Uber & Lyft crash.
Bigger policies.
Rideshare crashes are not ordinary car-crash cases. Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and Instacart all carry layered commercial insurance policies that pay up to $1 million per accident — but only if the driver was in a specific phase of the trip at the moment of the crash. The legal work is identifying the right policy and presenting the claim correctly.
How rideshare insurance actually works
- Period 0 — driver-app off. The driver's personal auto policy applies. Often only state minimums.
- Period 1 — app on, waiting for a ride request. Uber and Lyft provide $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury and $25,000 property damage contingent coverage.
- Period 2 — ride accepted, driving to passenger. Full $1 million liability coverage from the rideshare company kicks in.
- Period 3 — passenger in the vehicle. Full $1 million coverage applies, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at $1 million.
- Determining which period applied at the moment of crash is critical and often disputed.
Who can recover under rideshare insurance
- Passengers in the Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash
- Other drivers and vehicle occupants hit by the rideshare driver
- Pedestrians and cyclists struck by an Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or other rideshare/delivery driver
- Property owners whose property was damaged
First steps after a Missouri rideshare crash
- Get medical attention even if injuries seem minor.
- Screenshot your ride history in the Uber or Lyft app showing the trip details and timestamps.
- Get the driver's name, vehicle, and insurance info — both the personal policy and the rideshare company.
- Report the crash through the rideshare app — this creates a record that locks in which period applied.
- Take photographs of the vehicles, scene, and any visible injuries.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays my medical bills after an Uber or Lyft crash?
The order depends on the trip phase. In Period 2 or 3, Uber’s or Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability policy is primary. In Period 1, the rideshare company’s contingent $50K/$100K coverage applies. In Period 0, the driver’s personal policy is primary, which may have very low limits.
What if my Uber driver wasn’t at fault — another driver caused the crash?
The other driver’s policy is primary. But if it’s inadequate, the rideshare company’s underinsured-motorist coverage (up to $1 million in Periods 2 and 3) can fill the gap. This is one of the most overlooked policies in rideshare cases.
How long do I have to file a Missouri rideshare crash case?
Five years under RSMo §516.120 for personal injury. Notice provisions in rideshare insurance contracts often require prompt reporting, so call immediately.
What if I was driving for Uber when I got hit?
If you were in Period 2 or 3 at the time of the crash, Uber’s $1 million UM/UIM coverage protects you. If you were in Period 1, the contingent coverage applies. Most rideshare drivers do not realize the company carries UM coverage for them while the app is active.
How much is a Missouri rideshare crash case worth?
The biggest variable is which policy applies. Period 2 or 3 (the driver is on the way to or carrying a passenger) brings Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability coverage into play, so meaningful coverage is generally available. Period 1 (app on, waiting for a request) and personal-use periods involve different and usually smaller policies. The dollar value still depends on injury severity, treatment, lost wages, permanent restrictions, and how clearly liability can be proven. No lawyer can predict a number without reviewing the file. Every case is different and past results do not predict future outcomes.