Can I Sue Lyft or Uber if I’m Hurt in a Car Accident?

 Posted on February 04, 2026 in Car Accident

In some situations, you can sue Lyft or Uber if you are injured in a crash. Accidents involving rideshare vehicles raise different legal issues than regular car accidents, especially when it comes to insurance coverage and responsibility. It mainly depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the car accident.

Rideshare companies use a layered insurance system. That system can provide strong coverage, but only if the correct rules are applied to your situation. If you were hurt in a rideshare-related crash, a Palatine, IL car accident lawyer can help you understand who may be responsible and what compensation may be available.

Why Are Rideshare Accidents Different From Regular Car Accidents?

Lyft and Uber drivers are usually treated as independent contractors, not company employees. This means the companies are not automatically responsible for every crash involving one of their drivers.

Instead, responsibility often depends on how active the driver was with the rideshare app at the time. Each stage comes with different insurance rules that affect how much coverage applies and who pays for injuries and other damages.

Because of this setup, rideshare accident cases are often more complicated than standard car accident claims.

When Can Lyft or Uber Be Held Responsible for a Crash?

Lyft or Uber may be financially responsible when their driver was logged into the app and involved in rideshare activity at the time of a collision. Illinois law requires rideshare companies to carry insurance coverage during certain periods of driver use.

Under 625 ILCS 57/15, transportation network companies must provide specific insurance coverage when a driver is logged into the app, even if no passenger is in the car. Higher insurance limits apply once a driver accepts a ride or is transporting a passenger.

How Does Insurance Coverage Work in Lyft and Uber Accidents?

Rideshare insurance coverage is divided into different phases based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

In general:

• When the driver is not logged into the app, only the driver’s personal insurance applies.

• When the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, limited rideshare company insurance coverage may apply.

• When the driver has accepted a ride or is carrying a passenger, higher commercial insurance coverage is available.

Knowing which phase applies is important because coverage limits can range from smaller policies to coverage worth up to one million dollars.

Who Can File a Claim After a Rideshare Accident in Illinois?

Several people may have the right to file a claim after a Lyft or Uber accident. This can include injured passengers, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

In some situations, even the rideshare driver may be able to seek compensation, depending on fault and insurance coverage. Each case depends on the specific facts and available insurance.

What Types of Compensation Are Available for a Rideshare Accident in Illinois?

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be able to seek compensation for both financial losses and personal harm. Common damages may include:

• Medical bills and future treatment needs

• Lost wages and reduced ability to earn income

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress and loss of normal daily activities

The amount of compensation depends on how serious the injuries are, what insurance coverage applies, and whether fault is disputed.

Do Lyft and Uber Try to Avoid Responsibility for Car Accidents?

Like many large companies, rideshare platforms and their insurance carriers often try to limit what they pay. They may claim the driver was not logged into the app, argue that a different insurance policy applies, or say that someone else caused the crash.

These arguments can slow down claims or reduce settlement offers. Legal guidance can help make sure the correct coverage is identified and applied.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Arlington Heights, IL Rideshare Accident Attorneys

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we value the communities and clients we serve. Our team brings many decades of combined experience to every case and has recovered millions of dollars in successful verdicts for injured people. We give each case personal attention while standing firm against insurance companies and large defendants.

If you were hurt in a rideshare accident and have questions about whether you can sue Lyft or Uber, call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation with our Palatine, IL car accident lawyers today.