Rideshare Accident Legal Kit

During an active ride (Period 3), Uber and Lyft provide up to $1M in liability coverage. As a passenger in the vehicle during an accepted trip, you are covered under the TNC's primary policy. The Rideshare Kit breaks down all three coverage periods and the dollar limits that apply to each.

Period 1: the driver's app is on but no ride is accepted — limited TNC contingent liability applies. Period 2: a ride is accepted and the driver is en route to pick up — full TNC coverage activates. Period 3: passenger is in the vehicle — the full $1M liability policy is active. The Kit explains what each period means for your claim.

Personal auto policies typically exclude commercial rideshare use. If the driver's personal insurer denies, Uber or Lyft's coverage period determines who responds. The Kit maps which insurer to contact depending on the coverage period active at the time of the crash.

TNC companies classify drivers as independent contractors, which limits direct liability in most states. However, their insurance policies still cover passengers during active rides regardless of employment status. Some states have passed laws extending TNC liability. The Kit covers the legal framework and escalation path.

The app receipt showing the ride was active, GPS data showing the driver's status, the driver's trip log, and your payment confirmation all establish coverage period. The Kit includes a specific evidence checklist for app screenshots, ride receipts, and GPS records before they become unavailable.

As a third party, you have a claim against the driver and potentially the TNC depending on coverage period. The Kit covers third-party claim procedures, including how to identify which entity's insurer to contact and what documentation to gather at the scene.

They involve multiple potential defendants (driver, TNC company, other drivers), layered insurance policies that activate at different moments, and corporate legal teams experienced in minimizing TNC liability. The Kit's multi-defendant claim map shows the full defendant landscape and documentation track for each scenario.

For claims involving significant injury, disputed liability, or TNC coverage disputes, an attorney familiar with rideshare litigation is strongly recommended. For straightforward low-severity claims, the Kit's walkthrough may be sufficient to manage the first claim phase. The Kit includes an attorney-hiring checklist.

Both Uber and Lyft carry uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage for passengers during active trips. The Kit explains how to invoke UM/UIM coverage when the at-fault party's insurance is insufficient to cover your damages.

The statute of limitations for injury claims against the TNC or driver follows your state's general personal injury deadline, typically 2–3 years. However, claims against government entities if a road defect contributed require much shorter notice periods. The Kit includes statute prompts and a deadline tracker.