Rideshare Accidents: Who is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Crash in Arizona?

The rise of rideshare services like Uber and Lyft has transformed how Arizonans get around. With just a few taps on a phone, you can schedule a ride across Phoenix, Tucson, or Mesa. But when an accident happens during a rideshare trip, questions of liability can quickly get complicated. Who pays for your injuries — the rideshare driver, the company, or another motorist?

At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, our attorneys have handled rideshare accident cases across Arizona and the U.S. Our team knows how confusing these claims can be, and we’re here to break down your rights and options if you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft crash.

How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works in Arizona

Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This classification affects liability when an accident happens. Instead of a simple claim against an employer, coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash.

Here’s how it works under Arizona law and company policies:

• Driver Off the App If the driver isn’t logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they’re covered only by their personal auto insurance. The rideshare company’s policy doesn’t apply.
  
• Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request Limited liability coverage kicks in:
  
  • $50,000 per person for injuries
    
  • $100,000 per accident for injuries
    
  • $25,000 for property damage
    
• Driver Accepted a Ride / Passenger in Vehicle Once a ride is accepted (and while a passenger is in the vehicle), Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.
  

This tiered system often sparks disputes between insurers, leaving accident victims caught in the middle. That’s where an experienced Arizona rideshare accident attorney makes a difference.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers face unique risks compared to the average motorist:

• Distraction from managing the app, navigation, and passengers
  
• Fatigue from long shifts or driving late at night
  
• Speeding to maximize fares and meet demand
  
• Unfamiliar routes leading to unsafe maneuvers
  
• Other negligent drivers causing collisions
  

Whether your accident happened on I-10 in Phoenix, Loop 101 in Scottsdale, or a neighborhood street in Glendale, the cause of the crash will determine who is responsible — and how much compensation you may recover.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Liability in Arizona rideshare accidents typically involves multiple parties:

1. The Rideshare Driver If the driver was negligent (speeding, texting, running a red light), they may be held personally responsible — though Uber or Lyft’s coverage may apply depending on the driver’s status.
   
2. Uber or Lyft The companies may be responsible if their app or policies contributed to unsafe conditions. However, because they classify drivers as independent contractors, direct lawsuits against Uber or Lyft can be challenging.
   
3. Other Motorists If another driver caused the collision, their insurance could be on the hook.
   
4. Uninsured / Hit-and-Run Drivers In these cases, Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply during active rides.
   

Because multiple insurance carriers often point fingers at each other, rideshare accident claims are rarely straightforward.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Crash in Arizona

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim:

• Call 911 and make sure a police report is filed (these reports are crucial in Arizona personal injury cases).
  
• Seek medical attention immediately even if injuries seem minor.
  
• Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness contacts.
  
• Report the crash in the Uber or Lyft app.
  
• Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters before speaking with a lawyer.
  

Compensation Available After a Rideshare Accident

Victims of Uber and Lyft crashes may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical bills and future care costs
  
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
  
• Pain and suffering
  
• Property damage
  
• Wrongful death (for fatal accidents)
  

Arizona law allows accident victims to pursue full compensation when another party’s negligence is to blame. At Big Auto, we fight to ensure rideshare insurers don’t shortchange you.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies, especially billion-dollar corporations like Uber and Lyft, have teams of lawyers working to minimize payouts. Victims who go it alone often end up with settlements far below what they deserve.

At Big Auto Accident Attorneys, we have the resources to:

• Investigate liability across multiple insurance carriers
  
• Gather medical evidence and expert testimony
  
• Handle negotiations and litigation
  
• Fight for maximum compensation in Arizona courts

We’re not intimidated by corporate insurers, and we don’t settle for less than what our clients need to rebuild their lives.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

An Uber or Lyft accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. Medical bills, missed work, and stress over who will pay can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone.

Call Big Auto Accident Attorneys in Arizona today for a free consultation. Our rideshare accident lawyers are available 24/7, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Injured in a rideshare crash? Contact Big Auto now — we’ll fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Content reviewed by managing attorney, Nic Edgson. Nic has been an Arizona-licensed lawyer for more than a decade and focuses his law practice on helping people seriously injured in car accidents and truck accidents. He has represented thousands of clients and recovered more than $50 Million Dollars fighting for their injuries and medical bills. Throughout his legal career, Nic has helped those injured through some of the most difficult times in their lives.