FREE CASE REVIEW

+1 902 443 4488
Valent Legal logo
+1 902 443 4488

HALIFAX Uber & Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

lawyer Mike Dull headshot

Content Reviewed By:

Mike Dull

READ BIO

If an Uber or Lyft accident has turned your life upside down, one of the most important steps you can take is reaching out for legal guidance as early as possible. Acting quickly helps protect your rights, preserves crucial evidence, and ensures that you’re not left to navigate complex insurance issues on your own.

In rideshare collisions, the process works very differently from a typical car accident. Unlike a conventional car accident claim, which typically involves only the drivers, a rideshare accident generally involves the drivers, the rideshare company, and the passengers. This makes the claims process somewhat more complicated, as multiple insurance companies are typically involved. Knowing your rights and understanding the nuances of a rideshare car accident claim will help you recover the compensation you deserve.

A rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your coverage, determine who may be responsible, and avoid mistakes that could affect your claim. Valent Legal provides steady, compassionate support to clients throughout Halifax and Atlantic Canada, offering clear guidance, protecting your rights, and helping you move forward after an Uber or Lyft accident.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you deserve a legal team that truly puts you first. At Valent Legal, we combine compassionate support with steady, informed guidance, something clients have shared they value deeply as they navigate the unique challenges of Uber and Lyft accident claims in Nova Scotia.

Here’s what sets our Halifax-based team apart:

  • Client-First Approach: We take the time to listen, understand your needs, and walk with you through every stage of your recovery.

“Mike Dull is amazing. I’d recommend him to anyone, anytime, for anything. He is caring, compassionate, and very helpful. I say Mike is number one here.”

Jeff C.

  • Deep Community Connection in Halifax and Across Atlantic Canada: Our roots here run deep, and we’re proud to serve and support neighbours throughout the region.

“I got introduced to Valent, they led me to all the experts, after that they really found what was going on with me, and I was able to recover from there, thank you, Valent”

Connor

  • Decades of Combined Legal Experience: Our lawyers have extensive experience handling complex accident claims, including rideshare collisions involving multiple insurers.

“I’d never gone through anything like this before, but it was the easiest process I’ve ever had. The people at Valent were amazing. And when I say they did everything, I mean everything. I honestly just had to show up. It was incredible.”

Alison

  • No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay anything up front. You only pay us if we secure a settlement or judgment for you, so getting help is always within reach.

“I don’t have a lot of money. What type of lawyer can I get that will let me pay them if I get paid? And then I called Valent Legal. Everyone was professional, very friendly, and makes you feel at ease when you walk in the door. She made me feel like I was a person and not a legal case. We talked like best friends. She made me feel comfortable.”

Crystal

How Our Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help You After an Accident

No two rideshare accidents unfold the same way. The details of the crash, the parties involved, and the impact on your health all shape what your claim requires. Our team at Valent Legal examines the full picture, enabling us to provide the right guidance and protect your rights from the very beginning.

Here’s what we do to strengthen your case:

  1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We begin by reviewing the circumstances of the accident, gathering facts, and understanding how the crash unfolded. This helps ensure that no important detail, big or small, is overlooked.
  2. Identify All Possible Liable Parties: Rideshare collisions can involve multiple sources of liability, including the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company’s insurer. We carefully determine who may be responsible so your claim does not miss any available avenues for compensation.
  3. Gather and Preserve Key Evidence: Our team collects accident reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available photos or digital data. Preserving this information early strengthens your case and helps establish exactly what happened.
  4. Communicate with the Rideshare Company’s Insurer: Dealing with multiple insurance companies can be overwhelming. We handle all communication with Uber or Lyft’s insurers, as well as any other involved parties, so you are protected from pressure, confusion, or unfair tactics.
  5. Negotiate for a Fair Settlement: We work to secure compensation that reflects your medical needs, lost income, and the impact the accident has had on your daily life. Our focus is on achieving a fair outcome that supports your long-term recovery and stability.

Each client’s situation is personal to us, and we tailor our approach to meet your needs with care and respect. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident and want guidance from a team that puts your well-being first, contact Valent Legal for a free, no-risk case assessment.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights. Valent Legal is here to guide you through the process and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Compensation Available after an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident

A rideshare accident can leave you facing unexpected costs, disruptions, and long-term challenges. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover compensation for property damage, medical and rehabilitation expenses, physical and emotional pain, and both current and future lost income.

You may also be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and other harms that affect your day-to-day well-being. Because Uber and Lyft collisions often involve multiple insurance policies and overlapping coverage periods, having a lawyer familiar with rideshare claims helps ensure that each category of compensation is properly identified and pursued so nothing important is overlooked.

How Uber and Lyft’s Rideshare Accident Insurance Coverage Can Affect Your Accident Claim in Halifax, NS

For rideshare accident claims, the level of coverage available depends on the Uber or Lyft driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver was logged off the app, only the driver’s personal insurance coverage applies. If the driver was logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, the rideshare company provides limited liability coverage—typically $50,000 per person and $100,000 total liability per accident—if the damages exceed the driver’s private insurance coverage.

Once a ride is accepted or in progress, Uber’s insurance and Lyft’s insurance provide up to $1 million in commercial coverage to passengers, the rideshare driver, and third parties.

These coverage periods determine which insurer is responsible and the amount of compensation that may be available. In some cases, both the driver’s personal insurer and the rideshare company’s insurer may be involved. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, additional coverage through the rideshare policy or your own auto insurance, if applicable, may help fill the gap.

Who’s Liable if You’re Involved in a Rideshare Car Accident in Halifax?

Liability depends on how the crash happened, who contributed to it, and what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing at the time. Understanding who may be responsible is a crucial step in protecting your rights and pursuing compensation.

Here are the parties who may be liable in a Halifax rideshare accident:

  • The Rideshare Driver: If the Uber or Lyft driver caused the collision due to distraction, fatigue, inexperience, or unsafe driving, they may be at fault for the accident.
  • The Rideshare Company: When a ride is accepted or underway, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in commercial liability coverage. If the driver was logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, some limited coverage may be available.
  • A Third-Party Driver: If another driver on the road caused or contributed to the crash, such as by speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield, they may be responsible for your injuries and losses.
  • A Government or Municipal Authority: If unsafe road conditions, such as missing signage, poor lighting, deep potholes, or uncleared hazards, contributed to the accident, a government entity may share liability.
  • Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers: If a mechanical failure, such as a brake malfunction, tire failure, or steering issues, contributed to the accident, liability may extend to the vehicle’s manufacturer or the maintenance provider.

What Should I Do After an Accident in a Rideshare Vehicle?

A car accident can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have been injured in the collision. Your priority following a motor vehicle accident is to ensure the safety of yourself and others in the vehicle. If possible, move the car out of the way of oncoming traffic. If the driver cannot pull over, stay in the car and turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights. The next steps you should take are to preserve evidence and gather the necessary documents to pursue damages from the driver responsible for the collision.

Call 911

Seek medical attention, even if you think you are not injured. This ensures that you have an official medical report for an insurance claim. You will also want a police report to verify the details of the accident and support your personal injury claim.

Gather Evidence

Record as much information about the accident as you can. Document the scene by taking photos and videos of the vehicle damage and your injuries. Make a note of the day, time, and location of the collision. Also, get copies of all official reports and the name, badge number, and contact information of the responding officer.

Get Contact Information

Collect contact and insurance information from all parties involved. You will need full names, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, license plate numbers, and driver’s license information. If there are witnesses, you will want to gather their contact information as well.

Submit an Insurance Claim

Initiating the claims process through the driver’s insurance provider right away will help avoid any delays in benefits and treatment for your injuries. As a passenger, you will want to report the accident to the rideshare company as well to get an official record to recover compensation through their corporate policy.

What You Should Avoid to Protect Your Rights After a Ridesharing Accident

Following an auto accident, you will need to discuss the details of the incident with several parties before, during, and after the claims process. Be aware that your words can and will be used against you by insurance companies. While your insurance company has a duty to act in your best interests, claims adjusters are trained in getting you the lowest compensation possible.

Don’t Settle

Insurance companies will typically try to settle a claim to avoid going to court or to pay you less than your case is worth. You need to properly assess the cost of your expenses for medical bills, property damage, and lost wages during your recovery. Agreeing to a settlement without proper advisement will most likely result in compensation that is far less than you deserve.

Stay off Social Media

Resist the urge to publish details about the car accident online. Posts on social media are considered public statements that can be used to undermine an otherwise legitimate insurance claim. Your posts before and after an accident can be taken out of context and used to dispute liability or the severity of your injuries.

Common Causes of Rideshare Car Accidents

Rideshare drivers face constant pressure to navigate unfamiliar routes, manage the app, and keep up with demand, which can create real safety risks on the road. Several recurring factors tend to play a major role in Uber and Lyft collisions.

  • Distracted Driving: Checking directions or taking a quick call can take the driver’s attention away from the road. A five-second distraction while on the highway is like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.
  • Driver Fatigue: Some drivers work overtime to pick up more fares. For others, ridesharing is a side job in addition to working full-time hours. Research shows that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: Cars that are not properly maintained can lead to a serious accident that could have otherwise been avoided, such as faulty brakes, engine failure, and a tire blowout.
  • Inexperienced Drivers: Studies suggest that rideshare drivers are often less experienced than traditional taxi drivers. Additionally, Nova Scotia introduced a Class 4 driver’s license that no longer requires holders to retake the province’s road and knowledge tests.
  • Reckless Driving: A recent report revealed that 35% of rideshare passengers felt their driver was not responsible on the road. Common forms of reckless driving are speeding, disregarding traffic signals, and improper merges or turns.

Rideshare services increase the average number of vehicles on the road. The more cars on the road, the higher the risk of being involved in a collision. The latest safety reports available from Uber and Lyft show an increase in rideshare-related fatalities in recent years. Uber reported 153 fatalities from accidents in 2021–2022, up from 101 in 2019–2020. Meanwhile, Lyft reported 86 motor vehicle fatalities between 2021 and 2022. Although both platforms have introduced new safety initiatives, the number of fatal crashes remains a serious concern, underscoring the risks associated with increased traffic volume.

Uber and Lyft Accident FAQs

How Much Is My Uber/Lyft Accident Claim Worth?

The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and how the accident impacts your daily life.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Nova Scotia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Waiting too long can affect your ability to recover compensation.

How Do Lawyers’ Fees Work in an Uber and Lyft Accident Case?

Valent Legal works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything up front. You only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you.

How Long Does an Uber/Lyft Accident Claim Typically Take to Resolve?

Most rideshare claims take several months to resolve, although more complex cases may take longer to resolve. Timelines depend on the investigation, medical recovery, and negotiations with insurers.

If an Uber or Lyft Driver Has Hit Me While Walking or Riding My Bike, Can I Still Recover Compensation?

Yes. Pedestrians and cyclists injured by a rideshare driver can pursue compensation through the driver’s insurance or the rideshare company’s commercial coverage, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident with a rideshare driver, you are entitled to recovery for your losses, regardless of whether the driver was at fault or someone else caused the accident. Pursuing compensation after a car accident on your own could result in a significant financial loss. Our team of experienced rideshare accident lawyers will pursue the compensation you are legally entitled to while you focus on recovering. Call (902) 443-4488 or complete our online form to book your free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

About Valent Legal

Valent Legal is proud to serve their Nova Scotia community. Learn more about our firm and the steps we take to help you secure justice after an injury.

Read About Our Firm Here