Ridesharing services have made it easier than ever to get around, offering a quick and convenient way to travel. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned. A car accident involving a rideshare vehicle can leave passengers feeling confused, injured, and unsure of what to do next. Who will pay for the medical bills? What happens if the rideshare company’s insurance doesn’t cover everything?
These are real concerns for many people who experience rideshare accidents. The process of dealing with insurance companies and figuring out who is responsible can be frustrating and overwhelming. Meanwhile, medical costs add up, and missing work can make the situation even more stressful.
Thankfully, there is help. A West Jordan rideshare accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you deserve. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand how these accidents can turn your life upside down. Our goal is simple: to handle the legal challenges so you can focus on recovering and moving forward.
While rideshare drivers are required to adhere to strict rules, such as undergoing background checks and maintaining safe vehicles, accidents still happen. Understanding the most frequent causes of rideshare accidents in West Jordan can provide insight into why these collisions occur and how to prevent them.
Negligence is often at the root of rideshare accidents. Even minor oversights, like failing to yield or rolling through a stop sign, can lead to severe crashes.
Rideshare drivers frequently feel pressured to complete as many trips as possible, which can result in abrupt lane changes, tailgating, or making unsafe turns. Additionally, some drivers may take risks such as running yellow lights or making illegal U-turns to save time, putting passengers and other road users in danger.
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, sometimes balancing rideshare gigs with full-time jobs. This juggling act often leads to fatigue, which remains a significant factor in traffic accidents. Unlike commercial truck operators who must comply with federally mandated rest periods, rideshare drivers operate with no such restrictions.
A drowsy driver may have slowed reaction times, trouble focusing, or even momentarily fall asleep at the wheel, causing devastating accidents. Fatigue-related crashes tend to occur late at night or during early morning hours, times when many rideshare drivers are on the road catering to those leaving bars, clubs, or other late-night establishments in West Jordan.
Smartphones are essential for rideshare drivers, allowing them to accept trip requests, navigate through GPS, and communicate with passengers. However, this constant reliance on technology can become a serious distraction. Checking notifications, adjusting the rideshare app mid-trip, or even responding to passenger messages can take a driver’s attention off the road at a critical moment.
Distracted driving is especially hazardous in high-traffic areas such as Jordan Landing, Bangerter Highway, and Redwood Road, where sudden stops, pedestrian crossings, and multiple lanes require full attention. When a driver glances at their phone for just a few seconds, they might miss a red light, a braking car ahead, or a pedestrian stepping into a crosswalk.
Since rideshare drivers earn more the more trips they complete, some resort to speeding or aggressive driving to maximize their fares. High-speed driving reduces reaction times and increases the severity of crashes.
Additionally, aggressive maneuvers, such as weaving through traffic, tailgating, and sudden braking, can create dangerous situations, leading to rear-end collisions or side-impact crashes. For instance, a rideshare driver rushing to pick up a new passenger may speed through yellow lights or make quick lane changes without checking blind spots, increasing the risk of an accident.
Although rideshare companies conduct background checks, these screenings do not necessarily assess a driver’s actual experience behind the wheel. Unlike professional taxi or commercial drivers who must complete specialized training, rideshare drivers may have minimal experience navigating West Jordan’s highways, complex intersections, and high-traffic areas.
Inexperienced drivers may struggle with:
A lack of experience in urban driving conditions increases the likelihood of rideshare drivers misjudging distances, making unsafe turns, or failing to anticipate traffic flow, which can lead to preventable accidents.
Rideshare drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles, but not all drivers follow strict maintenance schedules. Unlike commercial trucking companies or taxi services that require routine safety inspections, rideshare cars do not undergo rigorous, frequent mechanical checks. Some drivers may skip necessary repairs to save money, putting passengers at risk.
Common vehicle-related hazards that contribute to rideshare accidents include:
A mechanical failure while a rideshare trip is in progress can create dangerous scenarios, especially on high-speed roads like I-215 or Redwood Road, where sudden breakdowns increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.
West Jordan experiences snow, ice, and heavy rain during certain times of the year, making roads slippery and reducing visibility. While experienced drivers may adjust their speeds and driving styles accordingly, some rideshare drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with Utah’s winter driving conditions, may fail to take proper precautions.
Risk factors related to poor weather conditions include:
If a rideshare driver does not adjust their speed for weather conditions or lacks experience driving in winter weather, they are more likely to cause an accident.
While rare, there have been instances where rideshare drivers operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even though Uber and Lyft conduct background checks, these checks do not prevent drivers from making reckless decisions while on duty.
Signs of impaired driving in rideshare cases may include:
If a rideshare driver is caught driving under the influence, both the driver and the rideshare company could be held liable for injuries sustained by passengers or other motorists.
Not all rideshare accidents are solely the fault of the driver. In some cases, pedestrians or cyclists contribute to collisions by:
Busy areas such as Jordan Landing or the South Valley Regional Airport vicinity see a mix of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. If a rideshare driver does not anticipate sudden movements from pedestrians or cyclists, a serious accident may occur.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft rely on unique operational models that classify drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This arrangement affects both insurance coverage and legal responsibility, particularly when an accident occurs in West Jordan. Below are critical policy features relevant to passengers and drivers:
Since most rideshare drivers aren’t employees, it’s harder to hold the company directly liable for a driver’s conduct under the principle of “vicarious liability.” Rideshare firms often argue they merely act as tech platforms connecting drivers to riders, rather than controlling how drivers operate their vehicles.
Passengers needing compensation after a crash might have to prove the company’s insurance policy is responsible or demonstrate that the driver was on the clock in an active ride phase.
Rideshare companies do conduct driver screenings. However, these checks vary and may not be as comprehensive as those for professional drivers (like commercial truckers). Gaps in screening can lead to inexperienced or high-risk individuals slipping through, elevating accident risks.
Apps typically require drivers to follow local traffic laws and maintain a reliable vehicle. Companies might remove drivers with repeated poor ratings or safety complaints, but enforcement can be inconsistent.
The level of oversight often depends on user feedback, meaning some concerns slip by if passengers don’t report them.
From a rider’s perspective, the expanded coverage during Period 2 and 3 of a trip can be vital. But actually accessing those benefits may prove complicated if the company disputes when the ride started or whether the app was active. Passengers should be ready to show proof, like screenshots of trip details, to avoid claims that the coverage doesn’t apply.
In short, navigating rideshare policies requires attention to detail and prompt action to identify which coverage applies. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contacting an attorney with experience in West Jordan rideshare accidents can help you cut through any confusion and advocate for the coverage you need to move forward.
Pinpointing liability after a rideshare collision is rarely straightforward. Several factors can merge to complicate the question of who ultimately bears responsibility for your injuries:
In many scenarios, the rideshare driver’s actions, such as failing to stop at a red light, texting behind the wheel, or speeding, directly cause a crash. When this happens, the driver’s personal insurance might come into play, along with the company’s coverage if the driver was on an active trip or had accepted a ride request.
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple vehicles. Another driver could have run a stop sign or driven recklessly, making them primarily at fault. The complexity arises when each insurance provider tries to shift blame or argue for a lower percentage of fault.
Utah observes a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning a party more than 50% at fault cannot recover damages. Insurance adjusters might argue a passenger or rideshare driver shares fault, for instance, if the passenger was distracting the driver or if the driver made a hasty turn. Establishing your proportion of liability (if any) can greatly affect a claim’s outcome.
Sometimes, a mechanical defect, like faulty brakes or a tire blowout, triggers an accident. In these cases, manufacturers or maintenance providers may hold partial liability. Similarly, if the city or state neglected a significant road hazard, a government entity might factor into the claim.
Proving government responsibility can be more complex due to specific notice procedures and shorter filing deadlines.
As drivers are independent contractors, rideshare companies usually claim minimal direct liability. Still, a seasoned West Jordan rideshare accident lawyer can evaluate whether the company’s practices, like inadequate driver background checks, contributed to the collision.
If so, you might seek compensation from the corporate policy, especially if the driver was actively engaged in a ride.
Deciding on fault typically hinges on a thorough investigation. Eye-witness statements, dashcam or security footage, and driver cell phone records (to check for texting) all play vital roles. Accident reconstruction experts can use data from vehicle “black boxes” to illustrate speed, braking, and angle of impact.
Because multiple parties may share blame, determining liability is often about assembling a clear, fact-based narrative of how the crash unfolded and which missteps played the biggest role. Engaging an attorney experienced in rideshare collisions ensures you don’t overlook any potential avenue for compensation. They’ll coordinate with professionals, like investigators and forensic experts, to piece together a robust case and help you focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
Recovering damages after a rideshare crash depends partly on what you do immediately afterward. Taking the right steps can preserve evidence and protect your interests:
Your health is paramount. If you or anyone else is injured, dial 911 right away. Seek emergency medical care if necessary, some injuries like concussions or internal bleeding aren’t obvious at first. Getting prompt treatment also creates vital records that link your injuries to the accident.
Call the police after an accident. They will create a crash report noting details like vehicle positions, possible causes, and witness statements. This report can become invaluable in any claim or lawsuit.
If possible, gather contact and insurance details from all drivers involved. Ask for the rideshare driver’s name, driver’s license, license plate number, and rideshare affiliation. It’s wise to screenshot your rideshare app’s trip details for a time-stamped record. Also, note witness names and phone numbers.
Use your phone to take photos or videos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and road conditions. Visual proof can prevent disputes later, especially when insurance companies begin questioning the severity or cause of the crash.
While cooperating with the police is crucial, avoid making remarks about fault or apologizing to anyone. Insurance carriers may twist well-meaning statements into admissions of liability, potentially weakening your claim.
File an incident report with the rideshare platform. If you’re a passenger, contact the company’s customer service. For drivers, do the same and also inform your personal auto insurer. Keep details concise and factual.
A local West Jordan attorney can help clarify which insurance policy applies, especially given the multiple coverage tiers in rideshare collisions. They’ll review the police report, gather medical bills, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf, reducing stress at a time when you should be resting and healing.
Being caught in a rideshare accident can leave you dealing with painful injuries, unplanned medical bills, and a disrupted life. Utah law provides avenues for victims to seek compensation that recognizes both economic and non-economic losses. Below are some categories of damages you might recover:
Ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation sessions, prescriptions, and any specialized care count as economic damages. If you need ongoing treatments, like physical therapy, the claim can include projections of future medical costs. Retain all receipts, bills, and treatment plans to confirm the financial toll.
Serious injuries often force victims to take time off work. When you’re unable to earn a living, those lost wages mount quickly, especially if you support a household. If you experience long-term or permanent disabilities that affect your ability to work, you can also seek damages for reduced earning capacity.
Beyond the bills, injuries inflict intangible harm such as chronic pain, loss of mobility, or mental distress (e.g., PTSD). Utah courts acknowledge these hardships by allowing non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional anguish, or diminished quality of life. While these are more subjective, an experienced attorney can help quantify them, often by highlighting the impact on your daily routine and relationships.
If your personal belongings, like your vehicle, laptop, or phone, were damaged in the collision, you could claim replacement or repair costs. Although property damage rarely overshadows bodily injuries, it still factors into your total recovery.
Tragically, some accidents result in a fatality. Surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim to cover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional loss of a loved one’s companionship. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has handled high-stakes wrongful death cases, achieving results that help families rebuild.
Occasionally, if a driver’s behavior is deemed especially reckless (e.g., driving intoxicated), the court may award punitive damages aimed at punishing wrongdoing. Although rare, these damages can significantly increase the settlement or verdict.
The compensation you recover depends on thorough documentation and the strength of your claim. A rideshare accident attorney in West Jordan can organize medical records, consult experts, and advocate for the full scope of your losses, preventing insurance companies from trivializing or ignoring valid damages. Remember, early legal guidance often makes a difference in maximizing your financial recovery.
Insurance negotiations can feel daunting under normal circumstances, but rideshare accidents bring added complexity. Multiple insurers, such as the rideshare company, the driver’s personal insurer, and possibly your own, might be involved. Below is how to manage these interactions:
Each rideshare platform sets different coverage levels based on whether the driver is logged in, has accepted a ride request, or is transporting passengers. Familiarizing yourself with these “periods” helps you determine which insurer to contact first. If you’re unclear, an attorney can sift through the fine print for you.
If you’re a passenger, file an incident report with the rideshare company. If you’re a driver, you’ll need to inform both the rideshare platform and your personal auto insurer, though your personal policy may have limitations for commercial driving. If another motorist caused the crash, that driver’s insurance might also come into play.
Soon after the accident, adjusters might suggest a quick payout, hoping to end the claim cheaply. Early settlements rarely account for long-term medical needs or the full extent of emotional distress. Before accepting any offer, consider consulting legal counsel to ensure it’s fair.
Insurance representatives often record conversations, searching for remarks that downplay your injuries or hint at shared fault. Stick to straightforward facts and politely decline requests for recorded statements until you have attorney advice.
Insurers might argue you contributed to the accident, for instance, if you allegedly distracted the driver. In Utah, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover damages. An experienced lawyer can counter such tactics, underscoring evidence of the driver’s or rideshare company’s negligence.
Maintain a dedicated file with medical bills, vehicle repair estimates, wage statements, and any communication with insurers. This structure helps you or your lawyer respond promptly to requests for documentation.
Professional guidance can save you from common pitfalls, like signing away rights in a lowball agreement. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we’ve negotiated with countless insurers, recovering millions for clients in complex personal injury cases. Our team understands West Jordan’s local court systems and how to push back against any insurer attempting to discount or deny valid claims.
By staying organized, proactive, and aware of common insurer strategies, you can reduce frustration and safeguard your right to fair compensation after a rideshare accident.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our entire practice revolves around standing up for injured individuals. We recognize that a rideshare accident can derail your routine, both physically and emotionally. Below are key ways we help:
We begin by listening. We’ll discuss how the accident happened, your immediate medical concerns, and any challenges you face regarding insurance or lost wages. Because every situation is distinct, we craft legal strategies aligned with your specific circumstances and needs, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Determining fault requires meticulous research. We gather police reports, review dashcam or surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. In some cases, we consult crash reconstruction professionals to pinpoint how and why the collision occurred. Our attorneys also check whether the rideshare driver was properly “on the clock,” ensuring the right insurance coverage applies.
Many clients worry about pushy insurance adjusters or confusing policy language. We handle all communications with insurance carriers, preventing them from using your words against you. Our team carefully compiles medical records, wage loss evidence, and proof of non-economic losses, like pain and suffering, to present a compelling claim.
Sometimes, the best route to fair compensation is pursuing a lawsuit. Our firm does not hesitate to proceed if insurers refuse a just settlement. We prepare diligently for trial, gathering expert testimony, creating exhibits, and practicing arguments for a judge or jury. West Jordan’s courts can move quickly, but we coordinate every detail to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Because we maintain offices near West Jordan, we understand the area’s roads, local rules, and court systems. This familiarity helps us anticipate how local drivers, police, and judges handle rideshare collisions. We also have a longterm standing in the community. Clients often come to us based on referrals from friends or family members we’ve helped in the past.
Above all, we care about your well-being. Throughout your case, we keep you updated and answer questions in simple, clear language. We know you’re likely dealing with pain, stress, and financial strain. Our job is to shoulder the legal burden, so you can concentrate on recovery. If you need referrals to healthcare providers, physical therapists, or counselors, we can direct you to reputable local resources.
Worried about costs? We handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to pursue legal action without adding more financial risk to an already challenging situation.
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, let our West Jordan rideshare accident lawyers handle the complexities. From collecting evidence to negotiating fiercely or representing you in court, we’re here to help you seek a resolution that truly reflects your losses and hardships.
Not necessarily. While rideshare companies do provide substantial coverage once a driver has accepted a ride request or is carrying passengers, disputes over fault or the driver’s app status can arise. You may need to prove that the company’s policy applies in your case.
Under Utah’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages if your share of fault is below 50%. However, your total award will be reduced by the percentage you are found responsible. Insurers sometimes overstate a victim’s fault to lower payouts, so involving an attorney can help counter that.
Yes. If you drove for a rideshare service and were injured through another motorist’s negligence, or if mechanical failure in your car contributed to the crash, you might be able to seek compensation. You might also use your own rideshare coverage for certain scenarios, but the specifics vary.
Ideally, as soon as possible. Early involvement allows an attorney to preserve evidence, gather witness accounts, and prevent insurance carriers from pressuring you into a subpar settlement. Waiting too long can compromise your claim.
It’s possible, but complex rideshare claims often involve multiple insurers. Without legal expertise, you may accept an offer that doesn’t cover all your costs. Having an attorney protects you from potentially predatory tactics and helps ensure you get a fair deal.
If a rideshare accident in West Jordan has left you struggling with medical expenses, emotional stress, or lost wages, you don’t have to tackle these challenges alone. Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks is here to provide experienced legal guidance, ensuring that neither rideshare companies nor insurance adjusters take advantage of your situation.
Call (801) 500-4000 to arrange a free consultation. We’ll listen carefully to your story, lay out your legal options, and map out a strategy aimed at winning the compensation you need to move forward.
Don’t let uncertainty or insurance hassles keep you from receiving fair treatment. Reach out today, and let us shoulder the legal burdens while you concentrate on healing and rebuilding. We stand ready to advocate for you every step of the way.
Bicycle Accidents
Motorcycle Accidents
Boating Accidents
Recreational Vehicle Accidents
Bus and Mass Transit Accidents
Pedestrian Accidents
Automobile Accidents
ATV or UTV Rollovers
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Semi Truck and Trailer Accidents
UTAH INJURY LAWYERS
Flickinger • Boulton
• Robson • Weeks
PROVO OFFICE
3000 N University Ave
Suite 300
Provo, UT 84604
SOUTH JORDAN OFFICE
10393 S. Temple Dr.
Suite 103
South Jordan, Utah 84095
OFFICE HOURS
Monday- Friday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
*Disclaimer: the information provided by this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for competent legal counsel.
**SMS consent and contact phone numbers will not be shared or sold to third parties or their affiliates for any purpose.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved.