What You Need to Know
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed how people travel in Louisville and across Kentucky. With just a few taps on a smartphone, passengers can summon a ride anywhere, anytime, making transportation faster, more affordable, and more convenient than ever.
But with that convenience comes risk.
As the number of rideshare vehicles on the road has grown, so has the number of car accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers. Knowing your rights after a rideshare accident in Kentucky is critical, whether you’re a passenger, rideshare driver, or another motorist.
At Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, our team, led by experienced rideshare injury attorney Jonathan Hollan, helps victims navigate these cases’ complex insurance, liability, and legal challenges. If you were hurt in a rideshare crash, here’s what you need to know.
By The Numbers
Uber’s US Safety Reports include data on serious safety incidents, such as traffic fatalities, reported on its rideshare platform.
Driver Survey Findings: A study by the University of Illinois Chicago revealed that one-third of surveyed rideshare drivers reported being involved in a crash while working.
Impact on Traffic Fatalities: Research indicates that the introduction of rideshare services has been associated with a 3% increase in traffic-accident fatalities since 2011, equating to approximately 987 additional deaths per year.
Urban Accident Concentration: Over 90% of rideshare car accidents occur in cities or larger metropolitan areas, reflecting the higher density of rideshare operations in these regions.
How Rideshare Accidents Are Different From Regular Car Wrecks
Rideshare companies claim they’re “technology platforms,” not transportation providers. That means they try to avoid direct liability when accidents happen. However, in many situations, they can still be held accountable under Kentucky law.
The key difference in rideshare cases is insurance coverage. These claims often involve multiple layers of insurance, depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Coverage in Kentucky
Rideshare insurance policies work in three periods, each with different coverage levels:
Period 1: App On, No Ride Accepted
The driver is waiting for a ride request.
Uber/Lyft provides limited third-party liability coverage with limits typically at:
$50,000 per person (injury)
$100,000 per accident (injury)
$25,000 (property damage)
Period 2: Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup
The driver is on the way to pick up a passenger.
Uber/Lyft provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Period 3: Passenger in Vehicle
Full commercial coverage applies.
In many cases, up to $1 million in liability, but likely not uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
What if the driver is offline?
The driver is considered a private motorist if the Uber or Lyft app is off. Only their personal insurance applies, and many personal policies will try to exclude coverage during this period unless an added endorsement is present.
Common Challenges After a Rideshare Crash in Kentucky
Insurance Blame-Shifting
Insurers may deny responsibility and claim it’s “the other insurer’s problem”—leaving you caught in the middle while your bills pile up.
Identifying the Rideshare Status
It’s often unclear whether the driver was on duty, which determines what insurance applies. Rideshare drivers must display a decal (like an Uber or Lyft sticker), but sometimes they are left up even when off the clock.
Delays and Denials
Even when liability is clear, insurers often delay processing claims or make lowball offers that don’t account for your injuries, future treatment, or lost wages.
Who Can File a Claim in a Rideshare Accident?
You may be entitled to compensation if you were:
A passenger in a rideshare vehicle
A driver or passenger in another car hit by a rideshare driver
A rideshare driver hurt due to another party’s negligence
A pedestrian or cyclist struck by a rideshare vehicle
Why You Need a Kentucky Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare cases are notoriously complex. The insurance situation alone can be a nightmare, especially if you’re recovering from serious injuries.
At Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers, we handle every part of the process, including:
Investigating who was at fault
Determining whether the rideshare driver was active in the app
Identifying all applicable insurance policies
Negotiating with insurers to maximize your settlement
Filing a lawsuit if necessary to get what you deserve
We’ve helped hundreds of Kentuckians recover compensation after car wrecks—including rideshare accidents—and we never take more than our client thanks to our Bigger Share Guarantee®.
What’s Next? The Future of Rideshare Liability
With the rise of self-driving vehicles, rideshare companies are pushing the boundaries of responsibility. If an autonomous Uber car causes a crash, who’s to blame between the software company, Uber, or the driver?
These evolving legal questions make it more important than ever to have a legal team that stays ahead of the curve.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Kentucky? Let’s Talk.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident in Louisville, Lexington, or anywhere in Kentucky, don’t go up against big insurance companies alone.
Schedule your free consultation today and let Jonathan Hollan and the Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers team fight to get you everything you’re owed.
FAQ: Rideshare Accident Claims in Kentucky
1. What should I do after a rideshare accident?
Call 911, seek medical care, take photos of the scene, gather driver and insurance info, and contact a lawyer immediately—especially before talking to any insurer.
2. Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident?
Usually not. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees. However, their insurance policies often cover accidents involving drivers while the app is active.
3. What happens if the rideshare driver is off duty?
If the driver was offline, only their personal auto insurance applies. Many policies exclude coverage during commercial activity, which can create gaps. A lawyer can help find alternative recovery options.
4. Is Uber or Lyft insurance better than regular insurance?
When active (with a passenger or en route), Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in coverage. However, during “waiting” periods, the limits are much lower than personal policies, and disputes often arise.
5. Can a pedestrian or cyclist file a claim against a rideshare driver?
Yes. If you’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or anyone injured by a negligent Uber/Lyft driver, you can pursue a claim against the driver or their rideshare insurance coverage, depending on their status.
6. What damages can I recover after a rideshare crash?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills
Lost income
Pain and suffering
Future care needs
7. How long do I have to file a claim in Kentucky?
Typically, you have two years from the accident date (or the last PIP payment). But deadlines vary, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
8. What if both the rideshare driver and another driver are at fault?
You may be able to recover from multiple insurance policies. Kentucky follows a comparative fault system, so fault is divided, and claims can be made against both parties proportionally.