I Was in an Uber/Lyft Accident, Now What?

• Check for injuries: Immediately assess if anyone in the vehicle (yourself, the driver, or other passengers) is hurt.
• Call 911: If there are any injuries, contact emergency services right away to ensure everyone gets the necessary medical attention.
• Seek medical evaluation: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it's a good idea to see a doctor as some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.

Document the Scene

• Take photos and videos: Capture the accident scene, including damage to vehicles, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
• Collect contact information: Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance details of everyone involved, including the Uber or Lyft driver and any other drivers or witnesses.
• Get the Uber/Lyft driver’s information: This includes their name, license plate number, and driver ID. You should also note the make and model of their car.

Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft have procedures for reporting accidents that involve their drivers. You can report the accident directly through their apps or contact their support teams. This step ensures that the company is aware of the accident and can begin the claims process

File a Police Report

In many places, you are legally required to file a police report for an accident involving injuries or significant property damage. When the police arrive, give them an accurate account of what happened, but avoid speculating or assuming fault.

Gather Documentation

Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, doctor’s notes, and receipts for any expenses incurred due to the accident.

Request a copy of the police report: This can be helpful in pursuing your claim with insurance companies.

Understand Insurance Coverage

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover passengers during accidents, but the coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

• While the driver is on the way to pick up a passenger or transporting a passenger: Uber and Lyft typically provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
• If the driver is active but not transporting a passenger: Limited coverage may be available through the driver’s insurance or the company’s contingent liability policy.
• If the driver’s app was off: The driver’s personal insurance would be responsible for coverage, as Uber and Lyft’s insurance only applies when the driver is logged into the app.