At our firm, led by attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley, we have spent years representing injury victims throughout Indiana, including those harmed in complex rideshare accident cases.
As a Fishers accident lawyer, we understand that collisions involving Uber and Lyft are different from other motor vehicle accidents. They require an in-depth knowledge of Indiana’s fault laws, rideshare company policies, and the unique insurance structures that apply to these cases.
When you are injured in a rideshare crash, the stakes are high. Multiple parties may be involved, and determining who is responsible is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and rideshare corporations have extensive legal resources working in their favor.
Our role is to level the playing field. We investigate every detail, preserve crucial evidence, and pursue full compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other losses, while guiding you through every step of the process.
Understanding Rideshare Accident Liability in Indiana
Liability in a rideshare accident can be far more complex than in a standard motor vehicle collision. As your Fishers rideshare accident lawyer, we explain these differences to our clients from the very beginning so they understand their legal position and options.
Indiana’s Fault System
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. You may recover compensation if you are 50 percent or less at fault for the crash. If you are 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot collect damages. Your recovery is also reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
In rideshare accidents, responsibility may rest with:
- The rideshare driver
- Another motorist
- The rideshare company itself, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash
- Third parties, such as vehicle manufacturers or contractors responsible for road maintenance
Why These Cases Require Experience
Determining liability requires reviewing not only police reports and witness statements, but also digital trip records, driver background information, and company communications. Attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley and our legal team have the resources to obtain and analyze this evidence, allowing us to identify all liable parties and maximize the potential recovery for our clients.
When liability is contested, we present clear, evidence-backed arguments to protect your rights and ensure your claim is taken seriously from the start.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents in Fishers can occur under many circumstances, but certain patterns appear frequently in the cases we handle. As your rideshare accident attorney in Fishers, we investigate each case thoroughly to determine the exact cause and identify every responsible party.
Some of the most common contributing factors include:
- Distracted driving – Using the rideshare app, texting, or adjusting navigation while driving
- Driver fatigue – Long shifts without rest lead to slower reaction times and poor judgment
- Speeding or aggressive driving – Ignoring speed limits, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes
- Impaired driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication
- Poor vehicle maintenance – Brake failures, worn tires, or other mechanical issues that should have been addressed
- Road hazards – Potholes, debris, or poorly marked construction zones create dangerous conditions
- Negligence of other drivers – Collisions caused by motorists not affiliated with the rideshare company
Identifying the cause of a rideshare crash is critical because it determines how we pursue your claim and which insurance policies may apply. Attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley and our team work with accident reconstruction specialists, review rideshare app data, and gather all available evidence to establish exactly what happened.
By pinpointing the cause and linking it directly to the liable party, we build a strong case for full compensation under Indiana law.
Who Can Be Held Responsible After a Rideshare Accident?
One of the most challenging aspects of a rideshare accident claim is determining who should be held legally responsible. Unlike standard collisions, multiple parties may share fault, and each may have different insurance coverage. As your Fishers rideshare accident lawyer, we analyze every angle to ensure no liable party is overlooked.
The Rideshare Driver
If the driver’s negligence caused the crash—whether through distraction, speeding, or other unsafe behavior—they can be held personally responsible. Depending on the driver’s status in the app at the time, Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage may also apply.
The Rideshare Company
Uber or Lyft may be liable if the driver was logged into the app and transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up. Their corporate insurance policies often provide higher coverage limits than personal auto policies.
Other Motorists
If another driver’s negligence contributed to the collision, they can be held accountable for their share of the damages.
Third Parties
Entities such as vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, or contractors responsible for unsafe road conditions can also bear responsibility.
Attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley and our legal team use a comprehensive investigative approach to identify every potential defendant. By doing so, we can access all available insurance coverage and maximize the compensation available to you under Indiana law.
Insurance Coverage in Uber and Lyft Accidents
One of the most important factors in a rideshare accident case is determining which insurance policy applies at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft operate under tiered coverage systems that depend on the driver’s status in the app.
As your Fishers rideshare accident lawyer, we review trip data, company records, and witness statements to ensure the correct coverage is pursued.
| Driver’s Status | Insurance Coverage Available | Key Details |
| App Off (Driver not logged in) | Driver’s personal auto insurance | Rideshare company coverage does not apply |
| App On, No Ride Accepted | Limited liability coverage from Uber/Lyft: $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for injuries, $25,000 for property damage | Acts as secondary coverage if personal insurance denies the claim |
| En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger | $1 million in liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | Applies from the moment a ride is accepted until it is completed in the app |
Why This Matters in Indiana
Indiana’s fault laws mean the responsible party’s insurance should pay, but disputes often arise between personal insurers and rideshare companies. We handle these disputes directly, using evidence to prove the driver’s exact status at the time of the collision.
By pinpointing the correct coverage tier, we protect your right to receive the maximum available compensation.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
What you do immediately after a rideshare accident can significantly impact your health, your safety, and your legal claim. As your Fishers rideshare accident lawyer, we recommend the following steps:
- Seek Medical Attention: Get a medical evaluation right away, even if you do not feel seriously injured. Some injuries are not immediately obvious, and medical records link your injuries to the crash.
- Call Law Enforcement: Indiana law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage. A police report is a critical piece of evidence in your case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect driver and vehicle information, rideshare app details, witness contact information, and photos or videos of the scene.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company: Use the in-app incident reporting feature for Uber or Lyft, but provide only factual details.
- Contact an Experienced Lawyer: Attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley can take immediate action to preserve evidence, determine liability, and begin building your claim for compensation.
Taking these steps early helps protect your rights and strengthens your ability to secure a fair recovery under Indiana law.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of rideshare accidents in Fishers may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. As your rideshare accident attorney in Fishers, we carefully document each category to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Economic Damages
These losses have a direct financial cost and can be proven through bills, receipts, and records:
- Medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care needs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, including transportation for medical appointments
Non-Economic Damages
These losses address the personal and emotional impact of the accident:
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to physical limitations
- Loss of companionship or guidance in severe injury or wrongful death cases
By identifying every category of loss, attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley and our legal team work to recover the full amount you are entitled to under Indiana law, not just what the insurance company is willing to offer.
How We Investigate and Build Rideshare Accident Cases
Building a strong rideshare accident case requires more than simply reviewing a police report. As your Fishers rideshare accident lawyer, we follow a detailed process to uncover every fact and strengthen your claim.
Step 1: Initial Case Review
We gather your account of the accident, review available documentation, and identify urgent evidence to secure before it disappears.
Step 2: Evidence Collection
Our team obtains police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, rideshare app trip data, and driver background information. We also inspect vehicle damage and roadway conditions.
Step 3: Expert Analysis
When needed, we work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and financial professionals to establish causation, injury severity, and long-term costs.
Step 4: Liability Assessment
We identify every potentially responsible party, including the rideshare driver, other motorists, and third parties, and assess their applicable insurance coverage.
Step 5: Negotiation and Litigation
We present a strong, evidence-backed demand to insurers. If a fair settlement is not offered, we prepare the case for trial to pursue maximum compensation.
This thorough, step-by-step approach allows us to build compelling cases that hold negligent parties accountable and secure the recovery our clients deserve under Indiana law.
Why Choose Vaughn A. Wamsley for Your Rideshare Accident Case
Choosing the right lawyer after a rideshare accident can directly impact the success of your claim. At ProtectYourRights.com, led by attorney Vaughn A. Wamsley, we provide the legal skill, local knowledge, and client dedication necessary to navigate these complex cases.
Proven Experience with Rideshare Claims
We understand the unique challenges of rideshare accidents, from multiple insurance policies to app-based liability disputes. Our track record shows we know how to win these cases.
Local Knowledge, Statewide Reach
Our familiarity with Fishers courts, judges, and accident trends allows us to anticipate challenges and tailor our strategies for the best possible results, while still serving clients across Indiana.
Client-Focused Service
We prioritize open communication, keeping you informed at every stage. You will always know where your case stands and what comes next.
Relentless Case Preparation
We build every case as if it will go to trial, which strengthens our negotiation leverage and ensures we are ready for any outcome.
When you work with us, you gain an advocate who is committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my medical bills after a rideshare accident?
The at-fault party’s insurance is typically responsible. If the rideshare driver was at fault and on duty, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may apply. Your own MedPay or health insurance may also help cover expenses while the claim is pending.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
In certain situations, yes. If the driver was logged into the app and actively working, the rideshare company’s corporate insurance policy may be the source of your compensation. Direct lawsuits against the company are more complex and require strong evidence.
What if I were a passenger in the rideshare vehicle?
Passengers are rarely at fault, so you may pursue a claim against the driver, another motorist, or both, depending on who caused the crash.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in Indiana?
Indiana’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident. Claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines.
What if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?
Uber and Lyft provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage when the driver is on duty. We confirm the driver’s status and access all available coverage.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
A rideshare accident can leave you facing medical bills, lost income, and ongoing uncertainty about your future. You should not have to navigate the legal process alone while trying to recover. As your Fishers rideshare accident lawyer, we are ready to take immediate action to protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve under Indiana law.
Acting quickly is critical. Evidence can disappear, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and insurance companies will begin working to protect their own interests right away. By involving us early, you gain the advantage of experienced legal guidance and a team committed to building the strongest case possible.
If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fishers or the surrounding area, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to fight for your recovery and your peace of mind.
