If you were struck by an Uber or Lyft driver while driving your own vehicle, walking, or cycling, you have legal options for pursuing compensation. Third-party victims can access rideshare insurance coverage without being bound by the company's arbitration requirements that apply to passengers.

Insurance Coverage for Third Parties

When a rideshare driver causes an accident injuring someone outside the vehicle, insurance coverage depends on the driver's app status:

Driver app off: Only the driver's personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage when drivers are not logged into the platform.

App on, waiting for ride: Limited contingent coverage of $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury applies if the driver's personal insurance is insufficient or excludes rideshare activity.

En route or during ride: Full $1 million liability coverage applies, protecting third parties injured by the rideshare driver's negligence.

Proving the Driver's Status

Establishing which coverage period applies is crucial. Evidence to document driver status includes:

Police reports may note whether the driver was operating a rideshare vehicle or had passengers.

Witness statements from passengers or bystanders who observed whether the driver had a passenger or rideshare signage.

Subpoenaed records from Uber or Lyft showing the driver's app status, accepted rides, and GPS data at the time of the accident.

Driver admissions at the scene about whether they were working or had just dropped off a passenger.

Filing Your Claim

Third-party claims against rideshare drivers typically proceed through insurance channels:

Identify all insurance sources: The driver's personal policy, the rideshare company's policy, and any umbrella or excess coverage.

File claims with appropriate insurers: This may mean filing with the driver's personal carrier, Uber/Lyft's insurance, or both depending on coverage periods and policy limits.

Document your damages thoroughly: Medical records, repair estimates, wage loss documentation, and evidence of pain and suffering support your claim.

Advantages for Third Parties

Unlike passengers, third parties injured by rideshare drivers have certain advantages:

No arbitration requirement: You never agreed to Uber or Lyft's terms of service, so you can pursue claims through traditional court litigation.

No app agreement limitations: Contract provisions limiting claims don't apply to third parties not in contractual relationship with the rideshare company.

Multiple liable parties: Depending on circumstances, you may have claims against the driver personally, the rideshare company, and potentially other defendants.

Common Third-Party Scenarios

Other motorists struck by rideshare vehicles can pursue claims for vehicle damage and personal injuries through the applicable insurance coverage.

Pedestrians hit by rideshare drivers often suffer serious injuries and can access full coverage if the driver was engaged with the app.

Cyclists injured in collisions with rideshare vehicles face the same insurance coverage tiers as other third parties.

Pursuing Maximum Compensation

Third parties should document injuries thoroughly, preserve evidence of the driver's rideshare activity, and consult with an attorney who can identify all applicable insurance coverage and pursue claims against all responsible parties.