Yes, you absolutely must report any accident to Uber or Lyft, regardless of how minor it seems. Reporting the incident through the app is the only way to officially document the event and trigger the companies’ insurance policies, which provides up to $1 million in coverage.
Failing to report it in a timely manner gives the company and its insurer a reason to deny your claim, leaving you to deal with medical bills and other costs on your own. The process seems complicated, especially when dealing with insurance adjusters whose goal is to balance paying claims with their company's profitability.
However, a formal report is your first and most powerful tool for securing the compensation you need to recover.
If you have a question about an accident involving an Uber or Lyft, call our team at LegalRideshare Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (312) 767-7950.
Key Takeaways for Reporting a Rideshare Accident
- You must report any accident in the Uber or Lyft app immediately. This is the only way to create an official record of the event and activate the company’s commercial insurance policy, which provides up to $1 million in coverage.
- The available insurance coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the crash. The full $1 million policy only applies if the driver was en route to a passenger or had a passenger in the car, which is why your report is essential to establish the timeline.
- Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without legal advice. Adjusters use these statements to find reasons to devalue or deny your claim, and an initial settlement offer is almost always too low.
Why Reporting the Accident Is Your First, Most Important Step
If you don't report the accident to the rideshare company, you effectively make yourself invisible. Uber and Lyft's insurance carriers will have no record of the incident, giving them a straightforward reason to deny any future claim. They rely on the official report you make in the app to begin any investigation. Without it, you could be left watching your savings dwindle as medical bills pile up.
- It Triggers Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft carry commercial insurance policies, but they only apply when an accident is officially reported. This action is the key that unlocks access to that coverage.
- It Creates a Timeline: A prompt report establishes a clear and indisputable timeline of events. Delaying the report allows insurance companies to question the severity of your injuries or even the circumstances of the crash itself.
- It Protects You from the Driver: Sometimes, a driver might ask you not to report the crash to avoid being deactivated. Do not agree to this. Your priority is your health and financial well-being, which depends on an official report.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Reporting the Accident in the App
The reporting process is designed to be simple, and you do it directly from your phone. Here is exactly what to do.
Both Uber and Lyft use their apps as the primary method for incident reporting. This is the official channel their insurance partners use to begin the claims process.
For Uber:
- Open the app and tap the menu icon.
- Go to "Your Trips" and select the trip where the accident occurred.
- Scroll down and find the "Help" section.
- Tap on "Trip and Fare Review," then select "I was in an accident."
- Follow the prompts to provide details. Be factual and stick to what you know. Do not guess or offer opinions on who was at fault.
For Lyft:
- Open the Lyft app and tap the menu icon.
- Go to "Ride history" and select the relevant trip.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap "Get help."
- Select the option that says, "I was in an accident."
- The app will guide you through a series of questions. Provide clear, factual answers.
What to Include (And What to Leave Out):
- Do: State the date, time, and location of the crash. Describe what happened in simple, objective terms. Mention if you were injured and if medical attention was sought.
- Don't: Do not apologize or accept any blame. Do not speculate on the cause of the accident. Do not downplay any pain or injury; simply state that you were hurt and are seeking medical care.
What Happens Behind the Scenes After You Click "Submit"?
Once you report the accident, the insurance process begins, and the level of coverage depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Rideshare insurance operates in different phases, known as "periods." The report you file helps the insurer determine which period the driver was in.
- Period 0: The App is Off. If the driver was not logged into the app, their personal car insurance is the primary source of coverage.
- Period 1: The App is On, Waiting for a Request. The driver is available but has not accepted a ride. In this phase, the rideshare company's limited liability coverage applies if the driver's personal insurance is insufficient. This typically includes $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Periods 2 & 3: En Route to a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger. This is when the full weight of the company's insurance policy is active. If your accident happened during these periods, up to $1 million in liability coverage is typically available.
Your submission is the evidence that places the accident in Period 2 or 3, compelling the rideshare company’s insurer to step in. Without it, they could argue the driver was "off the clock," leaving you to deal with the driver’s much smaller personal policy. This distinction means the difference between having your medical bills fully covered or facing financial hardship.
An insurance adjuster from the rideshare company’s carrier will likely contact you. Their role is to investigate the claim. They are trained to gather information that helps their employer manage its financial exposure. This is the point where having someone on your side becomes invaluable.
"But What If...?": Answering Your Pressing Concerns After a Crash
What if the driver asks me not to report it?
You should always report it. The driver may be worried about being deactivated, but your physical and financial health must come first. An off-the-books deal will leave you with no recourse if your injuries turn out to be more serious than you first thought.
What if the accident seemed minor? Do I still need to report it?
Yes. Injuries like whiplash or concussions take hours or even days to become fully apparent. Pain flares up. Reporting the incident protects your ability to file a claim later if you realize you are more injured than you initially believed.
What if I was a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an Uber or Lyft?
You should still report the accident to the rideshare company, in addition to filing a police report. You may be covered under their $1 million commercial policy if the driver was en route to or transporting a passenger.
What if I believe both the rideshare driver and another driver were at fault?
This is a complex situation where legal guidance is particularly helpful. In Illinois, you recover damages as long as you are not found to be more than 50% at fault. Our team investigates to determine how liability should be divided and pursues compensation from all responsible parties.
When to Stop Talking and Start Calling
You have reported the accident to the rideshare company and maybe even spoken with an insurance adjuster. When is it time to let a law firm take over?
The Adjuster Starts Asking for a Recorded Statement.
You are not required to provide one. These statements are used to find inconsistencies in your story and argue that you share some of the blame, a concept known as comparative fault. Our role is to keep them accountable and ensure no amount of blame is unjustly put on you.
They Offer You a Quick, Low Settlement.
This is a common tactic. The initial offer is almost never the best one. It's designed to close the case quickly before the full extent of your injuries and financial losses are known.
You Feel Pressured or Confused.
The claims process is long and filled with paperwork. It’s easy to get frustrated. If you feel like you're being given the runaround or don't understand what you're being asked to sign, it's time for help.
Your Injuries Are Serious.
If your injuries require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or have caused you to miss work, the financial stakes are too high to handle on your own. Our practice at LegalRideshare Injury Lawyers focuses on these types of injury claims; we bring in medical and financial professionals to accurately calculate your total losses to ensure no cost is overlooked.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting a Rideshare Accident
I was the driver of another car hit by an Uber/Lyft. Do I still report it to them?
While your primary claim will be with your own insurer or the at-fault driver's, it is still a good idea to report the accident to the rideshare company. This creates another record of the event and puts their commercial insurer on notice, which is helpful if the driver’s personal insurance is not enough to cover your damages.
How long do I have to report the accident?
You should report it immediately, preferably within 24 hours. The longer you wait, the more skeptical the insurance company becomes. Furthermore, each state has a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations. In Illinois, for example, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Waiting to report the incident only shortens the time you have to build a strong case.
Do I still need a police report if I report the accident in the app?
Yes. A police report is an objective, third-party account of the incident and is a key piece of evidence. In many places, like Texas, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury or significant property damage. The app report is for the company; the police report is for legal and official purposes.
Will Uber or Lyft pay for my medical bills directly?
No, they do not pay directly. Their insurance carrier will investigate the claim and may make a settlement offer that includes compensation for medical expenses. This process takes time.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft for the accident?
This depends on the circumstances. While drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, there are situations where the company itself could be held liable. This typically involves claims of negligence, such as the company failing to conduct a proper background check.
Let Us Handle the Report, You Focus on Recovery
Reporting the accident is the first step, and letting us take over the communication is the next. We handle the paperwork, the phone calls, and the negotiations so you can focus on what matters most: your health.
We regularly help accident victims in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We’re familiar with the courts, the insurance companies, and the challenges people here face.
If you’re ready to take the next step, call us at (312) 767-7950 for a free, no-obligation conversation about your case with the team at LegalRideshare Injury Lawyers.