Pedestrians struck by Uber or Lyft drivers face serious injuries but have strong legal claims. As non-parties to rideshare agreements, pedestrians avoid arbitration requirements and can pursue traditional court litigation while accessing full insurance coverage.
Insurance Coverage for Pedestrian Victims
Pedestrians hit by rideshare drivers can access insurance coverage based on the driver's app status:
App off: Only the driver's personal auto insurance applies.
Period 1 (waiting for rides): Limited $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage.
Periods 2-3 (accepted ride or passenger present): Full $1 million liability coverage.
Pedestrian claims access the same coverage that would protect passengers or other motorists injured by the driver.
Common Pedestrian Accident Scenarios
Rideshare drivers frequently strike pedestrians in predictable situations:
Pickup and dropoff zones: Drivers stopping suddenly or in unexpected locations create hazards for pedestrians.
Crosswalks: Distracted drivers looking at apps may fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Right turns: Drivers watching for traffic gaps may overlook pedestrians in their turning path.
Backing up: Drivers repositioning to reach passengers may back into pedestrians.
Door strikes: Passengers exiting rideshare vehicles may door pedestrians or cyclists.
Proving the Driver's Status
Pedestrians may not immediately know whether the driver was working for a rideshare company. Evidence includes:
Rideshare decals or signs: Uber and Lyft require drivers to display identifying marks.
Passenger presence: Whether anyone was in the vehicle besides the driver.
Driver statements: What the driver said at the scene about working or having just dropped off a passenger.
Subpoenaed records: App data showing the driver's status at the time of the accident.
Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians suffer severe injuries in vehicle collisions due to lack of protection:
Traumatic brain injuries from striking the ground or vehicle.
Spinal cord injuries potentially causing paralysis.
Broken bones in legs, hips, pelvis, and arms.
Internal organ damage from impact forces.
Soft tissue injuries and road rash.
Legal Advantages for Pedestrians
Pedestrians have certain advantages over passengers:
No arbitration requirement: You never agreed to Uber or Lyft's terms.
Strong liability position: Pedestrians are rarely at fault for vehicle collisions.
Jury trial available: Court litigation allows jury trials that may favor severely injured pedestrians.
Pursuing Your Claim
Pedestrians struck by rideshare drivers should document the accident, seek immediate medical attention, identify whether rideshare involvement occurred, and consult with an attorney who can investigate coverage and pursue all available compensation.