Imagine this: you’re riding home after a night out, sitting in the backseat of an Uber. Suddenly, there’s a crash. Before you can even gather your thoughts, your driver panics and speeds away from the scene. You’re left shaken, injured, and wondering, what happens now?
Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents involving rideshare drivers are becoming more common. Whether it’s fear of losing their Uber or Lyft account, worries about their immigration status, or simply reckless decision-making, some drivers make the wrong choice and flee. Here’s what you need to know if it happens to you.
Step 1: Protect Your Health First
Your safety comes before anything else. If you’re hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if you think you’re “just sore,” get checked by a doctor, hidden injuries like concussions or internal bleeding can show up hours later.
Step 2: Report the Incident Immediately
Open your Uber or Lyft app and report the accident. Both companies have in-app features to submit safety incidents. This creates an official record, which becomes crucial later when dealing with insurance.
Step 3: Gather Evidence (If Possible)
- Take screenshots of your ride details (driver’s name, car, license plate, and trip time).
- If the driver fled but you remember part of the plate or vehicle details, jot it down quickly.
- Ask witnesses for their contact info.
Even if your driver ran, Uber and Lyft keep records of every ride. That digital trail helps connect the dots.
Step 4: Understand Who May Pay
Here’s where it gets tricky:
- If the driver was online and accepted your trip, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million insurance policy may cover your injuries.
- If another driver caused the crash, their insurance may also be involved.
- If your rideshare driver fled, the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from Uber or Lyft could apply.
The challenge is that these companies don’t make it easy. They often push responsibility onto the driver or another insurer. That’s where having an attorney makes a difference.
Step 5: Call an Attorney Who Knows Rideshare Cases
Hit-and-run rideshare accidents create layers of complications multiple insurers, corporate defense teams, and drivers who may disappear. At Hillstone Law, we know how to cut through the noise. We investigate driver records, subpoena rideshare data, and fight to hold the right party accountable.
Don’t Let a Hit-and-Run Leave You Without Justice
You trusted Uber or Lyft to get you home safely. If your driver broke that trust by fleeing an accident, you deserve answers and compensation.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
