PHOENIX RIDESHARE ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

The moments after an accident are overwhelming, but what you do next can make a huge difference in your case.

• Call 911 and make sure emergency responders arrive at the scene. A police report is vital for documenting what happened.
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Many injuries show delayed symptoms.
• Take photos and gather evidence, including driver and vehicle details, screenshots from your Uber or Lyft app, and the contact information of any witnesses.
• Report the crash through the rideshare app, but avoid giving detailed statements before speaking to a lawyer.
• Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights. Rideshare companies and insurers often move quickly to limit their liability.

Liability in Uber and Lyft accidents depends largely on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:

• Driver not logged into the app: The driver’s personal auto insurance usually applies.
• Driver logged in but waiting for a ride: Both the driver’s insurance and Uber/Lyft’s limited liability coverage may come into play.
• Driver en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

In some cases, liability may extend to the rideshare company itself if it failed to screen drivers properly or ignored safety issues.

Uber and Lyft frequently argue that their drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction is used to shield the companies from direct liability. However, experienced attorneys know how to challenge these defenses. Courts are increasingly recognizing that when drivers are actively logged into the app, the companies benefit financially, meaning they can’t fully avoid responsibility.

Just like other motor vehicle crashes, rideshare accidents often involve:

• Distracted driving (navigating apps, texting, or managing ride requests)
• Fatigue from long hours behind the wheel
• Speeding to complete rides quickly
• Unsafe pickup or drop-off locations
• Impaired driving
• Failure to yield in Phoenix’s congested intersections

Because many rides happen late at night, alcohol-related crashes are also a concern in popular nightlife areas like Downtown Phoenix or Old Town Scottsdale.

Rideshare passengers and others involved in these accidents often suffer:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal organ injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

These injuries can result in significant medical expenses and time away from work, making compensation essential for recovery.

Uber and Lyft advertise their $1 million insurance policies, but these policies only apply under specific conditions. If the driver wasn’t on duty, their personal insurance applies. If the driver was logged in but between rides, lower coverage may apply. This gray area creates room for insurers to deny or delay claims. An attorney can determine which policy applies and fight for the full amount you’re owed.

Unlike a standard car accident, rideshare cases involve multiple layers of liability and insurance coverage. Victims may need to file claims against both the driver’s insurance and Uber or Lyft’s policies. The companies will also attempt to minimize their involvement, citing the independent contractor defense. This makes it especially important to have a lawyer who understands the unique challenges of rideshare litigation.

Tragically, some rideshare accidents in Arizona result in fatalities. Families may be able to file wrongful death claims against drivers, rideshare companies, or other negligent parties. Compensation in these cases can help cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the immense emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Morgan & Morgan is America’s largest injury law firm, with more than 1,000 attorneys nationwide and a track record of over $30 billion recovered for clients. We understand the complexities of rideshare cases and know how to push back against powerful companies like Uber and Lyft. Best of all, our Fee Is Free™ promise means you pay nothing unless we win.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Our Phoenix rideshare accident attorneys can investigate the case, determine liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.