Injured in an Uber, Lyft, or Instacart Accident? Here’s What You Need to Do Next

Whether you’re using Uber or Lyft to catch a ride, or you’re on the road when an Instacart delivery driver crosses your path, accidents involving gig economy vehicles are more common than ever. As rideshare and delivery services grow in popularity, so do the risks on the road. Unfortunately, when you’re injured in a crash involving Uber, Lyft, or Instacart, the aftermath can be far more complex than a typical fender-bender.

These accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance, independent contractor loopholes, and corporations with deep legal teams that may try to limit your compensation. Knowing exactly what to do after such a crash can make the difference between a denied claim and receiving full, fair compensation for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a rideshare or delivery service vehicle, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do next.

Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Get Immediate Medical Attention

First and foremost, your health comes first. After any accident, check yourself and others for injuries. If you or anyone else is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately for medical assistance.

Even if you don’t feel seriously injured right away, remember that some conditions—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries—may not present symptoms until hours or even days later. A prompt medical evaluation will not only safeguard your health but also document your injuries, which is critical for any future legal claim.

Step 2: Contact Law Enforcement and File a Police Report

In any accident involving significant damage or injuries, call the police. An official police report will provide an unbiased third-party account of what happened. This report becomes a key piece of evidence in your case, whether you’re filing a claim against the driver, Uber/Lyft, Instacart, or their insurers.

When speaking with officers, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about who is at fault. Anything you say can be included in the report and may later be referenced during negotiations or litigation.

Step 3: Document the Accident Scene Like a Pro

Your smartphone can become your most valuable tool after an accident. Be sure to gather:

• Photos of all vehicles involved (including Uber or Lyft trade dress or Instacart delivery signage)
• Images of license plates, damage to vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions
• Close-ups of your injuries
• Screenshots from your rideshare app confirming the trip (if you were a passenger or a driver)
• Any notes about how the crash happened while it’s still fresh in your mind

If there were witnesses to the crash, politely ask for their contact information. Their statements could be crucial in supporting your version of events.

Step 4: Identify the Driver’s Status at the Time of the Crash

This step is often overlooked but critical when dealing with rideshare or delivery accidents. The driver’s status will determine which insurance policies are in play:

For Uber or Lyft drivers:

• Were they logged into the app but waiting for a ride request?
• Had they accepted a ride and were en route to pick up a passenger?
• Were they actively transporting a passenger?

For Instacart drivers:

• Were they on an active delivery run or between deliveries?

Depending on these factors, coverage could shift from the driver’s personal insurance to a commercial policy provided by Uber, Lyft, or Instacart. For example, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage during active rides, but much less if the driver is simply logged into the app waiting for a request.

Step 5: Notify the Rideshare or Delivery Company

If you were a passenger or the driver, report the accident through the appropriate platform (Uber, Lyft, or Instacart app). Keep your statement brief and factual. Do not admit fault or discuss injuries in detail at this stage.

For other motorists or pedestrians injured in the accident, your lawyer may later contact the rideshare or delivery company to notify them formally as part of the claims process.

Step 6: Avoid Quick Settlements and Recorded Statements

Rideshare and delivery companies work with powerful insurance carriers that may quickly offer a low settlement or ask for a recorded statement. These tactics are designed to minimize payouts and lock you into a figure before you fully understand the value of your claim.

Never accept a settlement or give a recorded statement before consulting an attorney. Doing so could limit your ability to recover compensation for future medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing pain and suffering.

Step 7: Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Handling an Uber, Lyft, or Instacart accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. These cases often involve multiple insurers, corporate policies, and complex liability issues. An experienced attorney will:

• Investigate who’s liable (the driver, the rideshare/delivery company, or even a third party)
• Determine which insurance policies apply
• Gather and preserve key evidence such as rideshare app data, dashcam footage, or witness statements
• Negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters to maximize your compensation

If necessary, your lawyer will also be prepared to take your case to court to ensure your rights are fully protected.

Step 8: Understand What Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Depending on the details of the accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

1. Medical Expenses

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays and surgeries
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Ongoing or future medical care

2. Lost Income

If you’ve had to miss work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost wages, as well as loss of future earning capacity if your injuries are long-term or permanent.

3. Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages like emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, and the general pain and suffering caused by your injuries may also be compensable.

4. Property Damage

This includes repairs or replacement costs for your vehicle, as well as damage to personal belongings inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.

5. Punitive Damages

In rare cases involving gross negligence, such as drunk driving or reckless behavior, you may also pursue punitive damages to hold the at-fault party accountable.

Step 9: Be Aware of Time Limits

Each state has a statute of limitations, which limits how long you have to file a personal injury claim. This time limit can range from one to three years, depending on where the accident occurred.

Waiting too long could result in losing your right to seek compensation, so it’s essential to act quickly.

Special Note: What if You Were an Instacart or Rideshare Driver?

If you were driving for Uber, Lyft, or Instacart at the time of the accident and you were injured, you may also have options:

• File a claim under Uber/Lyft’s or Instacart’s commercial policy (if applicable)
• File a third-party claim if another driver was at fault
• Use your own personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage

An attorney can help you determine the most effective strategy based on your specific circumstances.

Step 10: Stay Off Social Media

In the aftermath of an accident, it’s tempting to share your story on social media. However, doing so can hurt your case. Insurers and defense attorneys may comb through your social profiles to look for statements or photos that could be used against you. It’s best to avoid discussing the accident or your injuries online until your case is resolved.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Case Today

Accidents involving Uber, Lyft, or Instacart are legally complex and can leave injured victims dealing with serious physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Taking the right steps immediately after the accident will help protect your rights and position you for a successful claim.

At 770GoodLaw, we specialize in helping rideshare and delivery accident victims secure the full compensation they deserve. Our experienced attorneys understand the tactics used by large corporations and insurers, and we are ready to fight for you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you move forward with confidence.

Accident?

Our team of experienced car accident professionals is ready to help you assess your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the negligence of others dictate your future–let us be your advocate in this challenging time. Contact us today at 770Goodlaw.