The car jolts. Your heart pounds. You’re hurt—but the Uber driver begs you not to call the police. Maybe they say it’s “not a big deal” or promise to report the crash themselves. It’s tempting to avoid the hassle, especially if you’re in pain or confused.
But here’s the truth: that police report could be the most important piece of evidence in your personal injury case.
At Pete Olson Injury Law, we know how overwhelming rideshare accidents can be—especially when you're left with injuries, questions, and pressure from others to make the wrong call. For nearly 30 years, Pete Olson and his team have helped Tennesseans stand up to insurance companies and fight for the compensation they deserve.
If you’re unsure what to do after a crash, start here. A police report is more than paperwork—it’s protection.
Why a Police Report Matters After a Rideshare Crash
A rideshare accident isn’t just inconvenient—it can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. And in the confusion after a crash, it’s easy to underestimate how much a police report can matter. But this document isn’t just for show—it’s a vital part of protecting your legal rights.
Your Legal Case Starts at the Scene
When you’re hurt in a rideshare accident, evidence starts disappearing the moment you leave the scene. Skid marks fade. Witnesses walk away. Memories blur.
But a police report locks in crucial details while they’re still fresh, including:
- Time, date, and location of the crash. This confirms when and where the accident occurred—critical for insurance claims and legal timelines.
- Names and contact info for drivers and witnesses. You’ll need this information if you decide to file a claim later.
- The officer’s observations. This includes weather, road conditions, and whether anyone appeared distracted or impaired.
- Statements from those involved. What people say at the scene may differ from what they claim later. A report preserves those early accounts.
Importantly, Tennessee law requires that an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of $50 or more be reported to police immediately (Tennessee Code § 55-10-106). Most rideshare accidents will meet this threshold—making police notification not just smart, but legally required.
What if the Driver Tells You Not to Call?
In some cases, the driver may pressure you to avoid calling the police. They might downplay the incident or offer to handle things privately. But protecting their job isn’t your responsibility—protecting yourself is.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore
When a driver discourages you from involving the police, consider why. Often, it’s not for your benefit.
- Fear of job loss. A report could threaten their ability to drive for the platform.
- Uninsured or unlicensed driving. They may not meet the company’s safety standards.
- Worry about liability. If they were at fault, they may want to avoid an official record.
Regardless of their reason, you are entitled to a complete, objective report of the accident—especially if you’ve been injured.
The Role of the Report in a Personal Injury Claim
In Tennessee, injury claims rely on evidence to prove fault, connect injuries to the crash, and push back against insurance company defenses. The police report helps set that foundation from day one.
How Tennessee Law Views Evidence After an Uber Accident
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under this system, you may recover damages only if you are less than 50% at fault for the crash. If you are 50% or more responsible, you are barred from recovering compensation (Tennessee Code § 29-11-103).
A police report plays a major role in:
- Establishing fault early. Officers often include an initial assessment of who caused the crash.
- Refuting false claims. If the driver or rideshare company later changes their story, the report backs your version.
- Supporting your injury timeline. Immediate reporting helps connect your injuries directly to the crash.
Without it, your claim may become a credibility battle—and insurance companies are trained to take advantage of doubt.
What Happens If You Didn’t Call the Police?
Not everyone calls the police right away—and sometimes, that decision is made under pressure, fear, or confusion. If that’s your situation, your case isn’t doomed—but it will take more work.
It’s Not Too Late—But Your Case May Be Harder to Prove
Even without a police report, you can still pursue compensation. But the burden of proof shifts heavily onto you. That’s why you should take the following steps as soon as possible:
- Seek medical attention right away. Immediate documentation helps establish the link between the accident and your injuries.
- Write down everything you remember. Include details about the crash, conversations you had, and any symptoms you’ve experienced since.
- Save all communications with the driver or Uber/Lyft. Text messages, emails, and app screenshots can help fill in gaps.
- Talk to a Tennessee rideshare lawyer. An experienced attorney can help reconstruct what happened and gather supporting evidence.
Also, keep in mind that Tennessee law may require you or the driver to file a written accident report with the Department of Safety if property damage exceeds $1,500 or if the crash involved injury or death (Tennessee Code § 55-10-107).
Police Reports and Rideshare Companies: How Uber and Lyft Respond
Insurance companies that represent rideshare drivers are not in the business of doing the right thing out of goodwill. Their job is to minimize payouts—and they’re very good at finding ways to do that.
Why Documentation Is Crucial When Dealing With Big Corporations
Uber and Lyft both carry high-limit insurance policies for accidents, but that doesn’t mean they’ll cooperate easily. A missing police report gives them room to deny, delay, or downplay your claim.
Here’s how they might push back:
- You weren’t really hurt. If there’s no official report, they’ll say your injuries weren’t serious enough to report.
- The crash didn’t happen as described. Without a third-party record, your account may be questioned.
- Someone else was at fault. They may try to shift blame to another driver or even to you.
When your word is all you have, big corporations have the upper hand. A police report helps level the playing field—and hold them accountable.
Don’t Let a Missing Report Derail Your Recovery
You’ve just been through something traumatic. You’re hurt. You’re confused. And you’re being asked to make legal decisions you didn’t expect.
Whether you’re still at the scene or you’ve already left without calling the police, remember this: your legal rights matter. And so does every piece of evidence you can gather to protect them.
At Pete Olson Injury Law, our rideshare accident attorneys have helped countless clients recover after rideshare crashes—and we’ve seen the difference a police report can make. It’s not about blame. It’s about proof. And it could be the proof you need to get the justice and compensation you deserve.