Can You Sue Uber or Lyft After a Car Accident in Reno?

• July 10 2025
• |   Car Accidents

Yes, you can pursue legal action against a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft after a car accident in Reno, but the path to compensation is often complex.

Rideshare services have become an integral part of life in the Truckee Meadows, from getting a ride home from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport to a safe trip after a night out in the Riverwalk District. While convenient, an accident involving a rideshare vehicle introduces complicated insurance questions that differ significantly from a standard car crash. The key to whether you can sue Uber or Lyft after a car accident in Reno is determining which insurance policy is active when the accident occurs.

Determining Insurance Coverage After a Rideshare Crash

Rideshare companies provide different levels of coverage depending on what their driver is doing. These scenarios typically fall into one of three categories.

• The Driver is Offline: If the driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered a private citizen. In this case, their personal auto insurance policy would be the primary source for covering any damages or injuries they cause.
• The Driver is Waiting for a Request: When a driver is logged into the app and available to accept a ride but has not yet been matched with a passenger, a lower level of liability coverage from the rideshare company applies. This coverage is for accidents caused by the rideshare driver.
• The Driver is En Route or Transporting a Passenger: From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft’s substantial commercial insurance policies are in effect. This includes coverage for injuries to the passenger, other drivers, pedestrians, or anyone else harmed if the rideshare driver is at fault.

These distinct periods are critical because they dictate which insurance company will be involved and the amount of coverage available for your injuries and losses.

Identifying the At-Fault Party

Figuring out who is legally responsible for your injuries after a crash on a busy road like Virginia Street or I-80 is the first step in seeking recovery. It may not always be the rideshare driver. Several parties could potentially be held accountable for the accident.

• The Uber or Lyft Driver: If the rideshare driver’s negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving, caused the crash, they can be held liable.
• Another Motorist: Often, a different driver on the road is the one who causes the collision. In this scenario, you would first look to that driver’s insurance policy for compensation.
• The Rideshare Company: In some very specific situations, the company itself could be found partially responsible, for instance, if it failed to conduct a proper background check on a driver with a known history of unsafe driving.

Identifying the at-fault party is fundamental, as it determines which insurance policies you will need to navigate to find financial relief for your medical bills and other damages.

Protecting Your Rights After the Crash

Once you are home from the hospital or urgent care and have addressed your immediate medical needs, the administrative side of a car accident begins. This period can be stressful, but staying organized can help protect your rights as you begin the recovery process. A calm and methodical approach is beneficial when dealing with the aftermath.

• Gather Your Documents: Keep all paperwork related to the accident in one place. This includes the police report, medical records, receipts for prescriptions, and any correspondence from insurance companies.
• Track Your Experience: It can be helpful to keep a simple journal detailing your physical pain, emotional state, and any daily activities you can no longer perform. This record provides a clear picture of how the accident has impacted your life.
• Be Cautious with Communications: Insurance adjusters may contact you shortly after the accident. It is important to remember that their job is to resolve the matter for the lowest possible cost to their company. Avoid giving a recorded statement or signing any documents without fully understanding what they mean for your potential claim.

Taking these steps can help you build a solid foundation for your case while you focus on what truly matters, which is your health and well-being.

Unique Challenges in Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

The process of seeking compensation after a rideshare accident is filled with unique challenges that are not present in typical car accident cases. The involvement of large corporations and their complex insurance structures adds layers of difficulty that can be difficult for an individual to manage alone, especially while recovering from an injury.

• The need to prove the driver’s app status at the exact time of the collision.
• The involvement of multiple insurance carriers, including the driver’s personal policy and the rideshare company’s commercial policy.
• The aggressive tactics sometimes used by corporate legal teams and insurance adjusters to minimize payouts.

These factors combine to create a challenging legal landscape where understanding your rights and the applicable laws is paramount to seeking a fair outcome. This is where having an experienced Reno car accident lawyer makes all the difference in your case for compensation.

FAQs About Suing Uber or Lyft After a Car Accident in Reno

Here are answers to some common questions that arise after a collision involving a rideshare vehicle in Nevada.

What if the at-fault Uber or Lyft driver’s personal insurance denies the claim?

This is a common issue. Personal auto policies often have exclusions for commercial activities like driving for a rideshare service. If the driver was logged into the app, Uber or Lyft’s insurance should apply, but disputes can arise about which coverage period the driver was in at the time of the crash.

Can I seek compensation if I was a passenger in the Uber or Lyft when the accident happened?

Yes. As a passenger, you may be covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance policy. This coverage applies regardless of who was at fault for the accident, whether it was your Uber driver, another driver, or a combination of factors.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a rideshare accident in Nevada?

Nevada has a statute of limitations, which is a legal deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim in court. Missing this deadline can prevent you from ever seeking compensation for your injuries.

What kind of compensation can I receive after a rideshare accident?

If you are injured, you may be able to recover compensation for a variety of losses. These can include your past and future medical expenses, lost wages from being unable to work, loss of future earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Does it matter if my rideshare accident happened in Reno or Las Vegas?

While the same state laws apply, the local court procedures and community dynamics can differ. The core principles of rideshare liability remain the same, but having representation familiar with the local legal environment in either Reno or Las Vegas can be beneficial.

Leverty & Associates Law: Helping You Chart Your Course to Recovery

Being in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft can leave you feeling lost and uncertain about what to do next. Facing powerful corporations and their insurance providers alone is a daunting task.

The attorneys at Leverty & Associates Law are dedicated to helping people in Reno and Las Vegas who have been treated unfairly by insurance companies. If you are struggling to get the answers and fair treatment after a rideshare accident, we are here to listen. Contact us today at (775) 322-6636 or through our online form for a free case consultation.