these challenges and fight for the compensation they deserve.
Are Rideshare Accidents Different From Regular Car Accidents?
Yes, and the difference comes down to insurance coverage and liability. When you’re in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, multiple insurance policies may be in play:
🚗 The driver’s personal auto insurance
🚗 Uber or Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability policy
🚗 Your own auto insurance (if you were driving)
The coverage that applies depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- App Off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App On, No Passenger: Uber/Lyft provides limited coverage.
- App On, Passenger in Vehicle: Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy applies to injuries and damages.
This tiered system often leads to disputes about which insurer is responsible, and they’ll all try to minimize payouts. That’s where a skilled rideshare accident lawyer comes in.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Utah
Rideshare drivers are under pressure to get passengers to their destinations quickly, leading to risky behavior. Common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted Driving – Using the rideshare app, reading navigation instructions, or texting.
- Driver Fatigue – Many drivers work long hours or late nights.
- Speeding – To maximize the number of trips per shift.
- Failure to Yield – Especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods or busy downtown areas.
- Impaired Driving – Though rare, some Uber/Lyft drivers have been caught driving under the influence.
In many cases, passengers or third-party drivers are the ones left with serious injuries.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Utah
If you’re hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash (whether as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or cyclist), follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Call 911 and get medical attention. Even minor crashes can cause hidden injuries.
- Report the accident to the police and to Uber or Lyft through the app.
- Collect information – Get names, phone numbers, license plates, and insurance details from all drivers involved.
- Take photos – Document vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Avoid admitting fault or discussing the accident with rideshare insurers.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer before speaking with any insurance adjusters.
How a Utah Rideshare Accident Lawyer Can Help
Rideshare accident claims often involve tangled liability issues. A lawyer can help by:
Investigating the Crash
We collect police reports, witness statements, and app data to establish what happened.
Determining Who’s Liable
Depending on the situation, the at-fault party could be the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even Uber/Lyft for failing to screen a negligent driver.
Handling the Insurance Companies
Insurers for Uber, Lyft, and the drivers may each point fingers at each other. We negotiate aggressively to make sure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Calculating Your Damages
This includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary)
If insurance negotiations fail, we’re ready to take your case to court.
Types of Compensation You May Recover
If you’ve been injured in a Utah rideshare accident, you may be eligible to recover:
- Medical Costs – Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical needs.
- Lost Wages – For time missed from work due to your injuries.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
- Property Damage – If your vehicle or belongings were damaged.
- Wrongful Death Damages – For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal Uber/Lyft accident.
Why Choose Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks?
When you’re injured in a rideshare crash, you need a law firm that understands both Utah traffic laws and the unique challenges of rideshare claims.
Here’s why clients trust us:
✔ Decades of Experience helping Utah accident victims.
✔ Proven Results in negotiating with large insurers and corporations.
✔ Personalized Care – You’ll work directly with an attorney, not get passed around.
✔ No Fees Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront; we’re only paid if you recover compensation.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek the Legal Help You Need
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 4 years from the date of the accident. However, rideshare cases can require fast action to preserve evidence and determine which policies apply.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
📞 Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks today at 801‑500‑4000 for a free consultation.
We’re here to help you hold negligent drivers and rideshare companies accountable and fight for the justice you deserve.
