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? Don’t face the insurance company alone—contact Steele Adams Hosman now.
Call Steele Adams Hosman today to schedule a free consultation and protect your future.
What Happens If You’re Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident in Utah?
What You Need to Know About Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run accident can leave victims feeling helpless—especially on busy roads like I-80 or 700 East, where drivers can disappear quickly. If the at-fault driver leaves the scene, you may wonder how you’ll recover physically and financially.
Steele Adams Hosman helps Utah residents navigate these difficult situations and pursue compensation—even when the driver isn’t immediately identified.
Is Leaving the Scene of an Accident Illegal in Utah?
Yes. Under Utah law, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Drivers must:
- Stop immediately
- Provide contact and insurance information
- Assist injured parties
Failing to do so can result in serious criminal penalties—but that doesn’t automatically help you recover compensation.
Who Pays for Your Injuries?
If the at-fault driver isn’t found, your recovery may come from:
1. Your Own Insurance Policy
Utah drivers may rely on:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
2. Other Potential Sources
- Vehicle owner liability (if different from driver)
- Employer liability (if the driver was working)
What Evidence Matters Most After a Hit-and-Run?
Even without the driver, strong evidence can support your claim:
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
- Traffic cameras
- Witness statements
- Vehicle debris or paint transfer
- Police reports
Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run
- Call 911 right away
- Seek medical care
- Document everything at the scene
- Write down anything you remember about the vehicle
- Contact an attorney quickly
How Steele Adams Hosman Can Help
We work with investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and insurance companies to build strong claims—even in complex cases.
Your future deserves protection—call us now for a free consultation.
Don’t wait—contact Steele Adams Hosman today.
Can Careless Driving Lead to Criminal and Civil Liability in Utah?
What Is Careless Driving in Utah?
Careless driving includes behaviors like:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding in construction zones
- Failing to yield
It’s common on roads like State Street or during winter conditions along the Wasatch Front.
Criminal vs. Civil Liability
Criminal Liability
- Fines and penalties
- Possible license suspension
Civil Liability
- Paying damages to injured victims
- Lawsuits for negligence
Why This Matters for Injury Victims
Even if a driver is cited, you must still prove:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
How Steele Adams Hosman Builds Strong Cases
We gather:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
Hurt by a careless driver? Let Steele Adams Hosman fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Evidence Matters Most After a Serious Injury Accident?
Why Evidence Is Critical to Your Case
After a serious accident—whether a truck crash on I-15 or a pedestrian injury in Millcreek—evidence determines the outcome of your claim.
Key Types of Evidence
1. Medical Records
- Emergency treatment
- Ongoing care
- Prognosis
2. Accident Scene Evidence
- Photos
- Skid marks
- Vehicle damage
3. Witness Testimony
4. Expert Analysis
What Happens If Evidence Is Lost?
Evidence can disappear quickly. Surveillance footage may be deleted within days.
How Steele Adams Hosman Protects Your Claim
We act quickly to:
- Preserve evidence
- Build your case
- Prepare for trial
We’ve helped hundreds of Utah families recover. Let’s talk about how we can help you.
