What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Reno

• July 3 2025
• |   Car Accidents

A collision involving a rideshare vehicle is not like a typical car crash. The moments after an accident on a busy road like South Virginia Street or near the spaghetti bowl can be disorienting. Once you are home, the complexity of the situation can become even more apparent. Multiple insurance policies may be involved, creating a confusing scenario at a time when you should be concentrating on your recovery. Knowing what to do after an Uber or Lyft accident in Reno can help you protect your well-being and your rights.

Starting Your Recovery at Home

Once you have addressed any immediate medical needs and are back home, the actions you take can be very important. Getting organized is a productive step that can bring a sense of control during a difficult time.

• Create a Central File: Gather every piece of paper related to the accident. This includes the police report, medical bills, receipts for prescriptions, the other driver’s information, and any correspondence you have received.
• Document Your Experience: Keep a daily journal. Write down your pain levels, any physical limitations, and the emotional impact of the accident. Note how the injuries affect your daily life, from missing work to being unable to enjoy a walk with your family along the Truckee River.
• Track All Related Costs: Maintain a running list of all expenses you incur. This includes not just medical co-pays but also the cost of transportation to doctor appointments and any lost income from being unable to work.

These initial organizational steps build the foundation for handling the process that follows an Uber or Lyft accident in Reno.

The Puzzle of Rideshare Insurance

A key reason rideshare accidents are so complex is the way their insurance coverage is structured. It changes based on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash, and insurance companies may try to use this to their advantage.

• Driver is Offline: When the rideshare app is off, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is the primary source of coverage.
• Driver is Waiting for a Request: If the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, a lower level of liability coverage provided by Uber or Lyft may apply if their personal policy denies the claim.
• Driver is Picking Up or Transporting a Passenger: During the time a driver is en route to a passenger or has a passenger in the car, the rideshare company’s much larger, one million dollar insurance policy is typically active.

Understanding which policy was in effect at the moment of the crash is fundamental, as it dictates where you must turn for compensation.

How Insurance Companies May Respond

After a rideshare accident, you will likely be communicating with an insurance adjuster. It is helpful to remember that these representatives work for a for-profit company, and their goal is often to minimize the amount the company has to pay.

• They might offer a fast settlement that seems appealing upfront, but may not cover the long-term costs of your injuries.
• They may ask for a recorded statement, hoping to use your words against you later to question the severity of your injuries or the details of the accident.
• They could use intentional delays, making the process frustrating in the hope that you will give up or accept a lower offer.

Recognizing these common insurance company tactics can help you proceed with caution and protect your interests during this challenging time.

The Continuing Importance of Records

As your case progresses, diligent record keeping remains one of your most powerful tools. Your detailed documentation tells the complete story of how the Uber or Lyft accident in Reno has impacted your life.

• Medical Follow-Through: Attend all scheduled doctor visits, physical therapy sessions, and specialist appointments. This medical history provides a clear and official timeline of your injuries and recovery process.
• Communication Log: Keep a detailed log of every interaction with an insurance company. Note the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and a summary of the conversation. Save all emails and letters.
• Demonstrating Your Losses: Beyond medical bills, think about the other losses you have suffered. Did you have to miss a concert at the Grand Sierra Resort or a family trip to Lake Tahoe? These non-economic damages are a real part of your experience.

This collection of information provides a comprehensive picture of your damages and supports your position when dealing with insurers.

FAQ for What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Reno

Here are answers to some common questions that arise after a rideshare collision.

How is a rideshare accident different from a taxi accident in Nevada?

Taxi companies are generally regulated as common carriers and often have straightforward commercial insurance policies. Rideshare accidents involve a more complex, multi-layered insurance structure based on the driver’s status in the app, which can lead to more disputes over which policy applies.

What should I do if my injuries don’t become apparent for days or weeks?

It is very common for injuries like whiplash or internal bruising to manifest days after a crash. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice any symptoms. The medical record will link your injury to the accident, even with the delay.

Should I give a recorded statement to the rideshare company’s insurance adjuster?

It is often advisable to be cautious before providing a recorded statement. Adjusters may use these statements to find inconsistencies or admissions that could weaken your position. It can be helpful to seek legal guidance before agreeing to be recorded.

Leverty & Associates Law: Helping You Find Your Path Forward

Dealing with a rideshare accident can feel exhausting, especially when you are dealing with an insurance company that may not have your best interests at heart. If you are facing unfair treatment or feel that an insurer is acting in bad faith, Leverty & Associates Law is here for you. Our team has decades of combined experience focused on the complex world of insurance. We understand the tactics companies use and are dedicated to helping people who have been treated unfairly.

Our firm is built on a foundation of compassion and a commitment to our clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we recover money for you. For a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation, please call our Reno car accident lawyers at (775) 322-6636 or fill out our online form to discuss your case during a free case consultation.