St. George Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 and get started with a free case review. We can help you get fair compensation.

After a long day, calling a rideshare in St. George feels like a simple, convenient way to get home. You don’t have to worry about driving; you can just sit back and relax. But what happens if your rideshare driver gets into an accident? Suddenly, that sense of ease turns into stress and uncertainty.

Who is responsible for the crash? How do you get compensation for your injuries? Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when they try to shift the blame onto someone else. Meanwhile, you’re left dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the pain of your injuries.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand how confusing these situations can be. Our team has extensive experience handling rideshare accident claims in Utah, securing major settlements, including multi-million dollar results, for our clients. We know the protections available to rideshare passengers under Utah law, and we’re here to help you navigate the legal process.

On this page, we’ll break down how rideshare accidents happen in St. George, who may be liable, and what steps you can take to seek the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to provide clarity so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Overview of Rideshare Services in St. George

Rideshare services have gained popularity in St. George as a convenient way for residents and tourists to move around the city’s scenic roads. 

Well-known apps link drivers and passengers, delivering quick pickups and easy cashless payments. This growth has boosted local commerce, with travelers frequently relying on rideshare for shopping, dining, or visiting attractions.

Despite these benefits, rideshare drivers are still human and subject to the same challenges as any other motorist. Busy schedules, competing for fares, and navigating unfamiliar routes can raise the risk of collisions. 

Passengers or other drivers might be uncertain about which insurance policy pays if an accident takes place during a rideshare trip. Questions arise about whether the driver’s personal policy or the company’s commercial coverage applies, complicating an already tense situation.

Understanding the basics of how rideshares operate can help you feel more prepared if an incident happens, whether as a passenger or someone sharing the road with these vehicles.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Multiple factors contribute to rideshare accidents in St. George, some overlapping with typical car crashes, while others relate to the unique nature of rideshare work. Here are some causes often seen:

• Driver Fatigue: Rideshare drivers sometimes work extended hours to earn more fares. They may drive after finishing another job, leading to exhaustion or slower reactions. If a driver feels pressure to continue picking up passengers late at night or for many hours in a row, their ability to concentrate can drop significantly.
• Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers frequently check their phone apps for directions and new fares, which can distract them from the road. Switching between the map and traffic signals presents hazards, and phone calls or texting further increase risks. Even brief distractions can lead to missed signals or unsafe lane changes, endangering passengers and other drivers.
• Reckless Driving: Some drivers speed to pick up or drop off passengers quickly, aiming to complete more rides and earn higher pay. Others drive aggressively, weaving through lanes or disregarding traffic laws for efficiency. Such behavior increases the risk of rear-end collisions or T-bone accidents when right-of-way rules are ignored, potentially leading to severe injuries or life-altering consequences.
• Inexperience or Unfamiliar Roads: If a rideshare driver recently moved to St. George or only drives part-time, they might rely heavily on a GPS. Sudden lane shifts or missing exits can happen because they do not know the local routes. St. George’s layout has busy tourist spots and some quick-turn merges, so uncertain drivers can cause traffic disruptions or fender benders.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues: Rideshare drivers typically use personal cars, which might not always undergo thorough inspections. Failing to maintain brakes or tires can raise the likelihood of skids or blowouts. If a driver puts off repairs, their vehicle might not meet the demands of frequent daily rides, endangering everyone on board.

Understanding these core problems helps illuminate why rideshare collisions happen at a rate higher than that of non-rideshare vehicles. Whether you are a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, someone else’s negligence can instantly impact your life. Identifying the root cause is a crucial step in presenting a solid claim for compensation.

Utah’s Rideshare Regulations and Insurance Requirements

To protect passengers and the public, Utah has enacted certain rules for rideshare companies and their drivers. These regulations apply in St. George and throughout the state, ensuring that operators maintain coverage and follow best practices:

Distinct Coverage Periods

When a rideshare app is switched off, the driver’s personal auto insurance typically applies. Once the app is on and the driver is waiting for a fare, a limited level of rideshare insurance covers liability if the driver’s personal policy refuses. 

Then, when the driver is actively carrying or en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company’s more comprehensive commercial policy usually applies. Being aware of these phases clarifies which insurer to contact following an accident.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Rideshare companies must provide liability coverage that surpasses standard personal policy minimums. This ensures greater protection if a serious accident occurs. 

Passengers or others harmed can tap into higher policy limits, especially when medical bills or property damage exceed typical coverage. Utah’s rules specify that during “on-trip” periods, coverage is often at least $1 million in liability, though certain details vary by company.

Driver Background Checks

Rideshare firms often perform background checks to filter out drivers with criminal or terrible driving histories. However, no system is perfect, and some drivers with questionable records might slip through. A driver’s prior DUIs or reckless driving convictions can be relevant if you are injured, as it might show the rideshare company was negligent in hiring or retaining them.

Vehicle Inspections

To meet safety standards, rideshare drivers must use cars that pass required inspections. The aim is to confirm that tires, brakes, lights, and seatbelts are in working order. If a driver bypasses or postpones these checks, it can raise liability in accidents where mechanical issues contributed.

Violations of these regulations, such as a driver using the app off the books or ignoring mandated insurance coverage, can complicate your claim. Identifying these oversights can strengthen your position when you face pushback from insurers about which policy covers your injury costs. 

Gathering proof that a driver was “on the clock” with the rideshare company or verifying that correct insurance was in effect can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Determining Liability in Rideshare Accident Cases

When a rideshare accident unfolds, liability is not always straightforward. Multiple parties might contribute to the collision. Understanding how fault is assigned ensures you seek compensation from the right source. Typically, these entities come under review:

Rideshare Driver

If the driver was speeding, distracted by the rideshare app, or impaired, they could bear direct fault. 

Their personal assets or personal auto insurance might cover damages if they were off-duty. But if the driver was logged into the rideshare platform and waiting for a ride or actively driving a passenger, the rideshare company’s policy might apply.

Rideshare Company

While rideshare corporations frequently label drivers as independent contractors, they still provide certain levels of coverage when the app is active. 

In instances where the driver was on an active trip or had accepted a passenger, the company’s commercial policy usually steps in as the primary coverage. Yet, you must still show that the crash happened in a scenario covered by the rideshare insurance.

Another Motorist

When it is not the rideshare driver who is at-fault for the accident, but a third party who, for example, runs a stop sign or rear-ends the rideshare vehicle, then that third party’s insurer should handle compensation. If there are multiple cars in a chain reaction, each driver’s portion of fault might be dissected under Utah’s comparative negligence rules, affecting the final distribution of payments.

Vehicle or Parts Manufacturer

In rarer cases, an auto defect might be the reason for the crash. For example, a brake failure in the rideshare car or a tire blowout from a faulty product could easily cause an accident. When this happens, you may need to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.

Government or Road Maintenance Entities

Occasionally, a hazard such as a badly designed intersection or unmarked construction zone can contribute to a collision. Filing a claim against governmental bodies requires special notice and adherence to shorter deadlines.

Collecting evidence like the police report, driver app records, dashcam footage, or witness statements strengthens your ability to pinpoint the governmental entity as the liable party.

With thorough documentation, an attorney can demonstrate whether the driver or the rideshare service’s coverage is responsible, and if other motorists share the blame. This clarity is essential for successful insurance negotiations or any eventual lawsuit.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in St. George

If you were involved in a rideshare accident, whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, knowing how to respond can help protect both your health and any potential claim you may need to file. Here are the key steps:

• Seek Medical Aid: Your immediate priority is ensuring your safety. Sometimes, serious injuries are masked by adrenaline at first, so it’s best to get looked at by a doctor even if you think you aren’t hurt. Immediate medial treatment not only helps you ensure your full recovery but also creates a medical record that ties your injuries directly to the incident.
• Contact Law Enforcement: Call the police so they can assess the crash, speak to witnesses, and compile an official report. If an officer confirms the rideshare driver was actively transporting a fare, it can clarify which insurance might apply. The police report can become pivotal evidence when dealing with insurers.
• Gather Information: Swap details with the rideshare driver, noting their name, license plate, and insurance carrier. If another driver caused the collision, do the same with them. Also confirm which rideshare platform is involved, such as Uber or Lyft. If you are a passenger, a screenshot of the trip from your phone can show the driver was on the clock.
• Photograph the Scene: Use your phone to capture pictures of the vehicles, damage, traffic signals, or skid marks. These images help reconstruct what happened. If there are visible injuries or property damage, document that as well.
• Notify Your Insurer: Report the crash to your own insurance, but keep the conversation factual. Do not guess about fault or downplay injuries. If the at-fault party’s insurer calls, you might wait to consult a lawyer before giving a recorded statement.
• Reach Out to a Lawyer: An attorney with experience in rideshare accidents can guide you through the steps for seeking compensation. They will verify which coverage period was in effect, gather police and medical records, and prepare a demand for payment.

Taking these steps helps preserve vital evidence and ensures you are in the best possible position to make a claim. Acting swiftly is essential to avoid losing time-sensitive evidence, so reach out to a St. George rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. 

Compensation Available for Rideshare Accident Victims

Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can leave victims, whether passengers or other motorists, facing serious physical and emotional harm. The good news is that Utah law grants you the right to seek financial relief if you can prove someone else’s fault. The following categories of damages might be part of your rideshare accident claim:

Medical Bills

This ranges from ambulance rides and emergency room treatments to extended rehabilitation or medication. If your injury demands specialized equipment or future surgical procedures, those anticipated costs can be included. Detailed records, such as doctor’s notes and therapy invoices, verify your actual spending and link the expenses to the crash.

Lost Wages

Severe injuries can force you to take time off work. You may qualify to recover wages for missed days or weeks. If your injuries permanently limit your job prospects or earning capability, you can also seek compensation reflecting the long-term financial hit. Vocational experts sometimes assist in calculating this if your career path is altered.

Property Damage

If you lost items in the rideshare accident, or if you were another driver whose vehicle was damaged, you may seek to have your personal property repaired or replaced. For instance, if your personal laptop or phone was destroyed during the crash, you have the right to ask for those items to be replaced. 

Pain and Suffering

Not all damages show up on a hospital bill. Neck pain, emotional trauma, or fear of riding in cars can linger. These types of damages are less tangible but equally important. They could be compensated as non-economic damages and the extent to which you can be compensated often depends on injury severity, the length of recovery, and emotional distress, among other factors.

Loss of Consortium

Getting injured badly in an accident often negatively affects close relationships. For example, if your spouse experiences diminished support or companionship because you are bedridden or emotionally withdrawn, compensation can be sought for that. While less common, these damages reflect the broader emotional toll that a severe crash can have on a family.

Punitive Damages

In exceptional cases, if the rideshare driver’s behavior was extremely reckless or involved certain illegal acts, punitive damages might be considered. However, they are not typical and usually hinge on showing outrageous misconduct.

Securing each damage category can require strong evidence, thorough documentation, and insight into how insurers evaluate claims. An experienced lawyer from our team can help you present the full scope of your losses, ensuring no aspect of your suffering goes overlooked or underpaid.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Rideshare Accident

When a rideshare accident disrupts your life, sorting out insurance coverage is often one of the biggest headaches. Unlike straightforward car crashes, rideshare collisions can involve multiple policies: the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and sometimes other motorists’ coverage. Here is some guidance for dealing with insurance companies after being involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle. 

Identify Which Policy Applies

Rideshare companies typically segment their insurance coverage into three stages: driver offline, driver waiting for a fare, and driver transporting a passenger. When offline, only the driver’s personal policy is in effect. 

Waiting for a request, the rideshare company’s limited third-party liability coverage might step in. During an active trip, a larger commercial policy usually applies. Confirming which stage the driver was in helps establish which insurer to file a claim with.

Be Careful What You Say

Insurance adjusters may ask you for a recorded statement about how the accident happened or question your injuries. Provide basic facts only, like the date and location of the crash. Avoid speculating about blame, speed, or health status. Insurers can take innocent remarks out of context to reduce or deny claims.

Keep Evidence Readily Available

Holding onto medical bills, photos of vehicle damage, or proof the rideshare driver was en route to pick you up can help support your claim. 

Logging your pain levels or therapy progress day by day can demonstrate the crash’s true impact. The more structured your records, the less likely an insurer will undervalue or dismiss parts of your claim.

Be Wary of Quick Settlements

A rideshare insurer might present an early offer that doesn’t truly address the full spectrum of costs you will be facing. Accepting such an offer can lock you out of further compensation if your condition worsens or additional bills crop up. 

Consult a Lawyer

Dealing with insurance companies after a rideshare accident can quickly become frustrating—especially when multiple insurers argue over who should pay. When coverage disputes arise, you need someone who understands rideshare policies and can determine which insurer is responsible.

An experienced lawyer can gather the evidence needed to prove negligence, ensuring you aren’t unfairly blamed or left with less compensation than you deserve. If there are concerns about partial fault, your attorney can push back against any attempts to shift undue blame onto you, helping protect the full value of your claim.

By approaching insurers with clear evidence, strong legal support, and the readiness to take the case to court if needed, you significantly improve your chances of securing the settlement necessary to recover and move forward.

How Our Firm Assists Rideshare Accident Victims in St. George

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks understands the toll a rideshare accident can take, from dealing with painful injuries to the confusion over which insurance covers your bills. Our law firm aims to remove your stress by handling the complexities, allowing you to focus on recuperating. Here are the ways we support rideshare accident victims:

Detailed Consultations

The first thing we do is learn about your situation. We ask about the sequence of events, any photos you have, your hospital visits, and whether you were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian. 

Knowing these details helps us identify which rideshare coverage might apply. Our attorneys also inquire about how this crash has impacted your routine, so we can pursue a claim that fully accounts for your injuries.

Thorough Evidence Gathering

We take a thorough approach to gathering evidence after a rideshare accident. This includes obtaining the police report, checking the driver’s phone records for signs of distraction, and confirming whether the rideshare app was active at the time of the crash. If dashcam or traffic camera footage is available, we request copies to strengthen your case.

Rideshare drivers may claim they were off-duty or try to shift the blame to another vehicle, making it crucial to verify exactly what happened. At the same time, we collect your medical records to ensure every treatment, procedure, and follow-up therapy is accounted for—so nothing gets overlooked when seeking the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating with Multiple Insurers

When a rideshare company’s commercial policy, the driver’s personal policy, and possibly other vehicles’ insurers are involved, confusion can arise over coverage amounts and responsibilities. We will coordinate communication between all involved parties to keep things from getting overwhelming and confusing for you. 

Calculating Damages Thoroughly

We understand that your expenses may go beyond just the initial hospital bills. If you need ongoing physical therapy or can no longer work at the same level as before, those future costs must be considered.

Your claim should also reflect the emotional toll of the accident, including pain, distress, and how it has affected your family life. By building a full picture of your losses, we fight for a settlement that covers both your immediate struggles and the long-term impact on your life.

Challenging Partial Fault Allegations

If an insurer tries to argue that you contributed to the crash, whether by not wearing a seatbelt or making a sudden lane change, we push back with solid evidence, including witness statements and scene analysis.

Proving that the rideshare driver was primarily at fault is key to protecting your right to compensation. Under Utah’s comparative negligence rule, your ability to recover damages depends on keeping your share of fault below 50 percent. We work to ensure insurers do not unfairly shift blame onto you so you can pursue the full settlement you deserve.

Litigation Preparedness

If the insurance company remains obstinate or offers an unacceptably low sum, filing a lawsuit may be the next step. We always prepare for that possibility. Knowing we can argue effectively before a judge or jury often leads insurers to adjust their offers upward to avoid litigation risks.

Empathetic Guidance

Finally, we understand the emotional and physical burden you must endure. We will keep you updated at each stage of the claims process, offering clear explanations and realistic timelines. Our mission is not just about winning a settlement, but also about supporting you during this challenging period.

By uniting legal know-how, investigative skill, and genuine compassion, Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks advocates tirelessly for your best interests, helping you recover financially after a disruptive rideshare accident.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims in St. George