Getting around Phoenix is easier than ever with rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft. Whether you’re catching a ride to Sky Harbor Airport, Downtown Phoenix, or a night out in Tempe, most people never think twice about what could happen if there’s an accident.
But when a rideshare crash happens, things can quickly get complicated. Unlike a regular car accident, Uber and Lyft accidents in Phoenix involve multiple insurance policies and knowing which one applies can make or break your claim.
Why Uber and Lyft Accidents Are More Complicated
Traditional car accident claims usually involve just two parties: you and the other driver. Rideshare cases add another layer — the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
Both Uber and Lyft provide coverage for their drivers, but the amount of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- App Off:
- If the driver’s app is off, they’re considered off-duty.
- Their personal auto insurance applies not Uber or Lyft’s.
- App On, Waiting for a Ride Request:
- Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage: typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries, plus $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver En Route or Passenger in Car:
- Once a driver accepts a ride or has a passenger, $1 million in liability coverage kicks in.
- This coverage also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist protection in many cases.
However, even with these policies in place, getting compensation isn’t always straightforward. Rideshare companies have strong legal teams and insurers that often try to minimize payouts or deny claims.
Who Pays After Uber and Lyft Accidents in Phoenix?
Determining who’s financially responsible depends on what phase the driver was in and who caused the crash.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- If your Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash:
You may be covered under the rideshare company’s insurance if the driver was active on the app. - If another driver caused the crash:
The at-fault driver’s insurance should pay for your injuries, but if they’re uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s backup coverage may apply. - If you were driving your own car and were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver:
You could file a claim against the driver’s personal policy or Uber/Lyft’s, depending on the driver’s status at the time.
This is where things get complex and why working with an experienced Phoenix personal injury lawyer is critical to protecting your rights.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Just like other auto crashes, Uber and Lyft accidents in Phoenix can cause serious injuries, including:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries
Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s essential to see a doctor immediately. Some injuries (like concussions or soft-tissue damage) can take days to show symptoms.
For more details on this, check out our article on Hidden Car Accident Injuries That Show Up Days Later.
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft crash in Phoenix, here’s what you should do right away:
- Call 911. Report the accident and get a police report — this is crucial evidence later.
- Get medical care. Even minor pain can be a sign of something serious.
- Document everything. Take photos, get witness info, and save screenshots of your ride details.
- Avoid talking to insurance adjusters alone. Their goal is to minimize your payout.
- Contact a personal injury attorney. A lawyer can handle the claims process and make sure you’re fairly compensated.
Arizona Laws and Rideshare Liability
Arizona law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance coverage levels and conduct background checks on drivers. However, these laws don’t guarantee fair treatment for victims.
Insurance companies often dispute whether the driver was “active” on the app because that determines whether Uber or Lyft’s policy applies.
That’s why it’s so important to gather evidence early and get legal help. Your attorney can subpoena app records, trip logs, and other data to prove the driver was on duty.
You can read more about Arizona’s rideshare insurance laws on the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions website.
When to Contact a Phoenix Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in Uber and Lyft accidents in Phoenix, whether as a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, don’t try to navigate these complex insurance claims alone.
At Catastrophic Injury Attorneys, our team understands how rideshare insurance works and how to fight back against lowball settlement offers. We’ll investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get a Free Consultation Today
Rideshare companies have billion-dollar insurance policies and corporate lawyers protecting their interests. You deserve someone protecting yours.
If you or someone you love has been injured in Uber and Lyft accidents in Phoenix, call Catastrophic Injury Attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Let us help you get clarity and get compensated.
