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Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we move around. With just a few taps, a car can be at your door, ready to take you across town. But what happens if you’re in a crash with a rideshare driver — and they’re off-duty?
The legal landscape here can be murky, and understanding your rights is key. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we believe information is power. Let’s break down the implications, your options, and the steps you should take after a crash involving an off-duty rideshare driver.
Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors. Their status — whether they are “on-duty” or “off-duty” — has major consequences for insurance coverage and liability:
On-Duty: When logged into the app and accepting ride requests, the rideshare company’s insurance may apply.
Off-Duty: When the app is off, the driver is considered a regular motorist. Their personal auto insurance applies, not the rideshare company’s policy.
This distinction is critical when determining who pays after an accident.
Check for injuries. Call 911 if needed. If it’s safe, move vehicles out of the way of traffic to prevent additional hazards.
Collect key details:
Driver’s name and contact information
Insurance and registration details
Photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and surroundings
Witness contact information
Always get official documentation. A police report can serve as critical evidence later.
Even if you weren’t at fault, report the accident to your insurance carrier promptly.
Some injuries take hours or days to surface. Get evaluated immediately, and keep all records of your treatment.
Crashes involving rideshare drivers — even off-duty — often involve complicated legal questions. An attorney can help you navigate liability and ensure you’re treated fairly by insurance companies.
When off-duty, the driver’s personal auto insurance typically handles the claim. But some policies limit coverage, especially if the driver was engaging in rideshare work outside authorized app activity.
In rare cases, the rideshare company could share some liability. If, for instance, the company failed to vet the driver properly or ignored prior safety violations, they could be pulled into a broader claim.
If another vehicle or outside factor contributed to the crash, those parties could also be liable. Your attorney will investigate all angles.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be eligible to recover:
Medical Expenses: Emergency care, rehabilitation, surgeries, and ongoing medical needs.
Lost Wages: Income lost during recovery and, in severe cases, diminished future earnings.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage: Costs for vehicle repair or replacement, plus any personal property damaged in the crash.
Insurance adjusters have one goal: settle quickly, and for as little as possible. Protect yourself:
Save medical records, repair invoices, and any communications you have with insurance representatives.
Insurance adjusters are trained to get you talking — and sometimes to get you slipping up. Don’t admit fault, speculate, or minimize your injuries. Let your attorney do the heavy lifting when possible.
Personal insurance policies vary. Understanding the limits of the driver’s coverage can help you set realistic expectations about available compensation — or identify when it’s necessary to pursue additional avenues for recovery.
Accidents involving rideshare drivers are rarely simple. They touch on personal insurance, rideshare company liability, and complex negligence laws. A skilled personal injury attorney can:
Investigate the driver’s rideshare history
Analyze insurance coverages
Negotiate with insurers aggressively
Fight for maximum compensation through settlement or trial
In short: you don’t have to handle this alone — and frankly, you shouldn’t.
A crash with an off-duty rideshare driver is more than a simple fender bender — it’s a legally complex situation that could have long-term consequences for your health, finances, and future. Knowing your rights, documenting the right details, and securing the right legal help can make all the difference.
If you find yourself in this situation, don’t try to untangle it solo. Get the guidance you need, the representation you deserve, and the results that rebuild your life.
If you’ve been involved in a crash with an off-duty rideshare driver, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to help. Our experienced Connecticut personal injury attorneys will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call us now at (475) 529-2634 for a free consultation. You focus on healing — we’ll focus on justice.
