Was Your Uber or Lyft Ride Safe? What to Know About Accident Assault Liability

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way people travel. With a few taps on a smartphone, you can have a car arrive at your location within minutes. While this convenience is appealing, it has also brought new concerns about safety, especially when accidents or assaults occur during a trip.

Riders often assume they’re protected if something goes wrong. But when a crash happens or a passenger becomes a victim of assault, the legal questions can quickly become complicated. Who is responsible? Does the rideshare company carry insurance? Can you file a lawsuit against the driver or the company?

If you were injured in a rideshare-related accident or suffered harm while using one of these services, here’s what you need to know about your rights and how liability is determined.

Understanding the Role of Rideshare Companies

Uber and Lyft operate as technology platforms. They do not employ drivers directly but instead classify them as independent contractors. This distinction is important because it affects how liability is handled when something goes wrong.

These companies offer a level of background screening and insurance coverage, but much of the responsibility still falls on individual drivers. When a driver causes an accident or engages in misconduct, the legal responsibility can shift depending on the specific facts of the case.

Liability in a Rideshare Accident

If you were injured in a car accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, the source of compensation will depend on who caused the crash and what part of the trip you were in when it happened. Rideshare companies have structured insurance policies that provide coverage during different periods:

• Offline or the App Is Off: If the driver is not using the app at the time of the crash, the rideshare company provides no coverage. The driver’s personal auto insurance is the only source of compensation.
   
• App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: If the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a trip, Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage. This usually includes up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
   
• En Route or Transporting a Passenger: Once a trip has been accepted and the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has one in the car, the company’s $1 million commercial insurance policy typically applies.
   

If a third-party driver caused the accident, you may pursue a claim against that driver. However, if your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, the company’s insurance may be available—if the ride was active.

When a Rideshare Driver Is Not Insured Enough

Some drivers carry the minimum required insurance in Michigan. This can be a problem if their personal policy does not extend to commercial driving or if it is canceled after the insurer learns the car was being used for ridesharing.

If you’re injured and the driver lacks adequate insurance, it can delay your recovery process and make compensation harder to obtain. That’s why understanding what stage of the trip you were in when the crash happened matters. The timing can determine whether Uber or Lyft’s more robust insurance policies apply.

What Happens if You Are Assaulted During a Rideshare Trip

Rideshare companies have faced lawsuits nationwide involving claims of assault, sexual harassment, and other misconduct by drivers. Victims may include passengers, pedestrians, or even other drivers.

When an assault occurs, both civil and criminal laws may come into play. Criminal charges can be filed against the individual who committed the act, but civil claims for compensation can also be pursued against the driver and potentially the rideshare company.

The company’s liability depends on several factors, including:

• Whether the driver was logged into the app
   
• Whether the company conducted a proper background check
   
• If the company had prior complaints about the driver
   
• Whether safety features (like emergency buttons or GPS tracking) were functioning

If Uber or Lyft failed to properly vet the driver or ignored red flags, they may be held responsible under negligent hiring or supervision theories.

Michigan Law and Rideshare Liability

Michigan follows a no-fault insurance system. This means that, regardless of who caused a car crash, each party typically turns to their own insurance company for basic injury coverage. However, serious injuries may entitle you to step outside the no-fault system and pursue a third-party liability claim.

For rideshare cases, that often means dealing with multiple insurance companies and layers of coverage. If the driver was on the clock, the company’s commercial insurance policy may be triggered. If you were not a passenger but were hit by a rideshare driver as a pedestrian or in another car, your own no-fault policy may be your first option, with the rideshare company’s coverage being the second.

Assault claims, on the other hand, are not handled through no-fault insurance. These are typically pursued as civil lawsuits for personal injury and may involve claims of pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages.

Steps to Take if You Were Harmed During a Rideshare Trip

If you were injured or assaulted during an Uber or Lyft ride, taking immediate steps can help protect your legal rights:

• Report the Incident: Notify local law enforcement and file a police report. Also report the event through the Uber or Lyft app.
   
• Seek Medical Care: Even if you feel okay, get examined. Some injuries take time to show symptoms.
   
• Document Everything: Save receipts, screenshots of your ride, driver details, and any communication with the company.
   
• Speak to Witnesses: If anyone saw what happened, their testimony may be valuable later.
   
• Consult a Lawyer: An experienced attorney can help you sort through the facts, determine liability, and deal with insurance companies.

You Have the Right to a Safe Ride

Uber and Lyft are responsible for providing a reasonably safe environment for riders. While no system is perfect, companies must take steps to protect passengers from preventable harm. When they fail, the law offers options for holding them accountable.

If you or a loved one was injured or assaulted while using a rideshare service, you deserve to understand your rights and options. These cases are often complex, involving multiple parties and competing insurance policies. Having the right legal guidance can make all the difference in recovering what you’re owed.

Talk to a Michigan Lawyer About Your Rideshare Case

No one expects to get hurt while using a service meant to provide safe transportation. But when safety is compromised—whether through a crash or a violent act—someone should answer for the harm done. At Smith & Johnson, we are here to help you understand your rights, investigate the details of your case, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. If you were harmed during an Uber or Lyft ride, reach out to Smith & Johnson today for a free consultation. Your safety matters, and we’re ready to help you take the next step.