Uber & Lyft Accidents We Get You Back on Your Feet

Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer in Elkhart

Over 30 Years of Experience, Across from the Elkhart County Courthouse

A rideshare accident can involve several insurers, and the driver’s activity in the app may determine which policy applies. We evaluate the collision, available coverage, injuries, and losses while managing the layered corporate insurance claims process for passengers, drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians.

Our Elkhart office sits directly across from the Elkhart County Courthouse, giving injured people a place to meet with us in person. Led by Attorney Jeff “JJ” Shaw, Shaw Law brings more than 30 years of personal injury experience to clients throughout Indiana.

Call (574) 777-7777 to arrange a free evaluation with our rideshare accident attorneys in Elkhart.

How Indiana Rideshare Coverage Changes During a Trip

The driver’s app status at the time of the crash can determine whether a personal auto policy, rideshare company coverage, or both may apply.

The primary coverage phases include:

Waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage during this phase. It generally applies after the driver’s personal insurance has been exhausted.
Actively engaged in a ride: Indiana law requires rideshare companies to provide up to $1 million in liability coverage while a driver is transporting a passenger.
Uninsured or underinsured driver: Uber and Lyft generally provide up to $1 million in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for active passengers. This coverage may apply when the responsible driver has no insurance or insufficient limits.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in Elkhart

Drivers may spend long hours behind the wheel, navigate unfamiliar roads, and respond to information displayed in the app. Those competing demands can increase the risk of a collision.

Common contributing factors include:

Distraction from app notifications, navigation prompts, and incoming ride requests
Fatigue during late-night driving or extended shifts
Sudden lane changes near passenger pick-up and drop-off areas
Failure to yield while watching for a rider or destination

No Upfront Fees & Direct Access to Your Case

We provide contingency fee representation, so clients don’t pay upfront legal fees. We’re paid only if we recover compensation for them.

We communicate with the corporate insurance teams, examine the policies that may apply, and keep clients informed. Our EZ Case smartphone app also provides access to case progress and potential estimates throughout the legal process.

How Medical Bills Are Paid After a Rideshare Accident

Medical providers in Indiana don’t automatically send an injured rider’s bills to Uber or Lyft for payment. Health insurance or medical payments coverage typically covers the initial treatment costs. The at-fault driver’s insurer may then compensate the injured person for covered losses through a settlement or verdict.

If the responsible driver is uninsured or lacks sufficient coverage, the rideshare company’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply to an active passenger. The potential recovery depends on the facts of the crash, the driver’s app status, the applicable policies, and the documented losses.

Why Rideshare Claims Differ from Taxi Accident Claims

Uber and Lyft drivers are commonly treated as independent contractors, while taxi drivers are typically classified as employees of the cab company. That employee relationship can provide a more direct basis for holding a taxi company responsible for its driver’s negligence.

The insurance structures also differ. Taxi companies typically carry a single commercial policy covering their vehicles. Rideshare coverage is layered and can change depending on whether the driver was waiting for a request or actively transporting a passenger.

Indiana’s Two-Year Filing Deadline & Evidence of Fault

Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, the personal injury statute of limitations is generally two years from the accident date. Exceptions may change that deadline, so waiting to investigate a claim could put the ability to pursue compensation at risk.

Proving fault generally requires evidence that another party acted negligently, causing the collision and resulting injuries. Useful evidence may include the crash report, photographs, witness statements, medical records, vehicle damage, app activity, and insurance documents. Preserving these materials early can clarify what happened and which coverage applies.

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“I wholeheartedly endorse him.”
“Jeff is an engaging and creative personal injury lawyer who cares about his clients.”

- John S., Personal Injury Attorney
“Mr. Shaw Was Incredibly Helpful and More Than Willing to Explain”
“His diligence in returning my communications and exploring my legal options was greatly appreciated.”

- Michael R.
“Jeff Shaw was Very Professional”
“I am very satisfied with the outcome of my case.”

- Shelby Kunes
“I would recommend him to all our family and friends.”
“Attorney Shaw got me a fair settlement, much more than I thought we were going to get.”

- Randy & Kathy M
“Mr. Shaw Is a Powerful Advocate for His Clients”
“I endorse this lawyer.”

- David P., Personal Injury Attorney
“I endorse this lawyer.”
“Jeffrey Shaw is extremely dedicated to the practice and truly believes in justice for all.”

- Gary A., Mesothelioma And Asbestos Attorney
“I Wholeheartedly Endorse This Lawyer”
“Mr. Jeffrey is a well-regarded and driven attorney who has provided exceptional legal representation to numerous clients throughout the U.S.”

- Channika D., Mesothelioma and asbestos Attorney
“He’s One of My Go-To Attorneys When I Have a Client”
“Jeffrey’s answers in the areas of personal injury and slip and fall are always right on the money.”

- Jay M., Employment And Labor Attorney

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A Record of Indiana Verdicts & Settlements

Our results include motor vehicle, trucking, wrongful death, and premises liability cases throughout Indiana. They reflect our work investigating injuries, presenting evidence, negotiating with insurers, and taking cases to trial when necessary.

Representative results include:

$600,000 verdict: A Hamilton County slip and fall case against Walmart
$150,000 jury award: A Daviess County case for a dump truck driver who suffered an arm injury requiring stitches, even though no vehicle contact occurred
$300,000 settlement: A Porter County wrongful death case involving a pregnant woman who died in an auto accident

Past results don’t guarantee the outcome of another case. Each claim depends on its evidence, injuries, insurance coverage, and individual circumstances.

Get Clarity on Your Rideshare Accident Claim

Contact us for a free case evaluation. We can review what happened, identify the policies that may apply, and explain your options under Indiana law. From our physical office in Elkhart, we represent injured passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles.

Our contingency fee arrangement means there are no upfront legal fees. We’re paid only if we recover compensation for you.

Call (574) 777-7777 to speak with Shaw Law about your rideshare accident claim.

Our Results

$350,000

$350,000 Settlement in Valparaiso, IN
Woman Settles for $350,000 for Falling on Broken Asphalt near the Concrete Pad While Pumping Gas in Valparaiso, Indiana (March 2019)
$43,000

$43,000 Settlement in Gary, IN
Woman Settles for $43,000 for Tripping Over Broken Sidewalk of Dollar Store in Gary, Indiana (February 2019)
$5,000,000

Verdict in Indianapolis, IN
Bicyclist Struck by Indianapolis School Bus (independent contractor) Awarded $5M by Indianapolis Jury (Upheld by Verdict, $4.4M Paid)

All Results

We Get You Back On Your Feet

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Why Call Shaw Law?

Work Directly With Your Attorney
When you call SHAW LAW, you get to work directly with Attorneys JJ Shaw, Sky Shaw, and Haydon Shaw.
We Maximize Your Recovery
SHAW LAW has obtained MILLIONS of dollars in compensation for our clients—and we work to get you your maximum results.
We Get You Back On Your Feet
When you’ve been injured, it can feel like your world is falling apart around you. SHAW LAW is dedicated to helping you get back on your feet and recover what has been taken from you.
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We make sure that you and your family are constantly up-to-date with the status of your case. Call, text, email, or DM us at any time—and we will get back to you.