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The arrival of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has revolutionized the way we think about transportation. Quick, convenient, and everywhere — rideshares make travel easy. But when accidents happen, especially when you’re exiting a vehicle, the question of who is liable can get complicated fast.
If you or a loved one has been injured while stepping out of a rideshare vehicle, understanding liability is critical.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we’re here to help you understand the rules, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Let’s break it down.
When you’re injured exiting a rideshare vehicle, multiple parties could potentially be responsible.
Rideshare services operate under unique legal frameworks, and liability depends on the actions of:
The rideshare driver
The rideshare company (like Uber or Lyft)
A third party (another driver, a pedestrian, or unsafe property conditions)
Here’s how each party’s potential liability plays out:
The most immediate person responsible may be the rideshare driver. Common driver-related liability scenarios include:
Distracted Driving: If the driver was focused on their app, texting, or otherwise not paying attention, they could be negligent.
Improper Stopping: If the driver dropped you off in a dangerous spot—like in traffic, at an unsafe curb, or without proper signaling—they may be responsible.
Reckless or Unsafe Behavior: Quick stops, sudden movements, or failure to pull over safely can easily lead to injuries while exiting.
If the driver’s actions caused or contributed to your injury, you may have a strong claim against them.
Uber and Lyft typically offer large liability insurance policies. However, their responsibility depends heavily on the driver’s status at the time:
Driver “On the App” (Active): If the driver was logged in and actively accepting or carrying rides, the rideshare company’s insurance could apply.
Driver “Off the App” (Inactive): If the driver wasn’t using the app at the time, only their personal auto insurance applies—and Uber/Lyft aren’t liable.
Understanding the timing and driver’s status is a crucial first step when building your claim.
Sometimes, injuries happen because of factors beyond the driver’s control:
Another Driver’s Negligence: If a car hits the rideshare vehicle while you’re exiting, that driver may be liable.
Pedestrians or Cyclists: If someone caused you to fall or forced the driver into a dangerous stop, they may bear responsibility.
Dangerous Property Conditions: Uneven sidewalks, potholes, or poorly lit exits could lead to a claim against a city or property owner.
Rideshare injuries often involve a web of negligence — and identifying the right party (or parties) is key to recovering damages.
If you’re hurt while getting out of a rideshare, the steps you take next can seriously affect your case.
Get checked out immediately.
Even if your injuries seem minor, documentation is critical—and injuries like concussions, sprains, or fractures can surface hours later.
Take photos of:
The rideshare vehicle
Road conditions
Your injuries
Any hazards (like broken sidewalks or incoming traffic)
Also gather names and contact info for any witnesses.
Use the Uber or Lyft app to file an incident report.
This creates an official record that can support your claim.
Also, depending on the severity, file a police report—especially if other vehicles or hazardous conditions were involved.
Liability in rideshare accidents isn’t straightforward.
Insurance companies may try to shift blame, minimize payouts, or deny coverage altogether.
Having a skilled lawyer on your side levels the playing field.
Here’s the insurance reality after an injury exiting a rideshare:
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage when drivers are active.
Drivers’ personal insurance policies may kick in if the app is off—but many personal policies exclude commercial activity.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage may be necessary if another driver was at fault but lacked sufficient insurance.
Bottom line: without a legal advocate, it’s easy to leave money on the table—or worse, walk away with nothing.
To win a personal injury claim, you must prove:
Duty of Care: The driver (or another party) owed you a duty to keep you reasonably safe.
Breach of Duty: They failed in that duty, whether through negligence, recklessness, or carelessness.
Causation: That breach caused your injury.
Damages: You suffered real, documentable losses like medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we gather evidence, interview witnesses, subpoena rideshare records, and build a case that demands results.
Injuries can range from minor to catastrophic, depending on the crash or conditions:
Sprains and Soft Tissue Damage
Broken Bones and Fractures
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Spinal Cord Injuries
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Even injuries that seem minor at first can evolve into long-term, costly medical problems. Always get evaluated by a doctor—and consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement.
Getting injured while exiting a rideshare vehicle throws you into a confusing legal world where insurance companies, rideshare corporations, and even property owners might all point fingers at each other.
Knowing your rights—and moving quickly to protect them—is essential.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we fight for people hurt in rideshare accidents every day.
Whether it’s Uber, Lyft, or another service, we know how to investigate, negotiate, and if needed, litigate until you get the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured while exiting a rideshare vehicle, don’t wait.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we specialize in complex rideshare accident claims.
We’ll deal with the insurance companies and corporate lawyers—while you focus on your recovery.
Call (475) 529-2634 today for your free consultation.
You deserve justice. We’ll help you fight for it.
