Rideshare Is Everywhere in Ohio
Uber and Lyft have become part of daily life in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and across Ohio, and with millions of rides come inevitable crashes. These accidents can injure rideshare passengers, the rideshare drivers themselves, occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. What makes them legally complicated is the layered insurance structure that applies when a crash involves an app-based driver.
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Coverage in a rideshare crash depends on what the driver was doing at the moment of the collision. When the app is off, only the driver's personal auto policy applies. When the app is on but no ride has been accepted, the rideshare company provides limited contingent coverage. Once a ride request is accepted or a passenger is in the car, Uber and Lyft generally provide a $1 million liability policy. Determining which phase applied — and therefore which coverage is available — is central to these claims.
Common Rideshare Crash Scenarios
Rideshare drivers face the same distractions and pressures as other motorists, plus the demands of the app itself — checking the screen, navigating to pickups, and rushing to complete more trips. Crashes often occur during pickups and drop-offs in busy areas, at intersections, and on congested urban streets. Passengers injured in these crashes are almost never at fault, yet they can still struggle to get fair compensation without help untangling the insurance.
Recovering After a Rideshare Crash
Injured passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians may all have claims after a rideshare collision, potentially against the at-fault driver, the rideshare company's policy, or other involved motorists. Because these cases involve large corporate insurers and disputed coverage questions, experienced guidance matters. Our network attorneys identify every applicable policy and pursue the full compensation an injured person is owed.
Injured in Ohio? Get a free, confidential case review today. There's no obligation, and you pay no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a passenger, you're virtually never at fault. Depending on the circumstances, the at-fault driver's insurance and/or Uber's $1 million policy may cover your injuries.
Not always. Coverage depends on whether the app was off, on but waiting, or actively on a trip. Each phase triggers different insurance, which is why these cases are complex.
Generally two years from the date of the crash, the same as other Ohio injury claims. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and clarify coverage.