The Las Vegas Raiders are playing what’s expected to be the biggest game of the season, and you’re lucky enough to have tickets. But traffic and parking are going to be a nightmare. And maybe you want the freedom to drink without worrying about the drive home. So you call a rideshare.
You’re looking forward to the hassle-free transport, but it all goes sideways when you get in a rideshare accident. Your first instinct may be to panic, but it’s important to keep a level head. As any accident lawyer specializing in sporting event audience rideshare accidents will tell you, your first steps matter, both for your health and for any potential legal claims.
This guide walks you through the key actions to take if your rideshare trip to a sporting event ends in accident injuries.
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Ensure Immediate Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your first priority should always be your safety. After the accident occurs, check yourself and those around you for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is seriously injured. Emergency responders will not only provide medical care on-site but also document the scene, which is critical for later insurance and legal claims.
If your injuries seem too minor for emergency care, you should still follow up with a doctor’s appointment. Injuries like whiplash and concussions often go undetected, but a doctor can diagnose them early and help you take steps so you don’t worsen your injuries.
If you decide to take legal action, this early appointment also establishes a clear record of the injuries resulting from the accident. This can keep insurance companies from trying to tie your injuries to previous accidents. For example, maybe you injured your back and neck at work several years ago. While you know that your whiplash is a result of your Uber accident, Uber’s insurance company may try to prove your pain is simply a residual symptom of your past work injury.
Document the Accident
Get all the information you can from the accident scene. It’s always important to document the accident, but especially in a rideshare accident where multiple parties may share liability, including the driver, the rideshare company, and other involved drivers.
Take clear photographs of the vehicles, including any damages. Photograph the surrounding area, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions. Record the time, location, and weather conditions. If possible, gather the names and contact information of witnesses. This documentation will support your account and help establish fault later. If your injuries are visible, photograph those, too.
In a rideshare accident, you should also capture the driver’s name, license plate number, and the rideshare company’s vehicle and driver identification information. Many apps, like Uber or Lyft, have built-in reporting features for accidents, but keeping a separate record ensures you have personal documentation in case of discrepancies later.
Notify the Rideshare Company and Your Insurance
Whether through the app or a phone call, make sure to report your accident officially to the rideshare company. Early reporting begins the official claims process and ensures that your account of events is recorded accurately.
Simultaneously, notify your own insurance company. Your auto insurance may provide supplemental coverage even if you weren’t driving the vehicle, depending on your policy. Keeping both your rideshare company and your insurer informed helps prevent delays and ensures that no party disputes your claim due to late reporting.
Avoid speculation when speaking with insurance representatives. Simply provide the facts about the accident and your injuries. Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with anyone not directly involved, as these statements could be used against you in the claims process.
Keep Track of Your Medical Documents and Expenses
After a rideshare accident, follow all treatment plans and attend every appointment. Keep copies of bills for your care, medication, and any adaptive equipment you may need as a result of your injuries.
Keep a journal of your symptoms and progress. Describe pain levels, mobility issues, and how the injury affects your daily activities. If your injuries prevent you from attending work, document the lost time and impact on your quality of life. This information can be used to calculate damages if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Understand Rideshare Insurance Policies
The first layer of the investigation will be determining whether your Uber driver or the other driver was at fault in the crash. Sometimes, both drivers share fault, which can make claims more complex. Police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstructions often play a role in determining liability.
If the Uber driver was at fault, claims can get more complicated because of the structure of Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage. These companies provide liability insurance for their drivers, but the level of coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one. This tiered insurance structure means that figuring out who pays after an accident isn’t always straightforward.
Here’s a closer look at how rideshare insurance coverage works:
- When the driver is not logged into the rideshare app
If the rideshare driver is off-duty and is not logged into their rideshare app, then the rideshare company provides no coverage at all. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance is the only policy that applies, just like with any other driver on the road. - When the driver is logged in to the app but hasn’t yet accepted a ride
Once the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a passenger request, Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This typically includes up to $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. However, the driver’s personal insurance may still come into play, depending on the circumstances and local laws. - When the driver has accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger
This is when Uber and Lyft’s full commercial insurance coverage applies. Both companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This means if you’re a passenger and another driver without insurance causes the crash, you’re still covered under Uber or Lyft’s policy.
These layers of coverage mean the question of “who pays” often depends not just on who was at fault, but also on what stage of the ride the driver was in when the accident occurred. Because rideshare insurance rules can be complicated and sometimes overlap with the driver’s personal insurance, injury claims often involve negotiations between multiple insurance carriers.
Understand Your Legal Rights and Consult an Attorney
Because of the complexity of rideshare accidents, it’s always wise to consult a “car accident injury attorney near me,” particularly one with rideshare accident experience.
An attorney can help you:
- Assess fault and liability among multiple parties
- Navigate rideshare insurance policies and coverage limits
- Communicate with insurance adjusters to protect your interests
- Calculate and pursue fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Help you know whether to accept a settlement, negotiate for a larger settlement, or go to trial
- Argue your case in court if you decide to go to trial
Nobody wants a wild ride on the way to a Las Vegas sporting event, but they happen—particularly in areas with high traffic due to game day. You can’t undo the past, but you can take the right steps to ensure a better future for your physical, emotional, and financial well-being.