Burnsville’s Confident Uber, Lyft And Rideshare Accident Attorney
Last updated on November 18, 2025
Thousands of people rely on the convenience of modern rideshare services. Then an accident happens, and you need the help of a personal injury lawyer.
Otten Law Offices provides aggressive representation for your personal injury claim. We have served Burnsville, Scott County and the entire Southern Metro area since 1990. For over 30 years, we have focused on success for people just like you. Paul Otten is a preeminent attorney with extensive respect in the legal community. He provides one-on-one attention from the moment you contact us. With us, you can feel confident in our ability to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
The Scope Of Rideshare Accidents
A rideshare accident is any motor vehicle collision involving a driver working for a transportation network company such as Uber or Lyft. We handle a wide variety of rideshare accident scenarios, including:
- A rideshare vehicle hitting another vehicle.
- A rideshare vehicle hitting a pedestrian or a bicycle rider.
- A rideshare vehicle hit by another vehicle.
- A passenger in a rideshare vehicle injured when the vehicle is hit.
- A rideshare driver injured by another driver’s negligence while on the clock.
- An Uber or Lyft driver causing a crash while waiting for a passenger request.
Whether you were a passenger in a rideshare accident or the driver of another vehicle, you have rights. We fight to hold the negligent parties accountable for your injuries.
Common Causes Of Minnesota Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare vehicles often face a higher risk of accidents than regular drivers. Rideshare drivers spend more time on the road and face pressure to complete trips quickly. This combination leads to increased distraction and fatigue. Other common reasons for rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving due to GPS devices
- Driving in unfamiliar areas
- Driving recklessly to transport a passenger
- Driver fatigue from long or odd hours
- Speeding or making illegal lane changes
- Failure to properly maintain the rideshare vehicle
We investigate all of these factors to build a strong personal injury case for you.
What To Do After A Rideshare Accident
The steps you take at the scene can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here are the critical actions you must take:
- Call 911 to report the accident.
- Seek immediate medical attention for all injuries, even if they seem minor.
- Exchange information with all drivers and parties involved.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage and your injuries.
- Get a screenshot of the Uber or Lyft app to show the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
- Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company without speaking to a lawyer.
Finally, consult a reputable personal injury attorney. Do not try to handle this complicated legal situation on your own: we will protect your interests from the start.
Insurance And Rideshare Drivers: What To Know
Rideshare insurance is much more complicated than a standard car accident claim. The responsible insurance policy depends entirely on the actions of the Uber or Lyft driver at the exact moment of the crash. The driver’s personal insurance policy applies if the driver is not logged into the app. However, once the driver has logged into the app, the rideshare company’s corporate insurance policies come into play. These policies are tiered:
- Waiting for a ride, app on: If the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a request, the rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage.
- Going to pick up or carrying a passenger: The highest level of coverage. Once a driver accepts a request and drives to the passenger or has the passenger in the vehicle, the company provides third-party liability coverage.
If you are a passenger in a rideshare accident, you likely have coverage under this high-limit policy. If the rideshare vehicle hit you as a driver or pedestrian, your coverage depends on the driver’s status. Our rideshare accident attorney helps you cut through the confusion and file the claim against the correct insurance policy.
Can I Sue Uber If I Get Into An Accident?
Often, yes, you can sue Uber or Lyft. Whether you file a lawsuit against the rideshare company or the individual driver depends on the circumstances of the accident. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This makes suing the company directly more difficult. In most cases, we file a claim against the rideshare company’s large insurance policy first.
We only pursue a direct lawsuit against Uber or Lyft in specific situations. For example, if the company was negligent in its driver screening or hiring process, we may sue the company. In other cases, we sue the individual driver if they were not logged into the app.
How Much Does Uber Pay If You Get Into A Car Accident?
Compensation for an Uber accident varies case by case. Factors affecting your settlement can include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of past and future medical care
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering endured
- The rideshare driver’s status at the time of the crash
For severe injuries requiring extensive medical care, settlements can be very high.
How Much Is A Lyft Accident Settlement?
Lyft accident settlements are comparable to Uber accident settlements. The same factors determine the final value of your case. Lyft maintains a similar insurance policy for accidents that occur during an active trip.
Is There A Deadline To Filing A Rideshare Accident Lawsuit?
Yes, strict time limits apply to rideshare accident claims. In most states, personal injury lawsuits must be filed within one to three years from the date of the accident. These deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, vary by state. Minnesota generally allows six years for personal injury claims, but other states may allow as little as one year.
Is It Worth It To Hire An Accident Attorney?
Hiring a skilled accident attorney is absolutely worth it. Rideshare accidents are legally complex due to the layered insurance policies. The companies and their insurers will fight hard to deny or minimize your claim. You need an experienced lawyer who has successfully handled these complicated cases before. We do everything for you, from investigating the accident to negotiating with the insurance companies.
Get Vigorous Representation From A Minnesota Rideshare Lawyer
We are here to provide the compassionate and confident representation you need right now. To set up a free consultation, please call us at 952-303-0702 or send us an email today.