After an Uber or Lyft accident caused by a rideshare driver in Indiana, you can file a lawsuit against the driver and seek compensation through their insurance coverage, which typically includes substantial policies provided by the rideshare companies themselves.
The increasing popularity of rideshare services throughout Indiana has made car accident claims even more complex. As such, it is crucial to understand your legal options after a collision.
Due to the challenges of filing insurance claims or legal action involving large corporations such as Uber and Lyft, it is essential to work with an experienced Indiana rideshare accident attorney who can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
- 1 Am I Suing Uber or Lyft Directly?
- 2 What Sort of Insurance Do Uber and Lyft Provide to Their Drivers?
- 3 What If My Uber/Lyft Is Hit by Another Driver?
- 4 What Types of Damages Could Be Recovered in an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
- 5 How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
- 6 Contact an Indiana Uber Accident Lawyer
Am I Suing Uber or Lyft Directly?
While you might assume you can sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident, the reality is more complex. These rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification means that in most cases, you cannot file a lawsuit directly against Uber or Lyft for their drivers’ actions.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re left without options. Instead of suing the rideshare company, you can pursue compensation through:
- The Driver’s Personal Insurance Policy – All rideshare drivers must maintain their own auto insurance that meets Indiana’s minimum requirements.
- The Rideshare Company’s Insurance Coverage – Both Uber and Lyft provide substantial insurance policies for their drivers during active trips.
While the complexity can be confusing for those who have suffered an injury in a rideshare accident, this structure actually works in your favor. This is because the insurance coverage provided by rideshare companies often far exceeds typical personal auto insurance limits. An experienced Indiana car accident attorney can help determine which insurance policies apply to your situation and how to maximize your potential compensation.
What Sort of Insurance Do Uber and Lyft Provide to Their Drivers?
Both Uber and Lyft maintain comprehensive insurance policies that protect passengers, drivers, and others involved in accidents. The coverage amount depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident, which may be as follows:
- When the App is Off – The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- When the App is On but No Ride Is Accepted – Coverage includes $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- During an Active Trip – Both companies provide $1 million in liability coverage for accidents that occur while transporting passengers.
Understanding these coverage levels is essential because they directly affect your potential compensation after an accident. A knowledgeable Indiana car accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident to identify all available insurance coverage.
What If My Uber/Lyft Is Hit by Another Driver?
If another driver causes your rideshare accident, you have several options for pursuing compensation:
- Filing a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy
- Accessing the rideshare company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the driver who’s at fault lacks sufficient insurance
- Pursuing compensation through your own auto insurance policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
For example, if you’re a passenger in an Uber and another driver runs a red light and hits your vehicle, you can file a claim against that driver’s insurance. If their coverage proves inadequate, Uber’s $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist policy can help cover your remaining expenses.
An Indiana attorney with experience handling rideshare accidents can examine all potential sources of compensation to ensure you receive full and fair payment for your injuries.
What Types of Damages Could Be Recovered in an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawsuit?
When you suffer injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be owed various forms of compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you might be eligible to pursue payment for:
- Medical Expenses – Including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical needs
- Lost Wages – Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and Suffering – Physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Transportation costs, medical equipment, and other accident-related expenses
- Property Damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other damaged personal property
Each case is unique, and your ultimate compensation package will depend on factors such as the severity of your injuries, long-term effects on your life, and available insurance coverage. Your case can also be strengthened if your legal team works closely with medical experts and financial professionals to calculate the full value of your claim.
Under Indiana’s statute of limitations, you must file your rideshare accident lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. This time limit applies to most personal injury cases in our state. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts.
While two years might seem like plenty of time, building a strong case takes considerable preparation. Your legal team needs time to:
- Gather evidence from the accident scene
- Obtain medical records and expert opinions
- Interview witnesses
- Review insurance policies
- Calculate your current and future expenses
Because so much is involved in filing a claim, you should contact an attorney experienced in car accidents as soon as possible after your rideshare crash injury.
Contact an Indiana Uber Accident Lawyer
If you’re asking, “Who do you sue after an Uber or Lyft accident?” following a rideshare accident, we at Truitt Law Offices have the answers you need. Our lawyers have spent over 40 years helping injured people throughout Indiana receive fair compensation for their injuries due to someone else’s negligence. We’re ready to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Our attorneys understand the complex insurance issues involved in Uber and Lyft accidents. We work tirelessly to build strong cases for our clients while providing the personal attention and communication you deserve during this challenging time. Our law practice serves clients from our offices in Fort Wayne, Huntington, and Indianapolis. There are no upfront costs; we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
After sustaining injuries in a rideshare accident, time is of the essence. Let our experience and dedication work for you. Call Truitt Law Offices today or contact us via our online form for a free consultation.
