Ohio Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

At Gervelis Law Firm, our seasoned attorneys have extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft accident cases in Ohio. We can navigate your claim from start to finish, pursuing a fair damages award for your injuries. Call our Ohio Uber and Lyft accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.

Across Ohio, rideshare-related crashes continue to be a growing issue for residents and visitors alike. These types of car accidents involve unique insurance and legal matters that can be challenging to navigate alone.

Gervelis Law Firm has in-depth experience helping injured riders, passengers, and other motorists recover compensation in Uber and Lyft claims. If you or your loved one has been hurt in a wreck, call our Ohio Uber and Lyft accident lawyer today at 330-533-6565 to schedule a free initial consultation.

David Michael Tschantz, Esq.

Attorney

Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.

Founding Attorney

Stephanie M. Mehle, Esq.

Attorney

How Uber and Lyft Accidents Happen in Ohio

A rideshare collision can occur under several different circumstances and have varying outcomes, including the following:

• A rideshare driver hits another car
• Another driver hits the rideshare vehicle
• A pedestrian or bicyclist is struck by a rideshare car

Multiple parties may be injured in a rideshare accident, including the driver, a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another motorist on the road.

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Understanding Fault and Liability in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Liability depends on who caused the crash and the rideshare driver’s app status at the time of the incident. Uber and Lyft have three driver statuses that play a role in assigning fault:

• App off
• App on, no passenger or ride accepted
• App on, passenger onboard, or pick up en route

The driver’s status affects which insurance applies. Our Ohio attorneys can review the details of your Uber or Lyft accident and help determine who is at fault.

How Rideshare Insurance Works in Ohio

Ohio law requires tiered commercial insurance coverage for rideshare drivers when logged into a rideshare app, even before accepting a ride, unless their personal policy already provides coverage for ridesharing. The minimum requirements during the “app on, no ride accepted” period are:

• $50,000 bodily injury per person
• $100,000 bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Once a ride is accepted, Uber and Lyft provide $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. Here is a breakdown of the tiered coverage based on the driver’s status.

App Off

No coverage from Uber or Lyft. Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.

App On, Waiting for Ride

Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage only if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or has insufficient limits. Standard limits in Ohio are:

• $50,000 a person,
• $100,000 an accident
• $25,000 for property damage

Personal policies often exclude rideshare use, leaving a coverage gap during this period. To bridge this gap, many drivers purchase a rideshare endorsement from their insurer, which can help cover the gap or extend liability to match the company’s contingency limits.

Ride Accepted, en Route, or With Passenger

Once a ride is accepted, active coverage begins, including $1 million in third-party liability per incident, uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage for first-party injuries, and contingent collision and comprehensive coverage up to the actual cash value with a $2,500 deductible if the driver has collision or comprehensive coverage on their personal policy. Lyft also states in its policy overview that its commercial liability remains primary from when a ride request is accepted until completion.

How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works in Rideshare Accidents

If you are riding in an Uber or Lyft, and another driver causes an accident, but they lack the insurance needed to cover your injuries, UM/UIM can come into play. If you have this coverage as part of your personal auto policy, it can cover essential damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Depending on the facts, multiple insurers may be involved—the rideshare company, the rideshare driver’s insurer, the at-fault driver’s insurer, and possibly your own UM/UIM. This can complicate the process, making it crucial to secure professional advocacy from a skilled attorney.

Why Uber and Lyft Accident Claims Are Complicated

Several different factors contribute to making the rideshare claim process more complex than a typical auto collision case, such as:

• Difficulty proving liability when drivers are independent contractors
• Insurance companies often deny claims or shift blame
• Accident reports may not clearly label Uber or Lyft involvement
• Rideshare apps do not always disclose the full driver status to victims

Having an Uber and Lyft accident lawyer by your side to manage the process and navigate Ohio’s rideshare laws is key to a successful case. Review client stories and Reviews today to learn more about the experiences of our past clients.

Experienced Legal Help for Uber and Lyft Accident Victims in Ohio

Our firm has extensive experience with complex, multi-insurer claims. We utilize personalized legal strategies, aggressive negotiation, and trial readiness to our advantage. Our goal is to pursue a fair compensation award on your behalf, while taking into account the relevant filing deadlines and necessary documentation.

"The Gervelis Law Firm represented me phenomenally well in my automobile accident case. They are a very detailed and caring Law Firm. Elizabeth Conglose kept me informed step by step…

Mrs. Myria Taylor

We have offices across Ohio, including Canfield, Youngstown, Akron, Columbus, Toledo, and Warren. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way—that’s the Gervelis Guarantee—and we’ll meet you at home, the hospital, or wherever is most convenient. For a free consultation and no upfront fees, contact our Ohio Uber and Lyft accident lawyers today.

Uber and Lyft Accident FAQs

Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident in Ohio?

Yes, you can sue Uber or Lyft in Ohio if their driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. Direct claims against the company can be complex due to driver classification, but we evaluate all responsible parties and coverages.

What if the Uber Driver Was Not at Fault?

If the Uber driver was not at fault, you may still be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance or your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Does Uber Insurance Cover Passengers in Ohio in the Event of a Crash?

Yes, Uber and Lyft offer liability and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in Ohio, which generally covers passengers injured during a ride.

What Should I Do After Being in a Rideshare Accident?

In the immediate aftermath of a rideshare collision, seek medical attention, report the accident to the police and the rideshare company, gather evidence, and contact a personal injury attorney familiar with Ohio laws.