What You Need to Know About Rideshare Accidents in Utah
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are everywhere across Salt Lake City, from busy corridors like State Street to late-night pickups in Sugar House. But when a rideshare driver causes an accident, many injured victims are left asking a critical question: who is actually responsible for paying damages?
Steele Adams Hosman helps Utah injury victims untangle these complex cases every day. Rideshare accidents are different from typical car accidents because multiple insurance policies may apply—and determining liability depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.
Who Is Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident depends on driver status at the time of the crash. Utah law and rideshare company policies divide coverage into three main phases:
1. Driver Is Offline (App Off)
If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app:
- Their personal auto insurance applies
- Uber or Lyft provides no coverage
- This works like a standard car accident claim
2. Driver Is Logged In, No Passenger Yet
When the app is on but no ride has been accepted:
- Limited liability coverage applies:
- Up to $50,000 per person
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 property damage
- Coverage is contingent if the driver’s personal policy denies the claim
3. Driver Is En Route or Has a Passenger
This is where coverage increases significantly:
- Up to $1 million in liability coverage
- Additional uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply
Why Rideshare Cases Are More Complicated
Unlike a typical crash on I-15 or Foothill Drive, rideshare accidents often involve:
- Multiple insurance companies
- Disputes over driver status
- Delays in coverage acceptance
- Corporate legal teams protecting Uber or Lyft
Insurance companies may argue:
- The driver wasn’t “active” in the app
- Another driver was actually at fault
- Your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed
That’s why early legal guidance is critical.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If a rideshare driver caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills (Intermountain Medical Center, University of Utah Health, etc.)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Property damage
In serious cases—such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries—compensation may be substantial.
What Should You Do After a Rideshare Accident?
Taking the right steps can protect your claim:
Immediately after the accident:
- Call 911 and request police documentation
- Seek medical care right away
- Take photos of vehicles, injuries, and surroundings
- Get contact information from the rideshare driver and witnesses
In the days following:
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
- Preserve ride details from the app
- Contact a personal injury lawyer
How Steele Adams Hosman Helps Utah Rideshare Accident Victims
Steele Adams Hosman brings deep experience handling complex injury claims across Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front. Our team:
- Investigates driver activity and app status
- Identifies all available insurance coverage
- Negotiates aggressively with insurers
- Prepares every case for trial if needed
We understand how these companies operate—and we know how to hold them accountable.
How to Know When You Should Contact a Lawyer
You should speak with a lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries
- Liability is unclear
- Multiple insurance policies are involved
- The insurance company is delaying or denying your claim
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents in Utah
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Usually, no. Drivers are independent contractors, but company insurance policies still apply in many cases.
What if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault?
You may still recover compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance or rideshare coverage.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Utah’s statute of limitations is generally four years for personal injury claims.
We’ve helped hundreds of Utah families recover. Let’s talk about how we can help you.
Hurt in a rideshare accident? Call Steele Adams Hosman today for a free consultation—and take the first step toward justice and healing.
