The experienced attorneys at Alexander Shunnarah have helped clients across the country recover over $750 million.

You should be informed about the special considerations of a rideshare such as Uber/Lyft accident.

Uber/Lyft


Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular rideshare services available today.  As rideshares have increased over the last few years, so too have rideshare accidents.  These accidents present new legal questions such as identifying who is to blame in such case? The rideshare service? The passenger? The insurance company? The other driver? It is crucial your legal representatives are familiar with these questions and types of cases. The lawyers at Alexander Shunnarah have represented countless injury victims in countless types of autoaccident cases. 

How an Uber/Lyft Accident Differs From Other Auto Accidents

Ridershare accidents differ from typical automobile accidents in several ways.  For instance, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft consider their drivers independent contractors (ie, not full employees), and so are more likely to deny claims. These services also use apps that draw the driver’s attention away from the road.  With such a low bar for entry (little more than a license and autoinsurance is required to become an Uber or Lyft driver), training and experience for ridershare drivers is minimal at best. 

What About Uber or Lyft’s Insurance?

Uber and Lyft do insure their drivers, but only under certain conditions. For example, whether they will insure the driver often depends on if a passenger was in the car at the time of the accident. Another factor both companies will consider is if the driver was on the way to pick up a passenger, with coverage being much lower if the driver and passenger have not been matched. Finally, both companies will only provide coverage if the driver’s private insurance coverage is lower than the company policy.

Compensation from both the personal auto insurance and the rideshare company is much easier when an Uber or Lyft has a passenger in the car during the time of the accident.  Other situations will complicate matters.  Ridershare companies that note their drivers are in-between trips or “off the clock” at the time of an accident are more likely to deny claims.


Breakdown of Uber’s Insurance Policy

  • The Uber app is off: Only the driver’s private insurance will apply to the accident.
  • The app is on and the driver is “available”: A driver’s insurance and Uber’s contingent liability coverage can be accessed, including up to $100,000 for injuries ($50,000 per person) and $25,000 for property damage.
  • The driver is picking up a passenger or dropping them off: Uber’s commercial insurance coverage applies, which includes up to $1 million per accident for property damage and bodily injury, and another $1 million if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Breakdown of Lyft’s Insurance Policy

  • The Lyft app is off:Only the driver’s private insurance will apply to the accident.
  • The Lyft driver is waiting for a match:Only the driver’s private insurance will apply to the accident; if their insurance company refuses to cover it, Lyft’s policy ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 for property damage) will apply.
  • The driver is picking up a rider or dropping them off:Lyft’s $1 million policy will apply to the accident.

Why Alexander Shunnarah Injury Attorney


Alexander Shunnarah Injury Lawyers is known nationwide for providing outstanding legal advice and excellent representation. We have recovered over $750 million in lawsuits involving personal injury, wrongful death, social security disability, and mass torts. Our prowess in the legal arena comes from our combined years of trial and complex litigation experience.

We founded our practice on the belief that the civil jury system is the best means to provide compensation to injured parties and deter wrongdoers from injuring others in the future.

What Damages Can I Claim?

  • Medical Expenses
  • Disability and Disfigurement
  • Mental Anguish
  • Lost Earnings
  • Pain and Suffering