To work, to the airport, or out for a night on the town—ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get wherever you’re going with just a few taps on a smartphone app. This business model has revolutionized transportation worldwide.
However, when an accident happens, especially ones with serious head injuries, serious concerns arise about medical expenses and treatment in the confusing aftermath.
Who’s responsible?
Can you sue Uber or Lyft directly?
What if your injuries are serious, like a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
Let’s discuss your rights, information about insurance coverage, and legal options if you’re in an Uber accident—particularly if you’ve suffered a head injury that could affect your health, livelihood, and quality of life for years to come.
Determining Liability After a Lyft or Uber Accident
When you’re injured in an Uber car accident, or other rideshare service, the first legal question that has to be answered is who is at fault. The answer determines whose insurance is responsible for paying damages.
Rideshare accident lawsuits can be more complex than everyday car accidents because Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors. Since they aren’t direct employees, the company often distances itself from direct liability by arguing that the driver is solely responsible.
Here’s what the rideshare companies don’t want you to know:
Both Uber and Lyft carry substantial commercial insurance policies that cover passengers and others injured in accidents, depending on the driver’s status in the app at the time of the crash.
When Does Uber or Lyft’s Insurance Apply?
If the driver’s guidance app is on, the driver is logged in, and the app is in Waiting for Ride Request mode, both Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage, which can look something like this:
- $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, including head injuries and TBI
- $25,000 for property damage
If the driver’s phone app shows Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard, or if you’re already in the car, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million commercial insurance policy is generally liable to cover injuries and damages.
If another driver caused the crash, Uber or Lyft’s accident policy says their uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may protect you, especially if that driver lacks sufficient insurance to cover an injury on the level of a major concussion or TBI.
Suing Uber or Lyft Directly In Cases Involving Head Injuries
In some cases, you can sue Uber or Lyft directly—but it can be complicated. Remember, both companies have structured their legal relationships with drivers to shield themselves from most lawsuits and settlements. However, they are not 100% free of responsibility.
You might be able to sue Uber or Lyft directly if:
- The company failed to properly vet the driver, for example, hiring a documented reckless driver
- The app design or algorithm contributed directly to unsafe driving, such as pressuring drivers to accept or complete rides too quickly
- The company mishandled responsibility in the aftermath of the crash, such as delaying medical assistance or suppressing evidence
What all of this means is that, even though a direct Uber or Lyft lawsuit is complicated, serious injury victims can still recover substantial compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance coverage and/or by filing a claim against the driver personally.
Suing Uber and Lyft: The Unique Challenges of Head and Brain Injuries
Severe head trauma and brain injuries are among the most serious outcomes of any car crash, including rideshare accidents. Even a seemingly benign collision can lead to long-term consequences when the brain is involved.
Head injuries can be deceptive. Victims of concussions or TBIs sometimes walk away from the crash feeling shaken but more or less fine, only to develop serious neurological symptoms down the road.
That’s why it’s vital to seek immediate medical evaluation and legal advice, even if you think your injuries are mild. Early treatment can be critical to your recovery, and solid legal documentation strengthens your claim for compensation should a lawsuit be necessary.
Uber or Lyft Settlements After a Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury can change every aspect of your life, from your ability to work, to your mental health, to your relationships. When pursuing a Lyft or Uber accident settlement, your attorney will typically seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses—These include emergency treatment, hospitalization, imaging (CT/MRI), rehabilitation, and ongoing neurological care
- Lost income and earning capacity—This is critical if cognitive or physical impairments affect your ability to work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term care and therapy—Cognitive therapy, counseling, or assisted living support in severe cases
Because brain injury symptoms often evolve over time, experienced attorneys who have handled rideshare or taxi passenger injury claims before can help you consult medical experts and life-care planners to estimate future costs and impacts accurately.
What to Do If You Suspect a Head Injury After a Rideshare Accident
If you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident and hit your head, even when you think you’re fine, take these steps immediately:
- Seek medical attention right away—Tell doctors you were in a car accident and describe all symptoms, no matter how small
- Document everything—Take photos of the scene, the vehicle, and visible injuries
- Report the accident through the rideshare app and to local law enforcement
- Avoid quick settlements—Don’t sign anything before consulting an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents and traumatic brain injury claims.
Contact Brain Injury Law of Seattle Today
Let’s look back to our original question:
Can I sue Lyft or Uber if I am a passenger, particularly if I suffer a TBI or other brain injury?
Yes, you can pursue legal action after an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, especially when serious head or brain injuries are involved. While suing these companies directly can be challenging, their insurance coverage is extensive and may provide a path to full compensation.
The most important step is getting medical help and legal guidance early. Head injuries can be life-altering, and recovery is rarely just physical—it’s emotional, financial, and deeply personal. That means resources will be needed. An experienced attorney can help ensure you receive the care, compensation, and justice you deserve.
