Uber and Lyft Bicycle Accidents: Rideshare Liability

Rideshare vehicles are everywhere—and they're often distracted by their apps. When Uber or Lyft drivers hit cyclists, unique insurance issues arise.

Rideshare Insurance Periods

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Period 0 App off. Only driver's personal insurance applies.

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Period 1 App on, waiting for request. Limited rideshare coverage:

• $50,000 bodily injury per person

• $100,000 per accident

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Period 2 En route to pickup. Full rideshare coverage:

• $1 million liability

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Period 3 Passenger in vehicle. Same full coverage.

Determining Which Period

Critical evidence:

• Was driver's app on?

• Were they on a ride?

• App records prove status

Insurance Complications

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Multiple Policies

• Driver's personal insurance

• Rideshare company insurance

• Your UM/UIM coverage

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Policy Gaps Personal policies often exclude commercial driving, creating gaps in Period 1.

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Rideshare Companies Fight They argue driver was independent contractor, not their responsibility.

Your Claim

You can potentially recover from:

• Driver directly

• Driver's personal insurance

• Rideshare company insurance

• Your own UM/UIM

Proving Rideshare Status

- Subpoena app records

• Driver's phone forensics

• Witness testimony

• Dashcam footage