Rideshare apps have changed how we get around. They’re fast. They’re easy. And sometimes, they go wrong.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, the steps you take next matter — a lot. Your health. Your case. Your financial future. All of it hinges on what you do after the crash.
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle, this guide will walk you through what to do next. If you need immediate legal help, contact The Roth Firm — a team of experienced rideshare accident attorneys who know how to fight back when big companies don’t want to pay up.
What Causes Most Rideshare Accidents?
Uber and Lyft drivers don’t go through any special driving certification. They’re everyday people using personal vehicles, often navigating unfamiliar areas or working long hours. Here are the top causes we see in rideshare crashes:
1. Driver distraction
Uber and Lyft drivers rely heavily on their phones for navigation and trip alerts. That means their eyes are frequently off the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused over 3,500 deaths in 2021.
2. Fatigue
Many drivers operate during late-night hours or after working another job. Drowsy driving impairs reaction time just like alcohol. It’s a major factor in many rideshare accidents.
3. Speeding
To squeeze in more trips and boost earnings, some drivers speed or take risky maneuvers. This is especially common when trying to meet Uber’s algorithmic demands or incentive bonuses.
4. Inexperience
Some rideshare drivers are unfamiliar with local traffic patterns or how to handle dense urban environments. This leads to sudden stops, illegal turns, and poor judgment — all of which can cause collisions.
5. Vehicle maintenance
Uber and Lyft vehicles aren’t regularly inspected by the companies. If a driver’s brakes, tires, or lights fail due to lack of maintenance, it can create dangerous conditions on the road.
How Fault is Determined After a Rideshare Accident
Figuring out who is legally responsible isn’t as simple as pointing fingers. Liability in an Uber or Lyft crash depends on when the accident happened and who was involved.
The Three Driving Phases
Rideshare companies divide a driver’s activity into three timeframes, and insurance coverage varies based on which phase the driver is in.
- App off: The driver is not working. Their personal auto insurance applies.
- App on, no passenger yet: The driver is active but hasn’t picked up a rider. Uber or Lyft provides limited liability coverage.
- Trip in progress: The passenger is in the vehicle. The company provides up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Other Responsible Parties
In some cases, fault doesn’t rest entirely with the rideshare driver. A third-party driver, a pedestrian, or a commercial vehicle could share blame. An investigation will look at:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Traffic and dash cam footage
- Phone records
- Rideshare app data
- Vehicle inspections
This is where having the best lawyer to sue Uber makes a difference. At The Roth Firm, we bring in crash reconstruction experts and dig into company records to prove who’s at fault — and who should pay.
How Damages are Calculated in Uber and Lyft Accidents
The cost of a rideshare accident can go far beyond the ER visit. You might be dealing with long-term pain, missed work, and emotional trauma. A fair Uber injury claim should include all of your losses — past, present, and future.
Common Damages Include:
- Medical bills: Hospital stays, ambulance rides, surgeries, rehab, medication, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: Time off work or loss of earning capacity due to injury.
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and lifestyle changes.
- Property damage: Vehicle repairs or replacement (if you were a driver hit by a rideshare).
- Wrongful death: Funeral costs and loss of companionship if a loved one was killed in the accident.
Unlike insurance adjusters, we don’t lowball. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers fight to recover the full amount you’re legally owed.
What To Do Immediately After a Rideshare Crash
What you do in the first hours and days after the crash can make or break your case. Here’s a straightforward plan:
1. Get Medical Help
Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries (like whiplash or brain trauma) aren’t obvious right away. Medical records are also key evidence in your case.
2. Call the Police
File a report. A police record helps establish the facts, especially if there’s a dispute later.
3. Take Photos and Video
Capture damage, road conditions, injuries, license plates, and anything else relevant. This helps your Lyft accident lawyer build a strong case.
4. Get Contact Info
Collect names, phone numbers, insurance details, and driver IDs from everyone involved, including passengers and witnesses.
5. Report the Crash to the Rideshare Company
Use the app to report the incident. Be brief and factual — don’t admit fault or speculate.
6. Speak to a Rideshare Accident Attorney
Insurance companies — even those backed by billion-dollar platforms — want to settle fast and cheap. A rideshare lawyer knows how to push back and demand more.
Why You Need a Lawyer After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Rideshare companies aren’t on your side. Their insurance adjusters may sound polite, but their goal is simple: pay you less.
Here’s how a rideshare accident attorney at The Roth Firm helps you:
- Investigate the crash thoroughly using experts and data
- Handle all communication with Uber, Lyft, and insurers
- File your Uber injury claim correctly and on time
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Sue Uber or Lyft if needed and take the case to court
We’ve handled hundreds of rideshare cases. We know what the companies are trying to hide — and we know how to win.
Get Help From the Roth Firm Today
If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Insurance adjusters move quickly. And your time to file a claim is limited.
The Roth Firm has years of experience handling serious injury cases involving Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies. Whether you’re looking for the best lawyer to sue Uber or need help filing an Uber injury claim, we’re ready to help.
Call The Roth Firm now or request a free consultation through our website. You don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Final Thoughts
A rideshare accident turns your day — and your life — upside down. But you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. With the right legal help, you can protect your rights, hold the right people accountable, and get the compensation you’re owed.
You focus on healing. Let us handle the rest.
Contact The Roth Firm today. Let’s get you answers — and results.