Who is liable in a rideshare accident?

Multiple parties can be liable: the rideshare driver (for negligent driving), the rideshare company (possibly, based on its own negligence; see NRS 706A.155), other drivers (if they caused the accident), or vehicle manufacturers (if a defect contributed). Your attorney investigates all potential defendants and works to pursue the full compensation the law allows. Which insurance pays depends on what the driver was doing in the app and who caused the crash.

What insurance covers rideshare accidents?

Coverage depends on what the driver was doing. From the moment a driver accepts a ride request until the passenger gets out, Nevada requires at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage. While the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a request, the minimum is $50,000 per person, $100,000 per crash, and $25,000 for property damage. If the app was off, the driver's own auto policy applies (NRS 690B.470; NRS 706A.060). We investigate which period applied and which policies cover your claim.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft even if drivers are independent contractors?

Possibly, but not simply because the driver was working through the app. Nevada law says a rideshare company is not vicariously liable for a driver's conduct (NRS 706A.155), though claims based on the company's own negligence aren't ruled out. The insurance Nevada requires during a ride applies whether or not the driver is classified as an independent contractor.

How much can I recover in a rideshare accident case?

Recovery depends on how serious your injuries are, your medical bills and lost wages, how clear fault is, and which insurance applies. In a free consultation, we can walk you through what your claim may include.

What if I was partially at fault?

Nevada's comparative negligence law allows recovery if you're 50% or less at fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and the rideshare driver was 80% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. Your attorney will work to pursue the full compensation the law allows.

Do I need an attorney for a rideshare accident claim?

Yes. Rideshare companies have large legal teams and use aggressive defense tactics. An attorney levels the playing field, investigates liability, requests evidence from the rideshare company, and negotiates aggressively. Plus, we work on contingency. No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.

Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas

Injured in a rideshare accident? We navigate complex liability and insurance issues and work to pursue the full compensation the law allows. Free consultation.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.

(702) 518-8584 Free Case Evaluation

Every day, thousands of Uber and Lyft rides happen throughout Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. While rideshare services offer convenient transportation, they come with unique accident risks. If you've been injured in an Uber accident, Lyft accident, or any rideshare collision in Las Vegas, you have legal options—and potentially significant compensation available.

Rideshare accidents are more complex than typical car accidents. Multiple parties may be liable: the driver, the rideshare company, other drivers, or even the vehicle manufacturer. Insurance coverage can be unclear, and rideshare companies are often aggressive about defending claims. That's why you need an experienced attorney who understands how these cases work.

We handle both passenger claims and third-party claims (if you were hit by a rideshare vehicle), and we know how to navigate the complex liability and insurance issues these cases involve.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are Unique

Multiple Potential Defendants

Unlike a typical car accident where the negligent driver pays, rideshare accidents may involve the rideshare driver, the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft), other drivers, vehicle manufacturers, or maintenance contractors. A skilled attorney investigates all potential defendants and works to pursue the full compensation the law allows.

Complex Insurance Coverage

Rideshare vehicles operate under a hybrid insurance model that varies based on the driver's status at the time of the accident. The insurance period determines which policies apply and how much coverage is available.

Aggressive Defense Tactics

Uber and Lyft have massive legal teams and insurance resources. They defend claims aggressively: arguing the company isn't liable for a driver's conduct (NRS 706A.155), blaming other parties, downplaying injuries, or delaying settlement. An experienced attorney counters these tactics.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Period 1

Personal Insurance Period

App off

The driver's own auto policy applies. Nevada's minimum liability limits are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury (NRS 485.185).

Period 2

App-Engaged Period

App on, waiting for a ride request

At least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per crash for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage (NRS 690B.470)

Period 3

Active Ride Period

From accepting a ride until the passenger gets out

At least $1,000,000 in liability coverage per crash (NRS 690B.470)

Highest required coverage

Which insurance period applied is one of the first things we investigate. App data, trip records, and witness accounts can help show what the driver was doing at the time of the crash and whether the rideshare company itself was negligent. For a longer explanation of how coverage and liability work, read who is liable after an Uber or Lyft crash in Las Vegas.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

The Rideshare Driver

If the driver was speeding, distracted, fatigued, or otherwise negligent, they can be held personally liable for your injuries.

The Rideshare Company (Uber or Lyft)

Nevada law says a rideshare company is not vicariously liable for a driver's conduct (NRS 706A.155), but claims based on the company's own negligence may still be possible, depending on the facts. The insurance Nevada requires during a ride applies whether or not the driver is classified as an independent contractor.

Other Drivers

If a third-party vehicle caused the accident, that driver and their insurance may be liable for your damages.

Vehicle Manufacturer

If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable under a products liability theory.

When You Can Recover from a Rideshare Accident

You're a Passenger in an Uber or Lyft

If you were a passenger injured in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage applies during the ride. You may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. The highest insurance limits Nevada requires apply from the time the driver accepts the ride until you get out (NRS 690B.470; NRS 706A.060).

You Were Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle

If you were in another vehicle and hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, which insurance applies depends on whether the driver's app was on and whether they had accepted a ride. The highest required limits apply from the time the driver accepts a ride until the passenger gets out.

You Were a Rideshare Driver

If you drive for Uber or Lyft and were hurt in a crash caused by another driver, you may have a claim against that driver and their insurance. Depending on the policies involved, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other coverage the rideshare company carries, may also apply. We can review the policies with you.

What Damages Can You Recover?

Medical Expenses

Emergency room and hospital care
Surgery and anesthesia
Doctor visits and specialist care
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Medications and medical equipment
Future medical treatment

Lost Wages and Income

Income lost while unable to work
Reduced hours during recovery
Lost bonuses or commissions
Lost earning capacity

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and discomfort
Emotional distress and anxiety
Loss of enjoyment of life
Scarring or disfigurement
Sleep disturbance

Damages can go beyond medical bills. Depending on the facts, you may also recover rental car costs, damaged property, and household services. A spouse may have a separate claim for loss of consortium.

Nevada Law and Rideshare Liability

Nevada law says a rideshare company is not vicariously liable for a driver's conduct (NRS 706A.155). Claims based on the company's own negligence aren't ruled out, but whether one exists depends on the facts.

Under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 41.141), comparative negligence rules apply. Even if you're partially at fault, you can recover as long as you're 50% or less responsible.

The Claims Process

Report the Accident

Ensure police respond and create a report. Report to the rideshare company immediately. Report to your insurance company.

Seek Medical Attention

See a doctor immediately, even for minor injuries. Get a full medical examination and follow all medical advice.

Contact an Attorney

Don't communicate directly with the rideshare company or their insurance. Let an attorney negotiate on your behalf.

Investigation and Demand

Your attorney will investigate and send a formal demand letter, with the supporting evidence, to the insurance company.

Settlement or Litigation

A claim may be resolved through negotiation with the insurers, or it may need a lawsuit. If needed, your attorney can file a lawsuit.

The Statute of Limitations

In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (NRS 11.190(4)(e)). Don't wait — contact an attorney immediately. Early investigation is crucial for rideshare cases to preserve GPS data, driver logs, and other evidence.

App and trip data may not be kept indefinitely. A formal preservation letter from an attorney can protect this evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

We Can Help

The Sookiassian Firm handles rideshare accident claims for passengers, drivers, and third-party victims throughout Las Vegas and Southern Nevada. We understand rideshare liability and negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.

Free consultation.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.

(702) 518-8584 Contact Us Online

1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Suite 460, Las Vegas, NV 89135