One moment, you were a passenger heading to work, the grocery store, or home after a night out. The next, you were injured in a crash that wasn’t your fault—only to discover that getting compensation from Uber or Lyft isn’t simple, fast, or fair.
People often assume these companies will "take care of everything." But if you've been seriously hurt, you could be facing mounting medical bills, time off work, and lasting pain. And the insurance adjusters calling you? They're not there to help you heal.
That’s when hiring a rideshare accident attorney stops being optional—and becomes essential.
Is a Lawyer Required for Every Uber or Lyft Claim?
Technically, no. If you were in a minor fender-bender with no injuries and minimal damage, you might be able to handle the rideshare accident claim yourself.
But if you’ve suffered injuries that required medical treatment, disrupted your daily life, or caused you to miss work, the stakes are much higher. Insurance teams for Uber and Lyft often try to minimize payouts, and without legal representation, you may not even realize what damages you may have a right to pursue.
You don’t just need a lawyer. You need one who knows how to fight for rideshare victims.
What If You Don’t Hire a Lawyer?
It’s tempting to “see how it goes” on your own—but that decision can cost you thousands.
Without legal guidance, you risk:
- Accepting a settlement that doesn’t cover future treatment.
- Making statements that harm your case.
- Missing deadlines that bar you from filing at all.
- Being blamed for part of the crash to reduce your payout.
Insurance companies know the law. So should you—or at least have someone in your corner who does.
What a Rideshare Lawyer Does That You Can’t Do Alone
Accident victims are often surprised by how different Uber or Lyft claims are compared to regular car accidents. These cases require deep legal knowledge and tenacity—especially when multiple insurance companies are involved.
Here’s how a rideshare attorney helps protect your future:
- Identifies the correct insurance coverage. Was the driver on the way to a ride? In the app but waiting? Off duty? The answer changes everything about your claim.
- Prevents lowball offers. Insurers often offer quick settlements that don’t begin to cover long-term costs.
- Handles complex paperwork. Rideshare claims involve mountains of documentation—any error could delay or destroy your case.
- Negotiates aggressively. Lawyers know how to calculate the full value of your losses and push for it.
- Builds a strong case for court. If the insurance company won’t budge, a lawyer can file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
Warning Signs That You Definitely Need a Lawyer
If any of the following situations apply to you, it's in your best interest to speak to an attorney as soon as possible:
- You suffered serious injuries. This includes broken bones, surgeries, hospital stays, or anything requiring long-term care.
- There’s more than one vehicle involved. Multiple drivers mean multiple insurance companies—and finger-pointing.
- You’re unsure whose insurance applies. Uber, the driver’s personal policy, a third-party driver—it’s not always clear.
- You’ve been offered a quick settlement. Fast offers usually mean you’re being shortchanged.
- Insurers have delayed or denied your claim. Lawyers know how to escalate and challenge these tactics.
- You’re too hurt to manage the claim. You should focus on healing—not fighting adjusters.
The Pete Olson Difference: Fighting for People, Not Corporations
For nearly 30 years, Pete Olson Injury Law has stood up for the injured and the underestimated. Our Clarksville team doesn’t back down from corporate insurers, and we don’t take rideshare injury cases lightly.
Clients who work with us get:
- A legal team that understands Uber and Lyft claims inside and out
- A fierce advocate who won’t let insurers dismiss victims’ pain
- Real guidance tailored to clients’ stories—not a one-size-fits-all approach
We’ve helped countless Tennesseans move forward after life-altering accidents. And while we can’t undo what happened, we can help make things right.
Don’t Let Uber or Lyft Decide What You Deserve
After a serious rideshare crash, Uber, Lyft, or their insurers may tell you they will “handle” everything. But in whose favor? When your health, finances, and future are on the line, relying on a billion-dollar company’s insurance adjuster isn’t just risky—it’s a mistake.
A lawyer doesn’t just protect your rights. They help you reclaim control.