Who Is Liable In an Uber or Lyft Accident in Nevada?

A rideshare accident can turn an ordinary trip in Nevada into a stressful ordeal. When your Uber or Lyft ride ends in a collision, you may be left wondering who’s responsible and how you’ll get compensated. With multiple insurance policies and corporate red tape, it’s not always clear who pays.

At High Stakes Injury Law, our rideshare accident attorneys help victims determine liability, deal with insurers, and pursue fair compensation. Visit our Practice Areas to learn how we protect injured passengers and drivers throughout Nevada.

Nevada Rideshare Accident Liability: Key Takeaways

• Liability depends on the driver’s app status, fault, and insurance coverage at the time of the crash. 
• Uber and Lyft may share responsibility, but claims must be supported by evidence and comply with coverage rules. 
• A skilled rideshare accident lawyer ensures you receive the maximum compensation available. 

Understanding How Rideshare Insurance Really Works

Insurance coverage for rideshare crashes isn’t universal; it depends on whether the driver’s app was active and the stage of the ride.

• App Off: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft aren’t responsible. 
• App On, Waiting for a Ride Request: Limited coverage applies, typically up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. 
• Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. 

The Nevada Division of Insurance, under NRS Chapter 706A, requires rideshare companies to maintain robust liability policies to protect passengers and the public.

Who’s Actually Responsible: The Driver or the Rideshare Company?

Liability in a rideshare crash often depends on the driver’s work status at the time:

• Off-duty driver: Only the driver’s personal policy applies. 
• App active, no passenger: Coverage may be shared between the driver’s insurer and Uber or Lyft’s limited policy. 
• Passenger on board: Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance covers passengers and third parties. 

Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors, the companies often try to deny liability. However, if negligent hiring, poor safety oversight, or policy failures contributed to the crash, Uber or Lyft can still be held accountable. Nevada Administrative Code (NAC 706A) requires companies to maintain safety and proper insurance coverage.

What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident

What you do in the moments after a crash can affect your entire claim. Follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Seek medical care right away, even for minor injuries. 
2. Call the police and get an official report. 
3. Document everything: take photos, note the driver’s and vehicle’s information, and obtain witness names. 
4. Report the crash in the rideshare app, but keep your comments brief. 
5. Contact a rideshare accident lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjuster. 

These actions help preserve your claim and ensure accurate documentation.

What Are Your Rights as a Passenger After an Uber or Lyft Crash?

If you were hurt as a rideshare passenger, you have the right to seek full compensation for your losses. Depending on the fault, you may be covered by:

• A $1 million liability coverage from Uber’s insurance policy or Lyft’s insurance policy, if your driver caused the crash. 
• Another driver’s auto insurance if that motorist was at fault. 
• Your own UM/UIM policy if the at-fault driver lacked sufficient insurance. 

Recoverable damages include medical costs, rehabilitation, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Submitting a claim through the app might seem convenient, but those systems often prioritize the company’s interests. An attorney ensures your claim reflects your actual damages.

Common Problems Passengers Face After a Rideshare Crash

Even when liability seems obvious, passengers often encounter challenges such as:

• Disputes about whether the driver’s app was active. 
• Insurers are offering low settlements or delaying responses. 
• Confusion about overlapping or conflicting coverage policies. 

These cases highlight the importance of having a lawyer handle insurer negotiations to protect your rights effectively.

When Other Parties Share the Blame

A rideshare driver isn’t always the only party at fault. Third-party liability may apply if another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or even a government agency contributed to the crash.

For example:

• Another driver ran a red light and was involved in the collision. 
• A defective brake system failed during the ride. 
• Poor road maintenance made the crash unavoidable. 

Under Nevada’s comparative negligence law (Nevada Revised Statutes 41.141), you can still recover compensation even if you share some fault, as long as you are less than 50% responsible.

How a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Builds a Strong Case

An experienced rideshare lawyer gathers the evidence needed to prove liability and maximize your settlement. Your legal team may:

• Collect digital trip data, GPS logs, and dashcam footage. 
• Consult medical and economic experts to value long-term damages. 
• Negotiate directly with Uber, Lyft, and insurance companies. 
• File your claim within Nevada’s two-year statute of limitations. 

At High Stakes Injury Law, our attorneys manage every step of your claim while you focus on recovery. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your case.

Nevada Rideshare Accident Claims: FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about Uber and Lyft accident liability in Nevada.

 Who pays my medical bills after a rideshare crash?
It depends. Uber or Lyft’s insurer may cover costs if their driver was at fault. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance applies.

 Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Yes, if the company’s negligence, such as poor hiring or driver oversight, contributed to your crash.

 What if the driver wasn’t logged into the app?
If the driver was off-duty, only their personal insurance applies.

 How long do I have to file a claim in Nevada?
You have two years from the date of the crash to take legal action under state law.

 How do rideshare accident lawyers get paid?
Most work on contingency, meaning you owe nothing unless your attorney wins compensation for you.

Speak With a Nevada Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

After a rideshare accident, you deserve clarity, not confusion. The experienced team at High Stakes Injury Law handles every part of your case, from investigating the crash to negotiating with insurers. You can focus on healing.

Schedule your free consultation today. Contact our Nevada rideshare accident attorneys to get started. You pay nothing unless we win.

About High Stakes Injury Law

High Stakes Injury Law is led by attorney Scott Poisson, who has represented accident victims since 1993. Our firm focuses solely on personal injury law, handling complex cases involving Uber, Lyft, trucks, cars, and motorcycles.

Known for compassion, transparency, and proven results, we’re trusted across Nevada for helping victims get justice.

Learn more about High Stakes Injury Law and our commitment to clients