If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare vehicle, you need a Cincinnati Uber accident attorney who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Passengers trust their Uber or Lyft drivers to get them to their destination safely. However, most rideshare drivers are independent contractors with no professional driving backgrounds; when your Uber driver makes mistakes, accidents happen.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft, or were involved in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be eligible for financial compensation for your injuries. This may include recovery for medical costs and lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.
The skilled personal injury attorneys at RKPT are ready to assist you with your rideshare accident case. Because rideshare collisions often involve more complex insurance and liability issues than typical car accidents, we thoroughly investigate every possible path to secure maximum compensation.
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Why choose RKPT as Your Uber Accident Attorneys
Since 1965, RKPT has set the standard for personal injury representation across Ohio, handling cases ranging from minor collisions to wrongful death claims. Uber accident cases are not like other types of personal injury claims—and our rideshare accident team understands how to resolve your case successfully.
Our experienced team of Uber and Lyft accident lawyers guarantees the following with every case:
Rideshare Expertise
Rideshare accidents present unique challenges: each case is different, and the policies and procedures of rideshare companies are ever-changing. As seasoned Ohio Uber accident attorneys, RKPT has the experience to clear the legal hurdles that frequently arise in these cases.
Insurance Knowledge
Rideshare incidents typically involve multiple layers of insurance coverage, each with its own fine print. Our team is well-versed in personal injury law—and the tactics insurers may use to minimize payment. Drawing on decades of experience with both state and federal insurance regulations, we are committed to understanding the full extent of your injuries—and securing the full, fair compensation to which you are entitled.
Compassionate Advocacy
The aftermath of an Uber accident can include mounting medical bills, lost income, and significant emotional and relational strain. At RKPT, we keep our clients fully informed and supported throughout the process, always mindful of their needs and well-being as we work toward a favorable resolution.
Commitment to Quality
RKPT devotes the time and resources necessary to thoroughly investigate every aspect of each case. From exploring all available insurance avenues to analyzing dashcam footage and other evidence, we strive to ensure our clients never settle for less than they deserve.
Call our Uber Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation: (513) 721-3330
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident
Call 911 right away.
Report the accident and describe any injuries and your location. This helps emergency responders know what to expect and send the right help. Remain at the accident site until police or emergency responders say you can leave.
Collect evidence.
Take photos and videos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries. Get the driver’s license information and, if possible, record short statements from witnesses or others involved. Photograph any injuries as soon as possible and over the following days. Some injuries may not present right away, so keep track of your symptoms and medical visits.
Get medical attention as soon as possible.
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor to check for hidden injuries. Adrenaline can mask pain, and a medical evaluation is important for your health and any insurance claims. Seeing a medical professional promptly will make your claim for medical costs much stronger than if you wait.
Contact RKPT for a free consultation.
If you’ve been seriously hurt or experienced misconduct during a rideshare, call RKPT to learn about your legal options. Your consultation is confidential and free of charge.
Pro Tip: Always seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible after your Uber accident. Delaying treatment can give the other side an opportunity to claim that your injuries were not serious or did not exist, even if that’s not the case. Promptly addressing your medical needs not only protects your health but also strengthens your claim and increases your chances of receiving the maximum settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue a rideshare company if I got hurt while waiting for the driver?
Yes,it’s possible to sue a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft if you're injured while waiting for a ride if the driver was negligent or if the accident was otherwise their fault. Even if you're not a passenger, you can still sue the company if a rideshare driver's actions caused your injuries.
If the rideshare driver was logged into the app and available for ride requests, but had not yet picked you up, the company’s insurance may provide limited liability coverage. Depending on the type of policy, the driver’s personal insurance may apply first, and the rideshare company’s policy would apply if the driver’s insurance is insufficient.
If the driver was not logged into the app or was using their vehicle for personal reasons, the rideshare company’s insurance would not apply, and you would generally need to pursue a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance. Determining liability can be complex, especially if the accident occurred while the driver was waiting for a ride request or en route to pick up a passenger.
Consulting an experienced rideshare accident attorney can help clarify your rights in this situation. Call RKPT to discuss your claim: (513) 721-3330.
Do rideshare drivers have to pass background checks?
Yes, all independent contractors for rideshare services are required to pass background checks before they can begin working as rideshare drivers. These background checks include a review of the applicant’s criminal history and driving record and are conducted by third-party agencies such as Checkr. Disqualifying factors can include certain violent crimes, sexual offenses, acts of terror, major driving violations, and a history of multiple moving violations.
In Ohio specifically, applicants must also pass a driver screening that reviews both their driving history and criminal background. The process is designed to ensure passenger safety and compliance with state and company regulations. Both Uber and Lyft conduct these checks not only during the initial application but also on a recurring basis to maintain ongoing eligibility.
Driving in place of a licensed rideshare driver is a crime.
The personal injury attorneys at RKPT are here to help resolve your accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle. Call us at (513) 721-3330 to begin the process.
How do I pay the medical costs from my rideshare accident?
How you pay for medical expenses after a rideshare accident depends on who is found responsible. The rideshare driver, another driver, or even the rideshare company might be held liable. Factors like negligence, insurance policies, and the driver’s employment status can all play a role in determining who pays.
Ohio uses an “at-fault” tort system for car accidents, meaning the person responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for covering injuries and property damage. If you’re hurt in a crash, you can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance or consider a lawsuit to seek compensation. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot collect damages from the other party.
What are the liability insurance requirements for vehicles used in ridesharing arrangements in Ohio?
According to Section 4509.79 of the Ohio Revised Code, liability insurance requirements for vehicles used in ridesharing arrangements depend on the type of service and the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For traditional ridesharing arrangements such as carpools and vanpools (where transportation is incidental and not for compensation), the vehicle owner must carry at least:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person per accident
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident (for two or more people), and
- $50,000 in property damage liability per accident
For drivers working with transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft, the requirements change based on whether the driver is waiting for a ride request or actively transporting a passenger. When logged into the app but not transporting a passenger, they are required to carry:
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability per accident
Finally, when en route to pick up a passenger or during a trip, the rideshare driver carries at least $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury, death, or property damage per accident.
Drivers must carry proof of this insurance and disclose their rideshare status after an accident.
Are Cincinnati Uber drivers required to carry commercial auto insurance?
Ohio law requires rideshare drivers to maintain personal auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage limits. When a driver is logged into the Uber app and available for rides, or actively transporting a passenger, Uber provides commercial insurance coverage on the driver’s behalf.
When drivers are logged into the app but not carrying a passenger, Ohio law mandates at least $50,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage coverage. When a ride is in progress, Uber’s coverage increases to $1 million in liability insurance. For most Uber drivers using their personal vehicles, the commercial insurance provided by Uber while they are working is sufficient to meet Ohio’s requirements.
I was injured on the job as a rideshare driver. Am I entitled to financial compensation?
If you were injured in an accident while logged into the rideshare app or transporting a passenger, and another driver caused the crash, you may be able to file a claim against that driver’s insurance policy. You may also be entitled to underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
If you are unsure about your coverage or if there are disputes about who is responsible, consulting a personal injury attorney experienced in rideshare cases can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Need a Cincinnati Uber Accident Lawyer? Call RKPT: (513) 721-3330
