Nevada treats rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, differently from taxis or personal vehicles. These companies operate under unique rules known as Nevada’s rideshare laws, and their insurance coverage depends on when and how the accident happened. Knowing how to handle an insurance claim, who is financially responsible, and what coverage applies can directly affect your recovery.
The Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the ridesharing industry has experienced significant growth in the past few years. This is evident in cities like Las Vegas. The number of pickups for ride-hailing companies surged from 1.03 million in the past year, the inaugural year of service in Las Vegas, to 2.78 million in recent years. This rapid increase demonstrates the growing popularity and adoption of ridesharing services among consumers during this period.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident anywhere in Las Vegas or Nevada, understanding your legal rights is critical. At Temple Injury Law, we know the distressing nature of accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies. Whether you were a passenger, a rideshare driver, or another motorist hit by a rideshare vehicle, your situation is different from a typical car accident.
However, just as with any other vehicle, there is the risk of accidents. If you have been in an Uber or Lyft accident as a passenger, you might be wondering more about the Nevada rideshare accident laws. Let’s look at some of the basics to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Why Temple Injury Law Is the Right Choice for Your Rideshare Accident Case
Choosing the right lawyer after a rideshare accident matters. At Temple Injury Law, we focus exclusively on personal injury cases in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. We understand how Nevada rideshare accident laws work and how to handle large insurance companies such as those representing multi-billion dollar companies like Uber and Lyft. Here’s how our
- Exclusive Focus on Nevada Personal Injury Law: Temple Injury Law handles only injury cases in Nevada, including rideshare accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and other companies. This local focus builds real experience in handling claims under Nevada rideshare laws.
- Knowledge of Nevada’s Rideshare Laws: We understand how Nevada treats Transportation Network Companies and know how to apply rideshare-specific insurance rules after accidents involving Uber and Lyft.
- Experience with Handling Insurance Companies: Rideshare companies’ insurance attempts to minimize payouts. We are familiar with their tactics and focus on holding them accountable so that injured clients can receive fair compensation.
- Representation for All Types of Rideshare Victims: We assist Uber or Lyft passengers, drivers struck by rideshare vehicles, injured rideshare drivers, and pedestrians hit by rideshare cars—each with a customized strategy tailored to their specific situation.
- Proven Process for Managing Your Entire Claim: From gathering app records and police reports to negotiating with insurers and preparing for trial if needed, we manage your case from start to finish so you can focus on recovery.
- No Pressure for Fast Settlements: Temple Injury Law believes in honest communication. We never pressure clients to accept quick, unfair settlements to close a case. We focus on securing what you deserve.
- Trusted Local Reputation: Our Nevada-only practice means local clients recognize our name, and so do insurance companies. They know we will take your claim seriously and are ready to go to court if needed.
- Focused on Real Results, Not Promises: We do not overpromise or exaggerate our claims. Our goal is simple: help you recover damages after a rideshare accident using fundamental legal strategies backed by experience.
- Free Consultations with No Upfront Fees: Clients pay nothing unless we win their case. We offer free consultations, allowing accident victims to understand their legal options without pressure or obligation.
- Proven Success Helping Rideshare Accident Victims Recover: Our track record shows that we’ve helped rideshare accident victims throughout Las Vegas and Nevada recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other losses.
Our firm manages every part of your claim, from evidence gathering to settlement negotiations. We aim to recover damages without unnecessary delays and stand ready to litigate if insurers deny your claim unfairly.
Nevada’s Rideshare Laws Explained
In Nevada, companies like Uber and Lyft operate under specific rules as Transportation Network Companies. Unlike taxi companies, these ride-share companies rely on drivers who use their own vehicles to provide rides through mobile apps. Under Nevada Revised Statutes 706A, these companies are required to meet strict safety and insurance standards. This includes verifying each driver’s criminal history and driving history before they are allowed to accept ride requests.
Drivers for rideshare companies are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This means if you’re injured in a rideshare accident, suing the company directly can be difficult. Instead, liability often falls on the driver or the company’s insurance, depending on the situation.
Unlike taxi drivers, rideshare drivers are not required to obtain a commercial driver’s license. Still, their vehicles must meet certain inspection standards. If you’ve been hurt while using rideshare services or hit by a rideshare vehicle, understanding these regulations is important when filing a claim. At Temple Injury Law, we use our knowledge of Nevada rideshare accident laws to protect victims after an accident.
How Rideshare Accident Claims Differ from Regular Car Accidents
Claims involving Uber or Lyft drivers are more complex than standard car accident cases due to:
- Multiple insurance layers
- Independent contractor status of rideshare drivers
- Potential disputes over the driver’s app status during the accident
- TNCs treat claims differently from taxi companies
Additionally, rideshare companies often argue that drivers were not actively working for them at the time of the crash, limiting their liability.
Who Is At Fault in a Nevada Rideshare Accident?
In Nevada, responsibility for a rideshare accident is determined by identifying the at-fault driver. Nevada is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for injuries and damages. However, when a rideshare vehicle is involved, the situation can be more complex.
When the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault
If the rideshare driver caused the accident by speeding, running a red light, or driving distracted, their insurance coverage may apply. Depending on whether the driver was using the Uber or Lyft app at the time, either their auto insurance or the rideshare company’s insurance will cover damages.
When Another Driver Is at Fault
If another motorist hit the rideshare vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages. This applies whether you were a passenger in a rideshare car, a rideshare driver, or driving your own vehicle. If the other driver has no insurance, Uber and Lyft have limited coverage for uninsured drivers during active rides.
When Rideshare Company Insurance Applies
The rideshare company’s insurance applies only when the rideshare driver is logged into the app and either waiting for a ride request, driving to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. The amount of liability insurance available depends on what stage of the ride the driver was in when the accident happened.
At Temple Injury Law, we examine all available evidence, including driver app records, police reports, and witness statements. Determining liability in a ride sharing accident is critical for recovering damages. Our legal team works to establish fault and hold the responsible party accountable in a clear and straightforward manner.
What Our Clients Say
Insurance Coverage in Uber or Lyft Accidents
At Temple Injury Law, we help clients every day who are unsure if the rideshare company or the driver’s personal car insurance should cover their damages. Here’s how insurance works in these situations.
Personal Auto Insurance Applies When the App Is Off
If a rideshare driver is not using the Uber or Lyft app when the crash happens, they are considered to be driving their personal vehicle for private use. This is treated like any regular car accident under Nevada law. In this situation:
- The driver’s auto insurance applies.
- Neither Uber nor Lyft provides coverage.
Contingent Liability Insurance Applies When Waiting for a Ride
When a rideshare driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride yet:
- The rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage.
- This insurance covers up to:
- $50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $100,000 total for injuries per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This coverage acts as backup if the driver’s personal insurance coverage denies the claim.
$1 Million Coverage Applies When En Route or Transporting a Passenger
Once a driver accepts a ride or is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s main insurance policy applies. Under Nevada rideshare accident laws, Uber and Lyft are required to provide:
- Up to $1 million in liability insurance.
- Coverage for injuries to:
- Passengers in the rideshare vehicle
- Other drivers, pedestrians, or property owners hurt by the rideshare driver
- Coverage if the at-fault driver is uninsured
Insurance Gaps Can Cause Problems After an Accident
One problem many injured people face is the gap between the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s commercial insurance. Some personal insurance policies exclude coverage when the car is used for transporting passengers for pay. If that happens:
- The claim may be denied
- Victims may need to seek coverage under the rideshare company’s contingent insurance
What Damages Can You Recover After a Rideshare Accident in Nevada?
Under Nevada law, victims of rideshare accidents have the right to seek damages from the at-fault driver, their insurance company, or the rideshare company’s insurance policy. The damages you can recover depend on your injuries, the accident’s impact on your life, and the insurance coverage available.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Medical costs often comprise the largest portion of a claim. You can recover payment for:
- Emergency care and immediate medical attention are required after the accident.
- Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Diagnostic tests like X-rays and MRIs.
- Ongoing treatment is required if your injuries require future care.
Lost Wages and Future Income Loss
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover:
- Lost wages from missed workdays.
- Loss of future earning ability if you cannot return to your job due to long-term injuries.
We help clients document this loss using pay stubs, tax records, and doctor statements, ensuring that your claim includes both current and expected income loss.
Pain and Suffering
Beyond physical injuries, a rideshare accident can cause emotional distress and ongoing pain. Nevada allows accident victims to recover compensation for:
- Physical pain caused by the injuries
- Mental and emotional suffering, including anxiety or depression related to the accident
- Loss of enjoyment of life, if injuries affect your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Insurance companies often try to undervalue these damages. Our team at Temple Injury Law builds clear, documented arguments to ensure you receive fair compensation for these non-financial losses.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can claim:
- Repairs for your car.
- The replacement value of your vehicle if it were totaled.
- Replacement for damaged phones, laptops, or other personal property inside your vehicle at the time of the accident.
Even if you were a rideshare passenger, you may have lost personal items in the accident. We help document these losses for your claim.
Wrongful Death Damages
In tragic cases where a rideshare accident results in death, Nevada law allows family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation in these cases can cover:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of financial support from the deceased.
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family.
Our team at Temple Injury Law handles these sensitive cases with care, helping families recover the financial support they need during a difficult time.
Jeff Temple
Personal Injury Lawyer
Call Temple Injury Law After a Las Vegas Rideshare Accident
The simplest thing you can do is connect with a Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible. They can provide you with peace of mind and make the process of going through the case much easier. The sooner you contact them, the better off you will be, as they can take a lot of worry off your plate.
As you can see, a lot goes into these types of cases. While regular car accident cases are problematic enough, these often have other elements that can make them even more difficult to understand.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a rideshare accident? If so, you are likely looking for help from someone who knows and understands what you are going through. You should be focused on making a recovery. Let the professionals help you. We hope the information you’ve found on this page has been helpful. If you would like, you can speak with our personal injury lawyer at Temple Injury Law about your situation. Contact us through our site or call us. We would be delighted to discuss your case with you.