Rideshare accident claims: what to do and how a claim works
Last updated: November 10, 2026
After a rideshare accident, take the usual steps: get safe, call the police, and collect photos, witnesses and insurance details. Also save the trip in the app. Whose insurance pays can depend on whether the driver was on a trip, waiting for one, or offline.
What to do after a rideshare accident
Get safe and call 911
Get out of traffic if you can and call 911 so police and help can come to the scene.
Get a police report
Ask the officer for the report number and say that a rideshare trip was involved.
Take photos and screenshots
Photograph the vehicles, damage and road, and screenshot the trip in the app: the driver, the car and the time.
Find witnesses
Take names and numbers from other passengers and anyone who saw the crash.
Get insurance details
Get each driver's name, plate, insurer and policy number, and note whether the rideshare driver was on a trip.
Report it in the app and to your insurer
Report the crash through the rideshare app, and to your own insurer if you were driving, and keep the claim numbers.
Keep records and receipts
Save receipts, repair estimates, lost-time records and every message from the company or the insurers.
Check the deadline
Find out how long you have to bring a claim in your state, and act well before it.
Who pays
Rideshare companies carry their own insurance policies for their drivers. Which policy applies, and how much it covers, often depends on whether the app was off, on and waiting for a request, or on a trip.
The driver's personal auto policy, the other driver's liability insurance if someone else caused the crash, and your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can also play a part.
How long you have
Every state limits how long you have to bring an accident claim. In most states the deadline is two to three years from the accident, some states allow less, and claims against a city, county or state agency often need a written notice within months.
Once the deadline passes, you can lose the right to be paid at all, so check yours early. The state guides list the deadlines in Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and New York, with the law each comes from.
How CaseHelp helps
Start with the free case check: a few questions about what happened. Then Sarah, CaseHelp's AI assistant, or a member of our team calls to go over your answers and your options.
If you have a claim, we introduce you to an independent partner law firm. Accident lawyers usually work on contingency, which means no fee unless they win; case costs may apply. There is no obligation at any step.
Deadlines and fault rules by state
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
I was a passenger. Who pays?
Usually the insurance of whichever driver caused the crash. When the rideshare driver was on a trip, the company's policy often applies.
What if the other driver caused the crash?
Their liability insurance usually pays first. If they have none or too little, other policies, including the rideshare company's, may help.
Does it matter if the app was on?
Yes. The app's status at the time of the crash often decides which policy applies, so save screenshots of the trip.
Can I bring a claim against the rideshare company?
It depends on the facts and your state. A lawyer can tell you which policies and parties are involved.
CaseHelp is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This page is general information, not legal advice, and laws change. For advice about your own situation, talk to a licensed lawyer in your state.