Led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., The Firm is a premier personal injury law practice in Las Vegas, dedicated to delivering justice for accident victims. With a reputation for relentless advocacy and client-focused representation, The Firm ensures injured individuals receive the compensation they deserve.
The streets of Las Vegas are bustling with rideshare activity. From tourists catching a Lyft on the Strip to locals relying on Uber for a safe ride home from dinner, app-based transportation has become a go-to mode of travel in Southern Nevada. But what happens when a routine rideshare turns into a collision? Who is liable if you’re injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft—or hit by one?
Understanding how liability works in a rideshare crash can be complex. Multiple parties may be involved, and the rules differ from a traditional car accident. This article will break down who may be responsible, what types of compensation are available, and how The Firm can help if you’re injured in a Las Vegas Uber or Lyft crash.
The Rise of Rideshare in Las Vegas
With tens of millions of visitors each year, Las Vegas is a hotspot for rideshare services. Uber and Lyft are available 24/7, offering a convenient alternative to taxis, rental cars, or public transportation. But this rapid growth has come with a surge in related accidents—ranging from minor fender-benders to severe collisions involving multiple parties.
Rideshare drivers aren’t professional chauffeurs. They’re everyday people using their own vehicles, and while they undergo basic background checks, they’re not held to the same training standards as commercial drivers. That can spell danger on high-traffic streets like Tropicana Avenue, Flamingo Road, or Las Vegas Boulevard.
Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Las Vegas
Some of the most common causes of rideshare-related collisions in the Las Vegas area include:
- Distracted driving (using the app, navigation, texting)
- Speeding to meet ride quotas or reach bonuses
- Fatigue from long hours behind the wheel
- Unsafe pickups or drop-offs in traffic
- Failure to yield, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones
- Driving under the influence (in rare but serious cases)
Who Can Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in an Uber or Lyft crash isn’t always clear-cut. Several parties could bear responsibility depending on how the accident occurred and who was involved:
1. The Rideshare Driver
If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident due to negligence—such as speeding, texting, or failing to yield—they can be held liable. However, their personal auto insurance often won’t apply during rideshare activities, which brings the company’s insurance into play.
2. The Rideshare Company
Uber and Lyft carry $1 million in third-party liability coverage that can apply in certain situations, including when a passenger is injured during a ride. The company’s insurance can cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
This coverage only applies when the driver is actively logged into the app and:
- Accepting a ride
- En route to a passenger
- Transporting a passenger
If the driver is logged out or waiting for a ride request, coverage is limited—or falls back to their personal policy.
3. Another Driver
If another vehicle caused the crash (e.g., by running a red light or rear-ending the rideshare vehicle), that driver’s insurance may be responsible for damages. This is common in multi-vehicle collisions involving Uber or Lyft.
4. Vehicle Manufacturers or Other Third Parties
In rare cases, accidents may result from defective auto parts (e.g., faulty brakes) or poorly maintained roads. In those scenarios, liability may extend to vehicle manufacturers, maintenance shops, or even government entities.
Rideshare Passenger Injuries: Your Rights
If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and injured in a crash, you have a right to seek compensation—regardless of who was at fault. Because you’re a third party, you can file a claim against:
- The rideshare company’s insurance policy
- The at-fault driver’s insurance
- Both, in some cases (especially for severe injuries)
Uber and Lyft’s insurance policies typically provide:
- $1 million in liability coverage during rides
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, in case the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance
However, even with coverage in place, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is crucial to ensure you receive full compensation.
What If You Were Hit by an Uber or Lyft as a Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Driver?
Not all rideshare-related injuries happen to passengers. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists frequently get caught in the crosshairs of a rideshare crash. In these cases, you may be able to file a claim against:
- The rideshare driver personally (if they were off-duty)
- The company’s insurance (if the driver was logged into the app)
- A third-party driver involved in the crash
The tricky part is determining whether the rideshare driver was actively using the app at the time of the accident. This status determines whether Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy applies—or if only the driver’s limited personal insurance is available.
Example Scenario: Lyft Crash on the Strip
Imagine you’re visiting Las Vegas and use Lyft to get from the Bellagio to Allegiant Stadium. During the ride, another vehicle runs a red light and slams into the Lyft car. You suffer a fractured arm and a concussion.
Here’s how liability might play out:
- At-fault driver’s insurance may be responsible for the crash.
- Lyft’s $1 million coverage may cover your medical costs and lost income if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
- If the Lyft driver contributed to the crash by speeding, shared liability could lead to claims against both insurance policies.
Because of Nevada’s comparative negligence laws, multiple parties can share liability. The Firm can help determine the best course of action based on your specific situation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of Uber and Lyft crashes may be eligible for damages such as:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Rehabilitation or therapy costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death (in fatal crash cases)
Challenges with Rideshare Injury Claims
These cases can become complicated quickly due to:
- Insurance loopholes between personal and company coverage
- Disputes over app usage (Was the driver logged in?)
- Lowball settlement offers from insurers
- Lack of clear crash documentation
Having a skilled personal injury attorney with experience handling rideshare cases is essential. The Firm has handled numerous Uber and Lyft injury claims in the Las Vegas area and knows how to fight for your rights against corporate insurers and legal teams.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Las Vegas
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—take these steps to protect your case:
- Call 911 immediately and report the crash.
- Document the scene: take photos, gather witness information, and screenshot the app ride details.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay at first.
- Report the incident to the rideshare company through the app.
- Do NOT speak with insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact The Firm for a free consultation.
The Firm Fights for Rideshare Injury Victims
At The Firm, led by Preston Rezaee, Esq., we know the rideshare liability landscape inside and out. We’ve represented countless clients injured in Uber and Lyft accidents across Las Vegas, and we’re ready to fight for your full compensation.
Whether you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver affected by a rideshare collision, our legal team is here to stand by your side and deliver justice.
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