Your Rideshare Accident Lawyer Fort Wayne
A rideshare accident lawyer in Fort Wayne knows these cases are often more complex than other car wrecks. Uber and Lyft drivers are treated as independent contractors, and their coverage changes depending on whether the app was on or if a passenger was in the car. That’s why it helps to have a law firm that understands how these companies operate and how to pursue the full compensation you deserve under Indiana law.
For more than 50 years, the Ken Nunn Law Office has stood up for injured people across Indiana. Our firm has recovered over a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts, earning a reputation for fighting hard when insurance companies won’t do what’s right.
Our mission is to guide you through the legal process and seek every opportunity for fair compensation. Contact us today to start pursuing the justice you deserve.
It’s Easy to Get Started
Getting started with your case is as simple as a click or a phone call. Reach out to our law office today, and we’ll start reviewing your case immediately.
We’re Here to Protect Your Rights
You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness. We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve, so you can focus on recovering.
No Upfront Fees
At the Ken Nunn Law Office, we work on contingency. This means there’s no fee to hire us and no cost at all unless we win for you.
Table of Contents
What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in Fort Wayne
A crash involving an Uber or Lyft can be chaotic. You might not know what steps to take or who to call first. The actions you take right after the wreck can make a big difference in protecting your health and your right to compensation.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and get medical help: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not show up right away.
- Report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app: This creates an official record that will be important later.
- Exchange information: Get the driver’s name, contact info, license plate, and insurance details.
- Document the scene: Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and anything that could show how the crash happened.
- Get witness names and numbers: Their statements can help prove what really occurred.
- Call a Fort Wayne rideshare accident attorney: Before you speak to an insurance company, it helps to have someone on your side who understands how these cases work in Indiana.
Taking these steps can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case if you decide to pursue a lawsuit later. You should also speak to an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to give yourself the best chances of winning compensation.
Who Do I Sue After a Rideshare Accident in Fort Wayne?
Rideshare crashes can be tricky because liability often depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the wreck. If the driver was using the app or carrying a passenger, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may apply. If they were off the clock, their personal policy usually takes over.
Here’s how it generally breaks down under Indiana law:
- If the driver was not using the app: Only their personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft are not involved.
- If a passenger was in the vehicle or the driver was on the way to pick one up: Uber or Lyft’s liability policy may apply.
- If another driver caused the crash: The at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible, though rideshare coverage may still help if their limits are too low.
Because rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, you generally cannot sue Uber or Lyft directly unless their own actions contributed to the crash. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can investigate the details of your case and identify every party that may owe you compensation.
Who Can Seek Compensation After a Rideshare Accident?
Not everyone in a rideshare crash is in the same position. Whether you were riding in an Uber or Lyft, driving for one, or were hit by a rideshare vehicle, your rights—and who pays—can vary depending on what happened.
| Injury Type | Who’s Typically at Fault | Who Can Seek Compensation | Insurance Coverage That May Apply |
| Rideshare Passenger Injured | Rideshare driver or another motorist | The passenger | Rideshare company’s policy, possibly the at-fault driver’s insurance |
| Rideshare Driver Injured (While Working) | Another motorist or faulty vehicle | The driver | Uber/Lyft’s contingent liability or uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage |
| Driver or Pedestrian Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle | The rideshare driver | The non-rideshare driver, pedestrian, or cyclist | Driver’s personal insurance |
| Multi-Vehicle Accident | Shared fault among drivers | Anyone 50% or less at fault | Combination of personal and rideshare insurance policies |
Rideshare cases can quickly turn complicated because multiple insurers may argue over who should pay. That’s why it’s important to talk to a rideshare attorney who understands how to navigate these overlapping insurance policies and Indiana’s modified comparative fault rules.
Why Choose the Ken Nunn Law Office
When you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you need a team that knows how to stand up to large insurance companies and protect your rights. For more than 50 years, the Ken Nunn Law Office has helped injured people across Indiana pursue the compensation they deserve.
Our firm has earned a reputation for fighting for clients—not insurance companies. We understand how confusing rideshare claims can be and what evidence it takes to prove who’s responsible. With deep knowledge of Fort Wayne’s roads and courts, our attorneys are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience that matters: Decades of handling complex car, truck, and rideshare cases throughout Indiana.
- Personal attention: You’ll get updates, answers, and support from a team that genuinely cares about your recovery.
- Local insight: We know the Fort Wayne community, its courts, and its insurance networks—knowledge that helps strengthen your case.
- No upfront fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Proven results: Our track record shows our commitment to helping injured Hoosiers get justice.
When you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, the Ken Nunn Law Office is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Put a Trusted Lawyer On Your Side!
Will Uber or Lyft Pay for My Accident?
Whether Uber or Lyft will pay for your accident depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened. Both Uber accident claims and Lyft accident claims often involve overlapping insurance policies that can be difficult to sort out. Both companies provide insurance coverage for their drivers, but it only applies in certain situations. If the driver was off the clock, the driver’s personal auto policy may apply. If the driver was logged into the app, rideshare coverage may apply.
Here’s a general breakdown of how it works:
| Driver’s Status at Time of Crash | Who’s Responsible | Available Coverage |
| App Off (Personal Time) | The driver only | Personal auto insurance |
| App On, Waiting for a Ride Request | The driver’s insurance first; Uber/Lyft if needed | Limited rideshare insurance protection |
| Ride Accepted or Passenger in the Vehicle | Uber or Lyft’s insurer | Full liability and uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage |
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance is usually responsible. But if that driver doesn’t have enough coverage, the rideshare company’s insurance may help cover the rest.
These cases can quickly become complicated. Insurance companies may dispute fault or whether the driver was using the app when the wreck occurred. A rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand the facts of your case, identify which policies apply, and guide you toward the best path for compensation.
Our Fort Wayne Rideshare Accident Attorneys
What Happens If a Rideshare Driver Hits My Car?
If your vehicle was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, the situation can be confusing, especially if the rideshare driver was logged into the app when the crash happened.
If the driver was off duty, you’ll likely need to pursue compensation through their personal auto insurance. But if the driver was logged into the rideshare app, the company’s insurance coverage may apply as well.
These cases can get complicated because both insurance companies may try to shift blame or deny responsibility. A lawyer can investigate the driver’s app activity, trip records, and accident report to show whether the rideshare company’s policy should apply.
The key takeaway: even when it seems clear who caused the crash, you may be dealing with multiple insurers. Having someone who understands the rules behind rideshare coverage can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What Your Case Might Look Like as a Passenger, Driver, or Pedestrian
Your rights after a rideshare crash depend on your role in the accident. Whether you were in the car, driving for a rideshare company, or struck by one, different insurance rules may apply.
| Scenario | How the Accident Happens | Who May Be Responsible | How You Can Seek Compensation |
| Passenger in an Uber or Lyft | You’re riding as a paying passenger when the crash occurs | The rideshare driver, another motorist, or both | You may pursue compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance, the at-fault driver’s policy, or both. |
| Driving for Uber or Lyft | You’re logged into the app and involved in a wreck while waiting for or transporting a passenger | Another driver, or possibly the rideshare company’s insurer (depending on your app status) | You may recover through your own insurance, the other driver’s insurer, or the rideshare company’s policy. |
| Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle | You’re a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver struck by an Uber or Lyft car | The rideshare driver | You may file a claim against the driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s insurer if the driver was active on the app. |
Rideshare claims often involve multiple insurers, which can make it difficult to know where to turn first. A lawyer familiar with these cases can help determine which policy applies and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare drivers face unique challenges that can make accidents more likely. Many spend long hours behind the wheel, often in busy areas, while relying on phone apps to find and navigate trips. A single distraction or poor decision can put passengers and others on the road at risk.
Here are some of the most common causes of rideshare crashes in Fort Wayne:
- Distracted Driving: Using the rideshare app, texting, or adjusting navigation while driving can take the driver’s eyes off the road.
- Drowsy or Fatigued Driving: Long shifts and irregular hours can cause exhaustion, slow reaction times, and an increased crash risk.
- Unsafe Pickups or Drop-Offs: Stopping in traffic lanes or near intersections can lead to rear-end or sideswipe collisions.
- Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Some drivers rush to complete more rides, leading to dangerous maneuvers or loss of control.
- Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers: Not all rideshare drivers are familiar with Fort Wayne’s streets or defensive driving practices.
- Bad Weather or Road Conditions: Rain, snow, or poorly maintained roads can make accidents more likely—especially for drivers rushing to meet ride requests.
When any of these factors contribute to a wreck, rideshare companies and their insurers may share responsibility depending on how the driver was operating at the time.
Common Injuries After a Rideshare Crash
Even a seemingly minor rideshare accident can lead to serious or long-term injuries. Passengers often have no warning before impact, and drivers may be focused on their app instead of protecting themselves.
Some of the most common injuries we see in rideshare cases include:
- Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sudden jerks or rear-end impacts can cause painful neck and back strain.
- Broken Bones: Collisions can easily lead to fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis.
- Head and Brain Injuries: Even mild concussions can have lasting effects, especially if seatbelts or airbags fail to prevent impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe crashes can damage the spine and lead to partial or full paralysis.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma may cause bleeding or organ damage that isn’t immediately visible.
- Emotional Trauma: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress are common after serious accidents and can be just as real as physical injuries.
No matter how your injuries happened, it’s important to get medical care as soon as possible and document your treatment. These records can play a key role in proving your case later.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
Every rideshare accident case is different. The value of your case depends on how serious your injuries are, how your life has been affected, and who is legally responsible for the crash.
When our team reviews a case, we look at several key factors, including:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and medication.
- Lost Income: Wages you missed while recovering and any long-term impact on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of daily life.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or other personal property.
- Future Needs: Long-term medical care, therapy, or accommodations if your injuries cause lasting limitations.
Our team of attorneys can evaluate your case based on Indiana law and the insurance coverage available. We focus on building a clear, evidence-based claim so you can pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in Indiana?
In Indiana, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to pursue a lawsuit for your injuries. This deadline applies to most Fort Wayne personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents.
It’s best to act as soon as possible because evidence can fade, and insurance companies often use delays to limit what they pay. Talking with a lawyer early gives you a better chance to protect your rights and build a strong case.
Fort Wayne Rideshare Accident FAQs
Get medical attention right away, report the crash through the Uber or Lyft app, and collect as much information as possible. Before speaking with any insurance company, it’s smart to talk to a lawyer who understands how rideshare cases work in Indiana.
Liability depends on what each driver was doing at the time of the crash and who acted carelessly. App data, driver statements, and police reports can all help determine which insurance policy should apply.
It might. Your personal auto insurance or uninsured motorist coverage could help, especially if the rideshare driver or another motorist doesn’t have enough coverage. A lawyer can review your policy and explain your options.
Rideshare accidents often involve several insurance companies that each try to avoid paying. A lawyer can investigate the crash, gather evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovering.
Even if Uber or Lyft’s insurance doesn’t apply, you may still recover compensation through another driver’s policy, your own uninsured motorist coverage, or other responsible parties. Because multiple insurers may be involved, it’s important to speak with a rideshare accident lawyer who can review your options and help you pursue every source of recovery available under Indiana law.
Get Help From a Fort Wayne Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Fort Wayne, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone. The Ken Nunn Law Office has been helping injured people across Indiana for more than 50 years, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
We can review your case for free, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Ken Nunn Law Office today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after your rideshare accident.