What to Expect During a Free Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more convenient than ever — but when an accident happens, things quickly become complicated. Unlike traditional car crashes, rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, different app phases, and separate rules for passengers, drivers, and other motorists.

If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, understanding Uber accident insurance, Lyft insurance coverage, and which phase the driver was in is critical to determining who pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

This guide breaks down everything clearly within a single, easy-to-copy document.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance: Why It’s Different

If you’re trying to understand how medical bills are handled after a rideshare accident, you may also want to see our full guide here: who pays medical bills after an accident
 : Why It’s Different

Both Uber and Lyft use a three-phase insurance model. Coverage levels change depending on what the driver was doing in the app during the accident. Two similar crashes can result in very different outcomes depending on these phases.

Phase 1: App OFF (Driver Not Working)

If your accident happened in this phase, knowing what NOT to say to insurance can protect your claim: what not to say to insurance after an accident (Driver Not Working)

When the driver is not logged into the Uber/Lyft app:

Insurance Coverage

Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Neither Uber nor Lyft provide coverage during this time.

Applies To:

  • Off-duty rideshare drivers
  • Drivers hit by an off-duty rideshare driver

Phase 2: App ON, Waiting for a Ride Request

This is the least protected phase.

Uber/Lyft Limited Liability Coverage

If the driver is at fault, coverage includes:

  • $50,000 per person (injuries)
  • $100,000 per accident
  • $25,000 property damage

Important Notes

  • Coverage is lower than during an active trip
  • Many personal policies deny coverage if the driver was “working”

Phase 3: En Route to a Passenger or During an Active Trip

This is the strongest coverage period.

Coverage Includes:

  • $1,000,000 liability coverage
  • $1,000,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (varies by state)
  • Contingent collision coverage (if the driver carries their own)
  • Passenger injury coverage
  • Coverage for pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists

Passengers are almost always fully covered under this phase.

Key Differences Between Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies

1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)

  • Uber provides UM/UIM in most states
  • Lyft offers it in fewer states
  • Coverage amounts vary

UM/UIM is essential when an at-fault driver has no insurance.

2. Collision & Comprehensive Coverage

Both platforms offer contingent collision/comprehensive coverage only if the driver already carries their own.

Typical deductibles:

  • Uber: ~$2,500
  • Lyft: ~$2,500

3. State-by-State Variations

If the accident caused you to miss work, learn how to recover lost wages here: how to recover lost wages after a car accident

Insurance requirements vary by state. Some states mandate additional rideshare protections, while others leave coverage optional.

Who Pays Medical Bills After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Payment depends on your role.

Passengers

Usually covered under the $1 million Uber/Lyft insurance policy.

Rideshare Drivers (Not at Fault)

UM/UIM may help when the at-fault driver lacks insurance.

Rideshare Drivers (At Fault)

Drivers may use:

  • Personal health insurance
  • Personal auto policy
  • Contingent collision coverage

Pedestrians or Cyclists

Coverage depends on fault and available UM/UIM.

What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

  • Call 911 immediately
  • Get medical treatment
  • Report the crash through the app
  • Take photos and screenshots
  • Avoid recorded statements
  • Contact a rideshare accident lawyer

Rideshare claims involve multiple adjusters and overlapping coverage. Getting legal help early ensures your rights are protected.

Final Thoughts

Uber and Lyft accidents require a detailed understanding of insurance phases, liability rules, and different levels of coverage. Your compensation depends heavily on these details.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, professional guidance helps ensure nothing is missed in the claims process.👉 Get a Free Case Evaluation: https://help4accidents.com/get-a-free-case-evaluation-page/