Rideshare Accidents in Utah
Reviewed by Kara H. North, Managing Attorney at Moxie Law Group. Reviewed September 10, 2026.
With the rapid growth of rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft, accidents involving these services have become a common occurrence on Utah’s roads. These incidents can happen at any stage, whether a rideshare driver is en route to pick up a passenger, actively transporting someone during a trip, or simply waiting for a ride request in the app. The presence of multiple parties and insurance companies makes the process of recovering damages more complex than a typical car accident. In Utah, the state’s no-fault insurance system adds another layer of complication, often requiring accident victims to navigate both their own insurance and that of the rideshare company. If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident, it’s crucial to consult an experienced accident attorney who can guide you through the process, help you understand your rights, and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Types of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can take many forms, each with its own set of challenges and requirements for recovering damages. Some accidents involve Uber or Lyft drivers colliding with other vehicles, while others may include passengers, pedestrians, or bicyclists. The type of accident, whether it’s a multi-car pileup, a single-vehicle crash, or an incident involving a vulnerable road user, can affect which insurance policies provide coverage and how liability is determined. For example, if a rideshare driver is at fault, their personal insurance may not offer liability coverage if the accident occurred while they were working, in which case the rideshare company’s policy may apply. Navigating these different types of rideshare accidents requires a thorough understanding of the process and the ability to identify all responsible parties. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help you build a strong case and maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you need.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents often result from a combination of factors, many of which stem from negligence. Rideshare drivers, like all motorists, are required to follow traffic laws and exercise due diligence while operating their personal vehicles. However, the demands of ridesharing, such as long hours, frequent stops, and the pressure to quickly respond to ride requests, can increase the risk of accidents. Common causes include distracted driving (such as using the app while driving), fatigue, speeding, and failure to yield. In some situations, the rideshare company’s lack of diligence in screening drivers or maintaining vehicle safety standards can also contribute to accidents. Determining who is to blame requires a careful investigation of the circumstances, including the driver’s history and the company’s hiring practices. If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to work with a legal team that understands the nuances of these cases and can hold all negligent parties accountable.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Rideshare Accidents
The injuries sustained in rideshare accidents can range from minor to life-altering. Common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, and head trauma, but more severe cases may involve spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or injuries requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. Beyond the physical harm, many victims experience emotional trauma and psychological distress following a rideshare accident. Prompt medical attention is essential, not only for your health but also to document your injuries for any future claim. Keeping detailed records of your medical treatment, expenses, and the impact on your daily life will help support your case and ensure you receive the compensation you need for both physical and emotional recovery.
Damages You Can Recover After a Rideshare Accident
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to recover damages for a wide range of losses. Economic damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, while non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases where the rideshare company or driver acted with gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. An experienced accident attorney can guide you through the process, helping you understand the types of damages you can claim and ensuring you meet all requirements and deadlines. It’s important to act quickly, as waiting too long can risk eliminating your right to recover damages due to the state’s limitations on filing claims. Don’t let the complexity of the process or the presence of large companies deter you, get the help you need to recover what you deserve.
Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer? We're Here for You
In a rideshare accident? A rideshare accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve after you’ve been in a car accident while due to a negligent Uber or Lyft driver. For many of those involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, getting fair compensation for their injuries is a fundamental part of their recovery process. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may need the help of an experienced rideshare accident attorney. Rideshare accidents aren’t too different from your typical car accident. However, if you’ve been in an accident involving an uber or Lyft driver, a rideshare accident lawyer may be able to increase your chances of getting compensation from the insurance company.
To ensure you have the best legal representation, arrange a consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your case and legal options.
Rideshare Accident Lawyer vs Car Accident Lawyer
Most personal injury lawyers handle a variety of personal injury cases. Both car accident attorneys and rideshare accident attorneys are types of personal injury lawyers. Whether you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident or a typical car accident, a personal injury attorney can handle your personal injury claim. When you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, the important thing is that you contact a rideshare accident attorney as soon as you possibly can. Lyft accident lawyers, in particular, have experience navigating the unique insurance policies and legal challenges associated with Lyft accidents. When it comes to car accidents, insurance companies are already looking for ways to deny coverage. Rideshare companies often have special insurance with unique terms and conditions. Depending on your circumstances, the rideshare company could have some liability for your injuries. Here’s the thing: the insurance company of the rideshare company knows that the average person doesn’t have extensive knowledge of personal injury law. Insurance companies attempt to use this to their advantage, and they’ll look for any reason to deny insurance coverage. For this reason, it may be a good idea to talk to a rideshare accident attorney before speaking to an insurance company.
Lyft Accident Claims in Utah
Everything on this page applies to Lyft crashes too. Lyft carries the same tiered insurance structure as Uber: which policy pays depends on whether the driver was waiting for a request, on the way to a pickup, or carrying a passenger. A Utah Lyft accident lawyer pins down the driver’s app status first, because that single fact decides which insurer owes you compensation.
Which Insurance Applies After a Utah Uber or Lyft Crash
The most consequential fact in a Utah rideshare claim is what the driver’s app was doing at the moment of the crash. Utah’s Transportation Network Company statute sets a different level of coverage for each state the app can be in, and the gap between them is very large.
1. During a prearranged ride: $1,000,000 (Utah Code 13-51-108)
A prearranged ride begins the moment the driver accepts a passenger’s ride request through the app and ends when the passenger exits the vehicle (Utah Code 13-51-102). During that window the company or the driver must carry insurance covering that use of the vehicle on a primary basis, including liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, personal injury protection to the extent required under Utah Code 31A-22-306 through 31A-22-309, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage where those are required. If you were a passenger, or you were hit by a driver who was carrying one, this is the tier that applies.
2. During the waiting period: far less (Utah Code 13-51-108)
A waiting period is any time the driver is logged into the app but not engaged in a prearranged ride. Coverage still applies on a primary basis, but the liability minimums drop to $50,000 for any one individual, $100,000 for all individuals, and $30,000 for property damage, again with personal injury protection and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage where required. The distance between this tier and the previous one is often the difference between a claim paid in full and one capped well below the medical bills.
3. With the app off, it is an ordinary Utah car accident
When the driver is not logged in at all, the rideshare coverage is not in play and the claim proceeds against that driver’s personal auto policy like any other crash, subject to the usual no-fault rules and the injury threshold in Utah Code 31A-22-309.
4. Why app status is worth fighting over
App status is recorded by the rideshare company, not by the police report, and it is not something anyone’s memory settles reliably. Getting the trip record preserved early is what determines which of the three tiers above a claim sits in. Nearly everything else about a rideshare case follows from that one fact.
Who's Liable for Rideshare Accidents?
Liability for rideshare accidents can be a tricky thing. Depending on the circumstances both the rideshare driver and the rideshare company could have liability. Rideshare companies and drivers also have a responsibility to ensure passenger safety and comply with insurance requirements, making them legally accountable for damages or injuries resulting from their actions. Rideshare companies typically have extensive insurance coverage to protect them from liability. Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to get companies like Uber and Lyft to pay up when customers are injured in a rideshare accident. Not only can a rideshare accident attorney help you determine how much liability the rideshare driver has, rideshare accident attorneys can also improve your chances of getting compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance policy. When you have a rideshare accident case, a personal injury attorney can help you improve your chances of getting maximum compensation.
Aren't Employers Liable for What Their Employees Do?
For the most part, employers are liable for what their employees do. So ridesharing companies would be liable for any accident involving an at-fault rideshare driver, right? Well, not so fast. Companies like Uber and Lyft don’t necessarily have employees driving for them. In many companies, rideshare drivers are not employees, but they’re independent contractors. By using independent contractors, ridesharing companies assume less liability for any injuries their rideshare drivers cause. In many rideshare accident cases where the rideshare driver caused the accident, it’s the driver’s own insurance, typically the insurance on the driver’s personal vehicle. That pays for the injuries and property damage. If you’re in a no-fault state, the rideshare driver’s insurance will cover the cost of your injuries after your personal injury protection has run out.
Are Companies Like Uber and Lyft Ever Liable?
For the most part, companies like Uber and Lyft are never liable for injuries their contractors cause while driving. But just because the rideshare drivers are usually liable for the injuries they cause doesn’t mean that Uber and Lyft can never ever be held liable for a ridesharing accident. When it comes to an Uber or Lyft accident, or any other accident involving a rideshare vehicle, the company providing rideshare services can be liable under extreme circumstances.
What Does Foreseeability Have to Do with It?
Companies providing rideshare services can have some liability when they knew or reasonably should have known that one of their drivers posed a danger to passengers, yet fail to act. Ridesharing services and apps should have safeguards in place to protect users from chronically negligent drivers. It is crucial for companies to thoroughly investigate drivers’ backgrounds and any accidents involving their drivers to identify potential risks and prevent future incidents. Here’s a good example: let’s say a company like Uber or Lyft has a driver who has caused a ridesharing accident while driving under the influence. Companies like Uber and Lyft should have the ability to “deactivate” drivers’ accounts if there’s evidence that the driver has acted negligently in the past. So if companies like Uber and Lyft want to avoid taking on additional liability, they’ll deactivate the accounts of Uber and Lyft drivers that have a history of causing motor vehicle accidents due to negligence, such as driving while under the influence. If a company knew, or reasonably should have known that the driver posed a danger to users, the company may decide to deactivate the contractor’s account to prevent users from becoming injured.
Ridesharing Accident vs Regular Car Accident
Believe it or not, a rideshare car accident isn’t much different from standard car accident cases–assuming the rideshare company didn’t have any liability. In a regular car accident, the at-fault driver’s own insurance policy covers the cost of the medical bills after they exceed the limits of the personal injury protection (or PIP) coverage. Many drivers use their personal vehicles for rideshare purposes. If you’re using your vehicle for rideshare purposes, you’ll want to make sure your insurance policy include provisions for accidents relating to rideshare activities. Insurance coverage for rideshare accidents may depend on whether the rideshare app has been started and the trip is active, as coverage often begins when the app is started and the ride is in progress. It’s not uncommon for a driver’s personal insurance to deny coverage if they weren’t aware that the at-fault driver was using their vehicle for rideshare activities.
When the Driver's Personal Insurance Denies Coverage
Start with the statute. Utah Code 13-51-108 requires rideshare coverage in two tiers whenever the driver is logged in: at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident and $30,000 property damage while the driver is waiting for a request, and $1,000,000 once a ride is accepted. That coverage must pay on a primary basis, and if the driver’s rideshare policy has lapsed, Uber or Lyft must step in from the first dollar. The driver’s personal policy only matters when the app was off. See the full three-tier table on our Utah Uber accident lawyer page.
Personal insurance policies differ from commercial auto insurance. Not only do personal insurance policies tend to have lower policy limits, it may also be very difficult to get compensation from the driver’s personal insurance policy. This is especially true if the driver’s insurance wasn’t aware that the driver was doing Uber or Lyft. If the at-fault driver was not a rideshare driver and had no insurance, your best bet may be going through the rideshare policy’s uninsured motorist coverage or your own. If the driver did have insurance, but it wasn’t enough to cover all of your medical expenses, you may need to go through your underinsured motorist coverage. If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of a rideshare driver, and you need help covering your medical expenses, an accident lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation.
Be sure to report the accident to the rideshare company as soon as possible to ensure proper documentation and claims processing.
Injured in an Accident?
If you were injured in an accident, and you needed medical treatment, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. It is also crucial to gather information at the accident scene, such as contact details and witness statements, as this information can be vital for your legal claim. Meeting with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for injury related expenses, such as lost wages. After an auto accident, there’s two things you shouldn’t wait to do: don’t wait to seek medical treatment, and don’t wait to ask a professional about starting a personal injury case. At Moxie Law Group, our ridesharing accident lawyers go above and beyond when fighting for our clients. Not only can we help you get compensation for lost wages, we can also help you recover damages for property damage. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident, don’t wait. Speak with one of our rideshare accident lawyers today.
File Your Claim with a Professional
If you’ve got a rideshare accident claim, you don’t want just anyone handling your case, especially if it turns into a personal injury lawsuit. At Moxie Law Group, our rideshare accident lawyers have the determination, character, and skill to fight for the rights of those who have been injured by negligent Uber or Lyft drivers. Most rideshare accident claims are resolved through a settlement, and an experienced attorney can help you settle your case for fair compensation. Our Lyft rideshare accident lawyers make filing a claim easy. If you’ve been injured, you need an attorney with Moxie.
"Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyers Are too Expensive!"
The idea of hiring an attorney may be stressful, and overwhelming–not to mention, expensive. But Moxie Law Group makes filing a personal injury claim a breeze. The best part of all is that our clients don’t even have to pay out of pocket. We start with a free consultation, a free case consultation to review your Uber or Lyft accident claim. During the free consultation, we’ll review the incident, medical records, and the police report. If we decide we can help you get the compensation you deserve, we’ll begin working on contingency. This means that you don’t have to pay us anything until we get you the compensation you deserve. If you don’t get a settlement or a judgment in your favor, you don’t have to pay us anything. Working on contingency means that you don’t have to pay us anything out of pocket. Instead, a portion of your settlement or judgment will cover any legal fees you accrue. This also helps cover the costs associated with your accident, such as medical bills, property damage, and other related expenses. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
"Do I Really Need a Personal Injury Attorney?"
Maybe, maybe not. Not everyone needs an injury attorney, and sometimes it can be difficult to determine whether or not you’ve got a good claim. If you’ve been in an accident, but you’re struggling to determine whether or not an injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve, we’ve listed three big signs that you will benefit from speaking with an injury attorney. An attorney can help you pursue the money you need to cover your injuries, damages, and related expenses. If you still aren’t sure whether or not filing a claim would be in your best interest, you can always contact Moxie Law Group for a free consultation to help you determine what your options are.
1. The Accident Wasn't Your Fault
Even if the insurance company is offering you enough to pay for all your damages, an injury attorney can almost definitely help you get an even better settlement. An attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim, including all damages and future needs, so you don’t leave money on the table. They will also work to ensure you receive compensation that reflects the true worth of your injuries and losses. Furthermore, most people aren’t aware of all the damages they can claim. This means that many people accept the insurance company’s initial offer without realizing that they’re entitled to much more compensation. For example, if you miss a week of work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation based on your loss of income. Maybe the insurance company offered you enough for your medical bills, but they didn’t offer you anything for lost wages, pain and suffering, or punitive damages. Unfortunately, insurance companies rarely offer enough for the medical bills alone, and they almost never offer compensation for other items such as non-economic damages.
2. The Insurance Companies Aren't Helpful
Insurance companies don’t necessarily want to pay you a fair settlement. In fact, they’re often trying to pay the minimum amount possible. Insurance adjusters are frequently more concerned with protecting the company’s bottom line than with your individual recovery. This means insurance companies rarely offer enough to cover major injury-related expenses and almost never offer clients everything they’re entitled to. Since insurance companies know the law, they’re willing to use that knowledge against people who don’t know all the nuances of personal injury. When you hire an injury attorney, you’re hiring someone with professional knowledge to advocate for your rights and your best interests.
Utah Rideshare Accident FAQs
What should I do after a rideshare accident in Utah?
After a rideshare accident in Utah, first check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. Get medical care right away, even for injuries that may seem minor. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers and rideshare passengers, take photos of the scene if possible, and contact a rideshare accident lawyer before discussing the accident with insurance companies.
Can I file a claim if an Uber or Lyft driver caused my accident?
Yes. If an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver’s negligence led to your accident, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. A lawyer can help identify which insurance policies apply, whether personal, rideshare company coverage, or commercial policies, and pursue compensation for your losses.
How can a rideshare accident lawyer help my case in Utah?
A rideshare accident lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, handle communications with insurance companies, and protect your legal rights. They can also help calculate your total losses, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and work to secure fair compensation while you focus on healing.
MOXIE LAW GROUP’S EMPATHY, INTEGRITY, TENACITY
You've Got Nothing to Lose
Since most injury attorneys offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by calling a firm like Moxie Law Group and telling them about your incident and your damages. If you were injured due to the negligence of another person, there’s a good chance that an injury attorney can help you get more compensation than the insurance company is offering. Though a pre-negotiated portion of the settlement or judgment will cover the legal fees, clients who work with an injury attorney almost always walk away with more cash in their pocket than they would if they had just handled their case by themselves. If you’ve sustained injury, you’ve got nothing to lose by contacting Moxie Law Group for a free case review. A complete evaluation of your case can help ensure that all damages, medical expenses, and future needs are fully addressed in your settlement or recovery.
In a Wreck? We're Here for You
If you’ve sustained injury in a wreck, Moxie Law Group is here for you. When insurance companies are throwing around convoluted terms such as bodily injury liability coverage, wrongful death, and liability insurance, our law firm steps in to walk clients through their options step by step. Our team is known for providing great support and dedication to clients throughout the legal process. If you’ve been injured and you need an attorney who will fight for you, contact Moxie Law Group today.
Most Importantly, Our Experience Speaks for Itself
