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Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way we move through the world—faster, easier, more connected than ever before.
But with more rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents have become an inevitable part of that equation.
And if you’re involved in a rideshare crash without a police report, you may be feeling lost, vulnerable, and unsure of your next steps.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we know how important it is to move quickly and strategically after an accident.
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been involved in a rideshare crash and no official police report was filed.
Rideshare accidents can happen for a lot of reasons:
Speeding
Reckless maneuvers
Driving under the influence
And when an accident happens inside or around a rideshare, figuring out liability can be trickier than a traditional crash.
That’s because Uber and Lyft drivers are not company employees—they’re independent contractors operating under complex insurance structures.
Normally, a police report creates a clear record: time, location, parties involved, potential citations, and an officer’s objective view.
Without that report, you’ll need to be especially diligent to protect your rights and build a strong claim.
Even without a police report, you’re not powerless.
Here’s what you need to do right away:
Your health always comes first.
Call 911 if anyone is hurt. Get checked out even if you “feel fine”—some injuries (like concussions) can take hours or days to show symptoms.
Start building your own evidence file.
Get:
Full names and phone numbers of drivers and passengers
Insurance policy numbers
License plate numbers
Rideshare trip details (screenshot your ride confirmation if you can)
Photos of all vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries
Witness names and contact information
Every detail you collect now makes your case stronger later.
Both Uber and Lyft have in-app accident reporting tools.
Submit an official report through the app immediately.
Even without a police report, this notification alerts their insurance and legal teams that an incident happened—and triggers their claims process.
Save everything:
ER visits
Doctor’s notes
Medications
Receipts
Travel expenses for medical appointments
Every piece of paperwork becomes evidence of your injury claim.
A police report acts like an official snapshot of the crash.
It:
Establishes time and place
Lists involved parties
Notes possible traffic violations
Sometimes includes initial assessments of fault
In many states, a police report is required only if:
Injuries are reported
Property damage exceeds a certain threshold (usually $1,000)
If your crash didn’t meet these standards—or if police simply didn’t respond—you can still pursue a claim.
It just means your personal documentation, medical records, and witness statements will carry even more weight.
Insurance companies love to argue that “delayed treatment means no real injury.”
Don’t give them that opening.
Get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible and follow all recommended treatments.
Trying to fight a rideshare accident claim without legal help—especially without a police report—is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.
An experienced attorney knows how to:
Subpoena rideshare app logs
Interview witnesses
Reconstruct the accident
Negotiate with rideshare insurance adjusters
And if necessary, take your case to trial.
If bystanders saw the crash happen, ask them for written or recorded statements.
Their neutral perspectives can significantly strengthen your version of events.
Depending on the driver’s status during the crash, different insurance policies apply:
App Off: Only the driver’s personal insurance covers the crash.
App On, Waiting for Ride: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident).
Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle: Full coverage kicks in, often up to $1 million in liability protection.
Your attorney will help determine which insurance pool applies—and make sure claims are filed properly.
You may be able to file claims against:
The rideshare company’s insurance policy
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (if the at-fault party’s insurance isn’t enough)
Each claim has its own deadlines, forms, and proof requirements.
A single missed step could derail your recovery efforts.
Without a police report, your case becomes a credibility contest: your word versus the insurance company’s skepticism.
A skilled rideshare accident attorney can:
Build a detailed timeline based on GPS data, rideshare app logs, and witness interviews
Force rideshare companies to disclose driver status and insurance information
Handle negotiations to maximize your settlement
Litigate aggressively if the company refuses to pay fairly
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we don’t back down from tough cases—and we know how to make rideshare giants play fair.
Getting into a rideshare crash is stressful enough.
Getting into one without a police report adds another layer of complexity—but it does not mean you’re out of options.
Document everything.
Get medical care.
Call a personal injury attorney who knows how to fight back.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we specialize in rideshare accident claims—including those that don’t fit neatly into a box.
We know the tactics insurance companies use. And we know how to beat them at their own game.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare crash without a police report, don’t wait.
Bert McDowell Injury Law fights hard for rideshare crash victims across Connecticut.
Whether you were an Uber passenger, Lyft driver, or innocent bystander, you deserve justice—and full compensation.
Call (475) 529-2634 today for a free consultation.
You focus on healing. We’ll handle the rest.
