You’re heading to Broadway in Nashville for a night out or getting a lift home after a long shift in Clarksville. A rideshare app makes it simple, until your driver swerves or brakes too late or another car crashes into you. In an instant, convenience turns into chaos.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we get around in Tennessee. But when accidents happen, they can also complicate how victims get justice. From confusing insurance policies to unclear liability, these cases demand experienced legal help and a clear understanding of your rights. Here's what you need to know if you’re injured in a rideshare accident in Tennessee.
The Growth of Rideshare in Tennessee
Over the past decade, Uber and Lyft have redefined transportation. In fast-growing cities like Nashville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro, rideshare apps offer on-demand access to transportation that bypasses the need for car ownership or traditional taxi services.
This growth, however, hasn’t come without risks. Rideshare drivers aren’t professionally trained, and most use their own vehicles, with little safety oversight. They often work long hours and rely on navigation apps that constantly pull their attention away from the road. With more rideshare vehicles operating during high-traffic hours and late-night shifts, the likelihood of collisions increases, especially in congested downtown areas or during tourist events.
Passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers are all vulnerable when things go wrong, and unlike traditional commercial drivers, Uber and Lyft operators exist in a legal gray zone between employee and independent contractor. That ambiguity can make it harder to hold the right party accountable after a crash.
Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents
Rideshare crashes aren’t just caused by bad luck; they often stem from systemic risks and real-world pressures unique to the job. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving. Rideshare drivers depend on mobile apps to accept rides, find passengers, and navigate. This constant phone interaction makes distracted driving a built-in hazard. Even a moment’s delay in reacting to a red light or merging traffic can lead to a devastating crash.
- Fatigue from long hours. Many Uber and Lyft drivers put in extended shifts to make ends meet, sometimes driving late into the night or after working another job. Fatigue impairs reaction time and decision-making just like alcohol does, increasing the risk of serious accidents.
- Unfamiliar roads and passenger pressure. Many rideshare drivers don’t have the same level of experience as taxi drivers or chauffeurs, meaning they may often drive in areas they’re not familiar with. Add in pressure from passengers to “go faster” or “take the shortcut,” and drivers may make unsafe or rushed decisions.
- Multi-tasking behind the wheel. Drivers often handle several things at once: chatting with passengers, watching for pickups, and dealing with traffic, all of which can lead to oversights or violations of basic road safety.
These factors often contribute to rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, unsafe lane changes, or failure to yield, all of which can lead to serious injury or worse.
Who May Be Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
Unlike a typical two-car crash, liability in an Uber or Lyft accident can be murky. Several parties may share responsibility, depending on what happened and who was involved:
- The Uber/Lyft driver. If the driver was speeding, distracted, under the influence, or otherwise negligent, they may be personally liable for your injuries.
- Uber or Lyft (corporate liability). These companies have designed their operations to minimize direct liability, but they may still be responsible in some cases, especially if the driver was logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger.
- Third-party drivers. If another motorist caused the crash—say, by running a red light or rear-ending the rideshare vehicle—that driver’s insurance would typically apply.
- Vehicle manufacturers or maintenance companies. Mechanical failure or poor vehicle upkeep may also play a role in accidents. For example, if worn brakes or faulty tires contributed to the accident, the vehicle’s manufacturer or a repair shop may bear some liability.
Tennessee uses a modified comparative fault system. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your damages will be reduced based on your share of fault.
Understanding Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage
Rideshare insurance coverage depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Off the clock. If the driver wasn’t logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they’re considered a regular motorist. Only their personal auto insurance applies, and the rideshare company provides no coverage.
- Logged in, waiting for a ride. In this phase, Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage—usually $50,000 per person injured, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This applies only if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident.
- Active ride. Once a ride is accepted (even before pickup) and until the passenger is dropped off, both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability insurance. This is where most serious accident claims are filed.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you're hit by an uninsured driver—or if you're a passenger in an Uber/Lyft vehicle hit by someone with little or no insurance—your own UM/UIM coverage may fill the gap. It's often the only way to get full compensation when the at-fault party can't pay.
Understanding which insurance policy applies is one of the trickiest parts of rideshare claims, and it’s one reason why accident victims should consult an attorney before accepting a quick settlement.
Types of Injuries in Rideshare Crashes
Even a low-speed collision can cause significant injuries. Victims in rideshare accidents often suffer:
- Catastrophic injuries. These include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, crushed limbs, or internal bleeding. Many require emergency surgery, extended hospitalization, or lifelong medical care.
- Orthopedic injuries. Broken bones, torn ligaments, and herniated discs are common, especially when passengers are seated in the back without full side-impact protection.
- Soft tissue injuries. Whiplash and neck strain are typical in rear-end accidents, which happen often when distracted rideshare drivers brake too late.
- Wrongful death. If the crash results in a fatality, family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost income, and compensation for loss of companionship.
Pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life are real, and the law recognizes your right to seek justice and compensation.
Steps to Take After an Uber/Lyft Accident in Tennessee
Your actions in the minutes and days after the crash can shape your entire case. Follow these steps:
- Get medical help immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. A delayed diagnosis can hurt both your health and your case.
- Report the crash through the app. If you were a passenger, report the accident using the in-app tool. This ensures that Uber or Lyft has a record of the incident.
- Collect evidence. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and license plates. Get contact info for witnesses and request the police report.
- Do not speak to insurance adjusters before legal counsel. Insurers will often pressure victims into quick, lowball settlements. Let Pete Olson Injury Law deal with the adjusters while you focus on healing.
How Pete Olson Injury Law Supports Rideshare Accident Victims
Rideshare accidents are not ordinary car crashes—and they shouldn’t be handled by just any personal injury firm. At Pete Olson Injury Law, we bring:
- Personal, direct communication. Your case won’t get passed to a paralegal or call center. You’ll work directly with an attorney who understands Tennessee law and takes the time to advocate for you.
- Decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases. We’ve seen how a single crash can turn a life upside down. We pursue full compensation for lost wages, future medical care, and long-term suffering.
- Willingness to go to trial if necessary. While many cases settle, we prepare for court from day one. If insurers won’t pay what your case is worth, we’ll fight for justice in front of a jury.