June 20, 2025
Being in a car accident is stressful enough, but an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver is even more stressful. The rules about insurance claims and injury lawsuits after rideshare accidents are much more complicated than those regarding personal vehicle accidents.
Rideshare accidents often result from unique circumstances related to the nature of the service. Drivers frequently navigate unfamiliar areas while managing the app, leading to distracted driving. Driver fatigue from long hours, pressure to complete rides quickly, and inadequate vehicle maintenance also contribute significantly to accidents.
Our dedicated Uber and Lyft accident attorneys have helped numerous rideshare accident victims secure fair compensation. We handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the accident to negotiating with insurance companies — and, if necessary, pursuing a lawsuit — so you can concentrate on your recovery. Call us at 219-525-1000 for a free consultation.
Actions After Uber or Lyft Accident in Indiana
Taking the right actions immediately after a rideshare accident can significantly strengthen your claim. Here's what you need to do to protect your rights and your safety.
Seek Medical Attention
Visit a healthcare provider immediately, even if you feel fine. Many serious injuries, including whiplash and internal trauma, may not show symptoms right away. Keep all medical records and follow your doctor's treatment plan.
Report the Accident Immediately
Contact law enforcement right away to file an official accident report. This creates an official record of the incident that will be crucial for your claim. Additionally, use the rideshare app's emergency button to report the accident, as this initiates the company’s insurance claim process.
Document Everything
If you are able, take photos of damaged vehicles, road conditions, and visible injuries. Gather contact information from other passengers, drivers, and witnesses. While it is fresh in your memory, write down everything you can remember about the exact location, weather conditions, and traffic signals or signs.
Refuse Premature Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often reach out quickly with settlement offers that may seem generous but typically don't cover long-term medical costs and other losses. Don’t provide a recorded statement or accept any offers before consulting with a personal injury attorney.
Understanding Uber and Lyft Accident Liability in Indiana
What happens if your Uber or Lyft is involved in an accident? And what happens if a rideshare driver injured you while you were driving your own vehicle? Unfortunately, there's no simple answer. Liability and compensation depend on several key factors, including the status of the rideshare driver, who was at fault, and the extent of the injuries and losses.
Here's a breakdown of how insurance coverage typically works in Indiana.
If the Uber or Lyft Driver Was Waiting for a Ride Request
If the at-fault driver was simply waiting for a ride request, the rideshare company's liability insurance provides coverage of up to:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injuries
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injuries
- $25,000 for property damage
Both Uber and Lyft have the same amount of coverage for this situation.
If the Rideshare Driver Was En Route or Already Had a Passenger
If the at-fault driver was actively transporting passengers, including you, or was en route to pick someone up, the rideshare companies’ insurance coverage significantly increases to $1,000,000 for bodily injuries. People injured by rideshare drivers can seek compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Lost wages, both past and future
- Physical and emotional distress
Consult with an Indiana rideshare accident attorney to estimate the worth of your claim and to seek compensation for all of your losses.
If Another Driver Caused the Accident
If a third-party driver caused the accident while you were in an Uber or Lyft, you can pursue a claim against that driver's insurance company.
Some drivers carry only the minimum insurance required by Indiana law, which is currently $25,000 per person for bodily injury. This means your recovery could be limited if the other driver's policy is insufficient to cover your damages.
Indiana now also requires drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured coverage of the same amount, although the rideshare companies may or may not maintain this type of coverage, depending on the location.
Rideshare Accidents in Indiana: Passengers vs. Drivers
Both passengers and drivers may have access to compensation after a rideshare accident. However, your options depend on your specific situation. Here’s what to know — and how to protect yourself.
Injured as a Rideshare Passenger
If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident, your legal position is generally stronger than that of the driver. This is because you're covered under multiple insurance policies:
- The rideshare company's policy: Covers up to $1,000,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from accidents.
- The at-fault driver's policy: May apply as well, depending on how the accident happened.
With the large amounts of coverage offered by Uber and Lyft, most injured passengers have strong cases to be made whole for their injuries.
Injured as a Rideshare Driver
If you were the driver of an Uber or Lyft and were involved in an accident, the legal landscape becomes more complex. Your ability to access full benefits may hinge on whether you were responsible for the accident:
- If you were not at fault: You can make a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company up to policy limits.
- If you were at fault: You may have access to compensation from the rideshare company, especially if you paid for Uber’s Optional Injury Protection plan.
Your own insurance policy may also apply. However, if your coverage is insufficient, you could be left with significant out-of-pocket expenses. That’s why it’s important to maintain a robust commercial auto insurance policy while you drive for Uber or Lyft.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
In Indiana, you generally have two years from the date of a rideshare accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations.
However, it's crucial to act sooner rather than later. A delay can harm your case, as evidence may be lost or witnesses' memories may fade. Contact an attorney as soon as possible after your accident to protect your rights and start building your case.
What Compensation Can I Recover in an Indiana Uber Accident Lawsuit?
If you're injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses, including the following:
- Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical bills, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and medication.
- Lost wages: Income lost due to your injuries preventing you from working, including future lost income if your injuries result in long-term disability.
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you experienced as a result of the accident.
- Property damage: The cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle or personal property.
- Rehabilitation costs: Costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative treatments aimed at restoring your function and quality of life.
An experienced personal injury attorney will work with you to add up each of your losses — whether previous or future, and whether tangible or intangible — and fight for every penny through an Uber or Lyft insurance claim.
How Do I Report a Lyft or Uber Driver?
If you have safety concerns about a Lyft or Uber driver, consider reporting them to the company and to law enforcement. Your report could prevent an accident and potentially save someone’s life. Here are a few options.
Use the In-App Reporting Feature
Both Uber and Lyft apps have built-in reporting systems. After your ride, you'll typically find an option to report the driver and provide details about the incident. Be as detailed and specific as possible in your report. Include the date, time, location, and description of the driver's actions.
Contact the Rideshare Company Directly
After submitting your in-app report, consider contacting Uber or Lyft online to follow up. While these companies do not maintain customer service numbers for riders, you can visit their websites to report safety issues.
If you were not a passenger or a rideshare customer when you witnessed the incident, you might have to sign up for an account in order to report it.
Make a Police Report
For a serious incident involving a crime or an injury, you should also contact your local law enforcement office. Consider doing this if the driver was endangering you through reckless driving or was intoxicated, for example. Ask to file a police report, and obtain a copy for your records.
Contact the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)
INDOT maintains a portal for reporting safety concerns on Indiana state roads. Most reports involve road hazards, but the agency might also accept reports about dangerous drivers. You can also contact your local INDOT agency to learn more about road safety.
Stracci Law Group — Your Legal Counsel for Rideshare Accidents
Our experienced rideshare accident attorneys understand how Uber and Lyft respond to injury and accident claims, and we know how to stand up for our clients against these massive companies. We’ll identify all potential sources of compensation and advocate for your rights throughout the insurance claim process.
When you’ve been injured during an Uber or Lyft ride, you shouldn’t have to fight for compensation alone. At Stracci Law Group, our Indiana attorneys will aggressively pursue the full amount you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
