For platform-specific information on Uber accidents, visit our Uber accident page. For Lyft-specific claims, visit our Lyft accident page. This page covers rideshare accident claims broadly, including cases involving any app-based transportation service.
Call Cellino Law today for a free rideshare accident consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
What Makes a Rideshare Accident Different?
In a standard car accident, liability flows to the at-fault driver and their personal insurer. In a rideshare accident, the applicable coverage depends on what the driver was doing on the app at the time of the crash:
- App offline — Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company has no liability.
- App on, waiting for a ride request — The rideshare company provides limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage) as secondary insurance, activating only if the driver’s personal policy does not cover the loss.
- En route to pick up or actively transporting a passenger — The rideshare company’s full commercial policy is active, typically providing up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.
Rideshare companies and their insurers have an incentive to dispute driver app status and minimize their coverage obligations. Cellino Law obtains app data, trip records, and electronic evidence immediately upon retaining your case and does not allow the company to misrepresent the driver’s status.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
- The rideshare driver for negligent operation
- The rideshare company’s commercial insurer when the company’s coverage is active
- A third-party driver whose negligence caused or contributed to the crash
- Vehicle manufacturers for mechanical defects that contributed to the accident
Cellino Law identifies every potentially liable party from the outset and pursues compensation from every available source.
Injured by an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver? Contact Cellino Law for a free case evaluation.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident
- Call 911 and ensure an official police report is filed
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Take screenshots of the rideshare app showing your ride status and driver information
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and all injuries
- Collect witness names and contact information
- Do not give recorded statements to any rideshare company representative or insurer before consulting Cellino Law
- Contact Cellino Law before accepting any settlement offer
What Compensation Can Rideshare Accident Victims Recover?
- All medical expenses from emergency treatment through rehabilitation
- Future medical costs for ongoing or permanent injuries
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering and emotional distress where applicable under state law
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
How Rideshare Accident Law Varies by State
Cellino Law serves clients in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and the legal rules governing rideshare accident claims differ across all three states. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific legal information, or contact Cellino Law directly for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims
What if the rideshare company says their driver was offline when my accident happened?
Rideshare companies sometimes dispute driver app status to avoid their commercial coverage obligations. Cellino Law obtains trip records, GPS data, and electronic logging information through discovery to verify the driver’s actual status at the time of the crash. Do not accept the company’s characterization without independent verification through legal counsel.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Rideshare companies classify their drivers as independent contractors specifically to limit direct liability. In most cases, your primary claim will be against the driver and the applicable insurance coverage. Cellino Law evaluates every case for any available theory of direct liability against the platform and pursues every avenue of recovery.
Does Cellino Law charge upfront fees for rideshare accident cases?
No. Cellino Law handles all rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win. Your initial consultation is free.
Contact Cellino Law for Rideshare Accident Representation Today
If you have been injured in a rideshare accident anywhere in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, Cellino Law is ready to help. Call today for a free consultation. Visit our New York page, our New Jersey page, or our Connecticut page for state-specific legal information and office locations near you. For Uber-specific claims, visit our Uber accident page. For Lyft-specific claims, visit our Lyft accident page.
Call Cellino Law today to schedule your free rideshare accident consultation. Trust. Experience. Results.
