Rideshare crashes in a city built on them
Rideshare is how much of Las Vegas moves between the Strip, downtown, the airport and the neighborhoods, especially at night. Pickup zones at resorts and Harry Reid International Airport are congested, drivers watch their phones for the next request, and passengers are often visitors who leave town days later. If you were hurt as a rideshare passenger, as a rideshare driver, or by a rideshare vehicle while driving, walking or cycling, the claim works differently from an ordinary crash because of the layers of insurance involved.
Which insurance applies
Nevada requires transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry coverage that depends on what the app showed at the time (NRS 690B.470). While a driver is logged in and waiting for a request, at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per crash and $25,000 property damage applies. Once a ride is accepted, and while a passenger is in the car, coverage of at least $1.5 million applies. If the app was off, the driver's personal policy is usually the starting point.
Save the app evidence
Take screenshots of the trip receipt, the driver's name and vehicle, the route map and any in-app messages before they are hard to find. Report the crash through the app as well as to police. Those records establish which coverage period applied, which can be the biggest question in the claim.
Passengers, drivers and other motorists
Passengers are rarely at fault, so the question is usually which policy pays and how much. Rideshare drivers who are hurt by another motorist may have a claim against that driver and possibly uninsured motorist coverage through the platform. Other motorists, pedestrians and cyclists hit by a rideshare vehicle generally claim against the coverage in effect at that moment. Nevada's comparative fault rule (NRS 41.141) and two-year deadline for injury lawsuits (NRS 11.190(4)(e)) still apply; both are explained in the Nevada accident guide.
Visitors who were passengers
If you were visiting and have gone home, a Nevada claim can usually continue remotely. Keep your trip receipt, medical records from Las Vegas and home, and travel costs. The Strip and Paradise page covers more about visitor cases.
Dealing with the rideshare company
Rideshare insurers have dedicated claims teams. You may hear from more than one company, the driver's personal insurer and the platform's insurer, each pointing at the other. It helps to understand the coverage periods before giving recorded statements; our FAQ explains what you are and are not required to say.
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Tell us what happened through the enquiry form or call (725) 212-4114. An independent Nevada-licensed attorney reviews the basics at no cost. Related pages: car accidents and pedestrian injuries. You can also read how this service works.