Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way we travel—but when accidents happen, liability isn’t always clear. At Maier Gutierrez & Associates, we help injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians understand their legal rights after a rideshare accident. Our experienced rideshare accident lawyers are familiar with the complexities of these claims and will work to secure the compensation you deserve. Whether your crash involved an active ride or a negligent third party, we can help. Call 775-406-8981 for a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer who will put your case on the right track.
Who Pays for Injuries in a Rideshare Accident?
Getting into a car accident is never easy, but when it involves a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft, the situation becomes even more complicated. If you were injured as a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian, one of the first questions you may have is who will pay for your injuries. Unlike traditional car crashes, rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies and shifting responsibilities, depending on when and how the accident occurred.
Understanding how compensation works in a rideshare crash can help protect your rights and ensure you pursue the right party for recovery. Nevada has its own set of laws that govern these services, and knowing how they apply can make a big difference in how your claim is handled.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are Different
Uber and Lyft drivers use their personal vehicles to transport passengers, but they’re operating under a business model. These drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. That means the companies can limit liability while still providing insurance coverage during certain periods of a trip.
In a standard car crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance usually covers injuries and damages. In a rideshare accident, determining which policy applies—and how much coverage is available—depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage Is Based on Driver Activity
Nevada requires rideshare companies to carry commercial liability insurance, but the level of coverage varies based on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. There are three main stages that determine coverage:
Driver is offline or not using the app
If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and is not accepting ride requests, their personal auto insurance policy applies. Uber or Lyft’s commercial coverage is not active during this time.
Driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request
Once the driver logs into the app and is available to accept passengers, both companies provide limited liability coverage. In Nevada, this coverage typically includes:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
This coverage applies if the driver causes an accident while they are waiting for a ride request.
Driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle
As soon as the driver accepts a ride request, the higher-tier insurance coverage kicks in. This is the most comprehensive level of protection and includes:
- $1 million in liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage (if the driver has personal coverage for these)
This level of coverage applies from the time the ride is accepted until the passenger exits the vehicle. If you were injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or hit by a driver during this period, the $1 million policy may cover your damages.
Who Pays Depends on Who Was at Fault
In any car accident, including those involving rideshare vehicles, the party who is at fault is usually the one whose insurance is responsible for covering damages. In Nevada, a fault-based state, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- If the rideshare driver is at fault, the applicable rideshare policy (depending on the driver’s activity at the time) will cover your injuries.
- If another driver is at fault, their personal auto insurance should cover your injuries.
- If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, Uber and Lyft provide underinsured motorist coverage while the passenger is in the vehicle.
- If the driver is uninsured, rideshare policies may still cover damages under uninsured motorist benefits.
As a passenger, you are rarely found liable. However, if you were another driver or a pedestrian, your share of fault—if any—can affect how much compensation you receive.
Filing a Claim Can Be Complex
Rideshare companies do not make the claims process simple. While they advertise high insurance limits, actually receiving compensation may involve multiple steps and layers of negotiation.
For example:
- The rideshare company may argue the driver was not logged into the app and deny liability.
- The driver’s personal insurer may refuse to pay if they learn the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes, which may violate the policy.
- If multiple people are injured in the same crash, the available insurance limits may be split among several claims.
Additionally, insurance adjusters working for the rideshare company or another party may try to minimize your injuries or shift blame to avoid paying the full amount.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation for a Range of Losses
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, the law allows you to seek compensation for more than just immediate medical bills. A personal injury claim may include:
- Emergency room treatment and follow-up care
- Surgery, rehabilitation, or physical therapy
- Lost wages or reduced earning ability
- Pain and emotional suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Property damage, if applicable
The total value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your day-to-day life, and how much insurance coverage is available.
Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Rule May Apply
Nevada follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you may not be able to recover damages.
This can be especially relevant in accidents involving multiple vehicles or disputed accounts of what happened. That’s why documenting the scene, gathering witness statements, and seeking legal guidance early is important.
Why Legal Help Matters
Rideshare accident cases involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate protections, and liability questions that aren’t part of standard car accident claims. Knowing who is responsible and holding them accountable often requires investigation and negotiation.
A personal injury attorney with experience in rideshare accident cases can:
- Identify the correct insurance policies
- Communicate with adjusters on your behalf
- Gather evidence such as app data or dashcam footage
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your rights
Working with a legal professional helps level the playing field when you’re up against a large company with its own legal team.
Being involved in a rideshare accident can leave you with serious injuries and many unanswered questions. In Nevada, who pays for those injuries depends on the details of the crash and what stage of activity the rideshare driver was in. Insurance coverage can vary, but there are protections in place for passengers and others harmed in these situations.
Your Local Rideshare Accident Attorney in Nevada
Injured in an Uber or Lyft crash? A knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney from Maier Gutierrez & Associates can help you determine liability and pursue compensation from all responsible parties. These cases often involve complex insurance questions, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’ll advocate for your recovery and protect your legal rights every step of the way. Rely on our firm’s experience to guide you through the claims process with confidence. Call 775-406-8981 now for your free consultation with a rideshare accident attorney who’s ready to fight for you.