In Utah and across the country, Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we travel. Whether it’s a ride home from the airport or a safe option after a night out, rideshare services have become a significant part of everyday life. But what happens if your ride ends in an accident?
Sustaining injuries in an Uber or Lyft crash can leave you with not only serious physical harm but also many difficult questions. Who is responsible for the accident? Which insurance will cover the damages? Can I sue the driver or the rideshare company? The answers to these questions are not always straightforward, and insurance companies can complicate matters further. That’s why, after a rideshare accident, your first call should be to a lawyer who understands these cases.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we help injured passengers, rideshare drivers, and others involved in Uber and Lyft accidents across Utah. Here’s why you need a dedicated rideshare accident lawyer on your side and how we can help.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are More Complicated Than Regular Car Accidents
When two personal vehicles crash, the process is relatively straightforward: someone’s insurance is responsible for the damage. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved, things get tricky fast.
Here’s why:
- Multiple parties may be involved: The Uber or Lyft driver, another driver, and possibly even third parties.
- Rideshare drivers are independent contractors: That means Uber or Lyft may try to deny liability for the crash.
- Different insurance policies apply depending on whether the rideshare driver was waiting for a ride, en route to pick someone up, or actively transporting a passenger.
Understanding who’s at fault and which insurance applies requires experience with rideshare law, not just general personal injury knowledge.
Who’s Liable After an Uber or Lyft Crash in Utah?
The answer depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the accident:
1. The Driver Was Not Logged Into the App
If the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t using the app at the time, then their personal insurance is responsible, just like any other driver.
2. The Driver Was Logged In and Waiting for a Ride
Here, Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage (usually up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage) but only if the driver’s personal insurance denies coverage.
3. The Driver Was En Route or Carrying a Passenger
This is where the big coverage kicks in. Uber and Lyft both offer up to $1 million in liability insurance if the driver is on their way to pick up a rider or already transporting one.
Still, getting that coverage isn’t automatic. Insurance companies will try to shift blame or minimize payouts, especially if you’re not represented by a lawyer.
What If You Were a Passenger?
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft and were injured in a crash (regardless of who caused it), you likely qualify for compensation.
But again, determining which insurance policy should pay (Uber’s, the driver’s, or the at-fault third party’s) can be a challenge. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can sort this out for you and make sure the right party is held accountable.
What If You Were in Another Vehicle?
If you were driving your own car, riding a bike, or walking when an Uber or Lyft hit you, you may be able to pursue a claim against the rideshare driver, their company’s insurance, or both, depending on the circumstances.
Having a lawyer ensures you don’t get caught in the blame game between insurers, who all want to avoid paying.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Like any car crash, rideshare accidents can lead to injuries that disrupt your life and health. These may include:
- Whiplash or neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
If you’ve been injured (even if you don’t feel symptoms right away) see a doctor and consult a lawyer as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your health and your case.
Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Utah
Trying to handle a rideshare claim on your own is a risk. You’ll be up against billion-dollar companies and insurance adjusters who are trained to minimize your settlement. Without legal help, you could walk away with far less than you deserve (or nothing at all).
Here’s how a rideshare accident lawyer from Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence
- Determine liability and which insurance applies
- Handle all communications with insurers
- Negotiate for full compensation, not just what the insurer offers first
- File a lawsuit, if needed, and represent you in court
We’ll fight to make sure you’re not left with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering that goes uncompensated.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a rideshare crash in Utah, you may be entitled to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
In some cases, we may also pursue punitive damages, especially if the driver was reckless or intoxicated.
Don’t Wait, Utah Claims Have Time Limits
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims (including rideshare accidents) is generally four years, but some exceptions can shorten that window. If a government vehicle or entity was involved, for example, you may have only one year to file a claim.
Evidence also fades quickly: witnesses move, apps lose ride data, and crash records can disappear. The sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks Today
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Utah, don’t try to figure it out alone. Let us take the legal stress off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Contact us now by calling 801-500-4000 to schedule your free consultation with a trusted rideshare accident lawyer. There’s no cost to talk to us, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
We understand what you’re going through. We’ve helped Utah families like yours get justice after rideshare accidents and we’re here to help you, too.
