Rideshare apps have become part of everyday life in Rhode Island. People use Uber and Lyft to get to work, to the airport, home from a night out, and just about everywhere in between. But when one of those rides ends in a crash, the legal questions get complicated fast.
Who pays for your medical bills? Is the driver responsible, or the rideshare company? Does Uber’s insurance cover you, or does the driver’s personal policy apply? Can you actually sue Uber or Lyft directly?
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Rhode Island, here is what you need to know about how these claims work and how to protect your right to compensation.
How Are Uber and Lyft Different from Regular Car Accidents?
A standard car accident usually involves two drivers and two insurance companies. A rideshare accident often involves three or more parties: the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, the driver’s personal insurer, the rideshare company’s commercial insurer, and possibly other drivers or pedestrians.
Each layer of coverage applies depending on what the rideshare driver was doing at the moment of the crash. That is why timing and documentation matter so much in these cases.
What Insurance Applies in a Rhode Island Rideshare Accident?
Rhode Island regulates Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft under R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 39-14.2. The law sets minimum insurance requirements that vary based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
There are essentially three “periods” of rideshare driving:
Period 1: Driver is offline (app is not on). The driver’s personal auto insurance applies just like with any other crash. Uber and Lyft are not involved.
Period 2: App is on, driver is waiting for a ride request. Uber and Lyft must provide contingent liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage. This kicks in if the driver’s personal policy does not apply.
Period 3: Driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car. Rhode Island law requires at least $1.5 million in primary liability coverage for death, bodily injury, and property damage during this period under § 39-14.2-14(c), plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This is higher than the $1 million coverage Uber and Lyft commonly advertise nationally. Contingent collision and comprehensive coverage may also apply if the driver has those on their personal policy.
This tiered system is why establishing exactly when the crash happened, and what the driver was doing, is one of the first priorities in any rideshare claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Liability depends on the facts of the crash. Several parties may share fault:
The rideshare driver. If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash through speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or other negligence, they are the primary at-fault party.
Another driver. If a third driver caused the crash, you would generally pursue compensation through that driver’s insurance, with rideshare UM/UIM coverage stepping in if they are uninsured or underinsured.
The rideshare company. Suing Uber or Lyft directly is harder than it sounds. Both companies classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits the company’s vicarious liability for the driver’s actions. However, in some cases, you may be able to argue negligent hiring, retention, or supervision.
A vehicle manufacturer. If a defective vehicle component, such as faulty brakes or a tire failure, caused or contributed to the crash, a product liability claim may apply.
An experienced attorney can identify every potential source of compensation and pursue them in parallel.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured in a rideshare crash in Rhode Island, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room visits, surgeries, and ongoing medical care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one was killed
The total value depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical costs, your lost income, and the long-term impact of the crash on your life.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Rideshare Crash
Rideshare cases involve more parties and more pressure to settle quickly. Avoid these common mistakes:
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company before talking to a lawyer. Adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to limit their company’s payout.
- Do not accept the first settlement offer. Initial offers from Uber, Lyft, or their insurers are almost always lower than what your case is actually worth.
- Do not skip medical treatment. Gaps in care can be used to argue your injuries are not serious. Even if you feel okay, get evaluated.
- Do not delete the app. Your trip history, driver information, and ride details are evidence. Take screenshots before doing anything.
- Do not assume the rideshare company will be cooperative. They have legal teams whose job is to minimize liability. You need someone in your corner with the same level of experience.
How Long Do You Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim?
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Rhode Island, including rideshare accidents, is three years from the date of the crash under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14. Property damage claims have a longer window.
The sooner you act, the better. Rideshare evidence like trip logs, driver app status, and dashcam footage can disappear quickly if you do not move to preserve it.
Hurt in a Rhode Island Rideshare Accident? Here’s What to Do Next
At Louis W. Grande Injury Lawyer, we have spent more than 30 years representing car accident victims across Rhode Island. We know how to handle the complex insurance issues that come with Uber and Lyft accidents, and we know how to push back when rideshare companies and their insurers try to limit what they pay.
If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, as a driver involved in a crash with a rideshare vehicle, or as a pedestrian hit by an Uber or Lyft, we can help you understand your options.
Your consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to get started.
Author Bio
Since founding his personal injury firm in 1990, Louis W. Grande has established himself as one of Providence's most trusted and effective legal advocates for the injured. With more than 32 years of experience practicing law, he has successfully represented clients in a wide range of injury cases, including car accidents, premise liability, dog bites, medical malpractice, product liability, and other personal injury actions.
Louis earned his Juris Doctor from the Hamline University School of Law and maintains active membership in the Rhode Island Bar Association. His exceptional work in personal injury law has earned him recognition from prestigious legal rating organizations, including Super Lawyers and Best Lawyer and Law Firm in both 2020 & 2021.