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Rideshare services like Lyft and Uber now operate in more than 70 countries and have revolutionized how we get from place to place, offering convenience and accessibility to millions of people.
Unfortunately, rideshare popularity has also led to a higher number of accidents. A 2024 report by the University of Illinois shows that one-third of rideshare drivers have had a crash on the job.
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or another road user, being involved in an auto accident can be confusing and stressful. And if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, understanding your legal options is crucial.
An experienced Gulfport rideshare accident lawyer can guide you through the process, helping to ensure your rights are protected as you seek the compensation you need and deserve.
Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, is here to offer the legal help you need.
Crashes in Uber and Lyfts are Complicated
Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than those involving private owners because they often involve multiple parties and insurance policies. The drivers work as independent contractors, and who’s liable for accidents may depend on whether they were actively logged into the company’s app or program, on their way to pick up a passenger, or transporting a customer when the accident happened.
Victims of rideshare accidents may include:
- Passengers in the rideshare vehicle.
- Other drivers and passengers involved in the collision.
- Pedestrians or bicyclists struck by the rideshare vehicle.
Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Determining who’s liable in a rideshare accident will depend on the circumstances of the crash and the driver’s “on duty” status at the time.
The Rideshare Company
Companies like Uber and Lyft provide liability coverage for their drivers, but only under specific conditions. For example:
- Offline or App Turned Off: If the rideshare driver isn’t logged into the company’s app, the responsibility for covering any damages typically falls to their personal auto insurance.
- Logged In, No Passenger: The company may provide limited liability coverage if the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t currently accepted a ride.
- En Route or Passenger Onboard: If the driver is actively picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
The Rideshare Driver
If the driver’s negligence caused the accident, their personal insurance may come into play, especially if they were not actively using the rideshare app when the crash occurred.
Third Parties
Sometimes, other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians could share responsibility for the accident. A thorough investigation is required to determine fault and liability.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents happen for many of the same reasons as other car accidents. Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving: Rideshare drivers often rely on their phones to get directions, text passengers, or accept ride requests. All of these can be distracting.
- Fatigue: Long hours on the road can result in drowsy driving, reducing reaction times and increasing the risk of accidents.
- Speeding: In order to make more money, some drivers may rush to complete rides, leading to reckless behavior.
- Driving Under the Influence: Although rare, rideshare drivers can still make poor choices that endanger passengers and others on the road.

Speak With a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident
Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a daunting experience, but taking the right steps can help you protect your rights and build a strong case.
- Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Check for injuries (yourself and passengers) and move your vehicle to a safe location, if necessary. Get medical care as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some symptoms can be delayed or worsen if untreated. - Call the Police
Report the accident and ensure a police report is filed. This document is a critical piece of evidence for your claim. - Gather Evidence
Collect the following information at the scene:- Full names, contact details (phone/email), and insurance information of each driver involved.
- Rideshare app details, including screenshots of your trip receipt.
- Photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, signage, and any visible injuries.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
Use the rideshare app to notify the company of the incident. This allows them to initiate their own insurance process. - Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
An experienced Gulfport rideshare accident lawyer can help navigate the legal complexities, investigate liability, and negotiate with insurers.
Compensation for Rideshare Accidents
If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover the physical, emotional, and financial damages you have suffered. The amount and type of compensation depend on the circumstances of the accident, how bad your injuries are, and who’s involved.
Rideshare companies often use multiple levels and types of insurance coverage, which can complicate the claims process.
However, you can pursue the compensation you deserve with the right legal representation.
Medical Expenses
One of the most common categories of compensation in a rideshare accident case is to cover medical expenses.
This includes the cost of emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation. For more severe injuries, compensation may also account for future medical needs, such as therapy or adaptive equipment.
Be sure to maintain proper documentation and receipts related to your injuries and all medical visits and treatments. This is an essential step in ensuring you are fully reimbursed for these costs.
Lost or Reduced Wages
Lost or reduced wages are another significant part of compensation. If injuries from your accident keep you from working, or you can’t work your full shifts or duties, you could be eligible to be reimbursed for your lost income.
This can also include compensation for reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or require you to take a lower-paying job. Financial experts may sometimes need to calculate the long-term effects on your potential earnings.
Pain and Suffering
These are considered non-economic damages but can be just as impactful as tangible financial losses.
Compensation for pain and suffering refers to the physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced enjoyment of life that were caused by the accident. These damages can be harder to quantify, but they also play a critical role in ensuring that you’re fairly compensated for what you’ve been through.
Rideshare accident claims can also include damages for disfigurement, permanent disability, or loss of consortium, which refers to how your injuries may have negatively affected your relationships and family life.
Evidence such as medical records, personal testimony, and documentation of your post-accident quality of life can help substantiate these claims.
Property Damage
If the accident resulted in significant damage to your personal property, like your vehicle or other belongings, you could also be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement of those items.
In tragic cases where a rideshare accident leads to a fatality, your family may also pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional losses associated with losing a loved one are typically included in these claims.
Of course, no amount of money can replace the life of a family member, but these claims can provide families with some financial relief while holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can be challenging and confusing. The rideshare company’s and driver’s personal insurance may try to divert blame and minimize or deny your injuries.
A skilled lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that your claim accurately reflects the full extent of your damages. By gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building a strong case, your attorney can help you achieve a fair settlement or verdict.
Why Hire a Gulfport Rideshare Accident Lawyer?
Navigating the consequences of a rideshare accident and claims process without the help of a legal professional can be daunting.
An accident lawyer has the experience, expertise, resources, and contacts to guide you through the legal process successfully.
Here are four ways they can help:
- Comprehensive Investigation
Your attorney will collect evidence, interview eyewitnesses, and even partner with accident reconstruction experts to help strengthen your strong case. - Negotiating with Insurers
Insurance companies typically try to prioritize their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. Your attorney will fight to make sure that you get the compensation you need and deserve. - Litigation if Necessary
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be ready to take your case to court and present a compelling argument to a judge and jury on your behalf. - Local Expertise
A Gulfport-based attorney understands Mississippi’s laws and court systems, providing an advantage in handling your case effectively.
Learn More About How Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, Can Assist
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident in Mississippi, seeking legal assistance is essential.
At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we understand that these incidents can have life-altering consequences, leaving you and your family with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial battles.
But you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out to our Gulfport rideshare accident lawyer.
Our qualified and experienced legal team can help you navigate the complexities of your case, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you get the compensation you need and deserve to get your life back.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and take the first steps toward justice.
