Sorting Out Liability After a Rideshare Crash

A rideshare accident is rarely straightforward. The driver may be using their personal vehicle, working through a rideshare platform, and covered by layered insurance that changes depending on the status of the trip. You may have been a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or someone struck by a rideshare driver rushing to accept or complete a fare.

In the days after a crash, confusion often sets in quickly. Insurance companies may point fingers, and rideshare coverage may depend on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger. Working with a rideshare accident lawyer in Columbus can help you understand what coverage applies and prevent you from being pushed into an early settlement that does not reflect the full impact of your injuries.

The Stuckey Firm works with you, not just for you. We focus on serious injury cases and build each rideshare claim around your recovery, your goals, and what long-term stability requires. Injured people should not have to spend their recovery chasing records, negotiating with insurers, or worrying about deadlines. When you hire our firm, we take that burden off your plate so you can focus on your health and your family.

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What Is a Rideshare Accident Claim?

A rideshare accident claim is a personal injury claim involving a crash caused by or involving a rideshare driver, such as an Uber driver. These cases often involve multiple insurance policies, including the driver’s personal auto policy and the rideshare company’s commercial liability coverage. Which policy applies depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Coverage can change based on whether the driver was offline, logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. Determining that status is often one of the most important and most disputed aspects of a rideshare case. Ohio negligence law also plays a role in how fault and compensation are evaluated. The Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework governing personal injury and motor vehicle accident claims in the state.

The Benefits of Working With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Columbus

  • Clarity on Which Insurance Applies - Rideshare cases often involve overlapping and conditional insurance coverage. Legal guidance helps identify all available policies and avoid missed recovery options.
  • A Claim Built Around Serious Injuries - Rideshare crashes can cause significant harm. A strong legal approach documents medical treatment, lost income, and future limitations so the claim reflects the full scope of the injury.
  • Protection From Finger-Pointing - Insurers may delay by blaming the rideshare company, the driver, or another vehicle. A clear strategy keeps the focus on evidence and responsibility.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage When Needed - If insurers refuse fair value, litigation may be necessary. Trial-ready preparation strengthens negotiation and protects your right to pursue full compensation.

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Does My Situation Require a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

You may benefit from legal guidance if you were injured while riding in an Uber, struck by a rideshare driver, or involved in a crash where a rideshare driver contributed to the accident. Representation is especially important if your injuries required medical care, caused missed work, or are affecting your daily life.

Rideshare cases become even more complicated when coverage is disputed. If the driver’s personal insurer denies the claim because the driver was working, or if the rideshare company’s insurer delays or minimizes responsibility, a rideshare accident lawyer can help clarify the coverage path and protect your claim from being undervalued.

The Rideshare Accident Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Confirming Driver Status and Coverage

We begin by learning what happened, reviewing your injuries, and determining the rideshare driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash. This step often determines which insurance policies apply.

Step Two: Evidence Collection and Liability Review

We gather crash reports, witness statements, medical records, ride receipts or trip confirmation data, and proof of lost income. We carefully review the facts to determine fault and coverage.

Step Three: Claim Development and Demand

Once damages are clear, we build a demand that reflects medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term impact. The claim is supported by documentation and a strategy aligned with your goals, not the insurer’s timeline.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some rideshare claims resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation when insurers dispute liability or delay responsibility. We prepare every case with trial readiness so you are protected regardless of how the other side responds. We prepare cases with a trial-ready approach because insurance companies respond to strength. Even when a lawsuit is filed, many cases still resolve through settlement.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Can Change

One of the most confusing aspects of rideshare accidents is that coverage changes depending on the stage of the ride. Coverage may be limited when a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride. It typically increases once a ride is accepted and becomes more comprehensive when a passenger is in the vehicle. This is why documentation matters. Ride confirmations, app data, and trip details can become critical evidence. Understanding how and when coverage applies can make the difference between a delayed claim and a fair recovery.

“She was thorough in explaining the insurance process and in answering all of our questions. Her professional insight eased a lot of stress.”

—N.C.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-Focused Firm That Works With You

Rideshare accident cases require trust and clear communication. We work with you, not just for you, and keep you informed and involved in decisions throughout the process.

Trial-Ready Preparation for Complex Claims

Rideshare claims involve changing insurance coverage, layered liability, and serious injuries. We prepare thoroughly, preserve evidence early, and build claims designed to withstand close scrutiny.

Credibility That Strengthens Your Case

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters when insurers attempt to delay, deny, or minimize responsibility.

Rideshare Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a claim if I was a passenger in an Uber?

Yes. Passengers can often pursue compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s policy, or another driver’s coverage, depending on fault and ride status.

Can the rideshare company deny responsibility?

Rideshare companies often argue that drivers are independent contractors, but insurance coverage may still apply. Liability depends on the facts and the stage of the ride.

How long does a rideshare accident case take?

Timing depends on injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance cooperation. Serious injury cases often take longer to document properly and pursue full value.

What if the rideshare driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride?

Coverage may be more limited at that stage, but compensation may still be available. Confirming the driver’s status is critical before accepting any settlement.

What if I was hit by a rideshare driver as another motorist or a pedestrian?

You may still have a valid claim. Coverage depends on whether the driver was working in the app at the time of the crash.

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Get Clear Answers After a Rideshare Accident

If you were injured in a rideshare accident and are unsure who is responsible, you do not have to navigate the insurance confusion alone. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Columbus, OH and get clear guidance, steady support, and a plan built around your recovery.

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If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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