Who Is Responsible After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Tennessee?

Uber and Lyft have become part of daily life for millions of Americans, including right here in Tennessee. But when a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash—whether you're a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian—the question of who's responsible becomes more complex than a typical car accident. That's because rideshare services involve multiple parties: the driver, the rideshare company, and potentially other drivers on the road.

In Tennessee, determining liability in an Uber or Lyft accident requires understanding how insurance coverage works for rideshare companies and what your legal options are if you’ve been injured. At Glenn Injury Law, we’ve helped victims in Columbia and throughout the state get the answers and compensation they deserve. Here's what you need to know about responsibility after a rideshare crash.

How Rideshare Liability Works in Tennessee

Rideshare drivers are not employees of Uber or Lyft—they’re classified as independent contractors. That distinction affects who can be held legally and financially responsible after an accident. However, rideshare companies are still required to provide certain levels of insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

There are three key scenarios that determine which insurance policy applies:

Driver is not logged into the app: If the Uber or Lyft driver is not actively using the app to accept rides, they are considered off-duty. Any accident that occurs during this time falls under the driver’s personal auto insurance, and Uber or Lyft are not responsible.
Driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride: If the driver is online and waiting for a ride request, Uber or Lyft provide limited liability coverage. This typically includes up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the damages.
Driver is en route to pick up a passenger or is actively transporting one: This is when Uber and Lyft offer their highest level of coverage—up to $1 million in liability coverage, which may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. This insurance is designed to cover both passengers and third parties who are injured during an active ride.

These distinctions are critical when building a claim. The timing of the accident and the driver’s activity in the app determine which policy applies and how much compensation may be available.

Who Can Be Held Liable After a Rideshare Accident?

Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share liability in an Uber or Lyft accident:

The rideshare driver: If the driver was distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent, they may be at fault. Their personal insurance or Uber/Lyft’s policy (depending on the scenario) may apply.
Uber or Lyft (indirectly): While these companies often avoid direct legal responsibility by classifying drivers as independent contractors, their insurance policies still provide financial coverage for injuries and property damage.
Another driver: If another vehicle caused the crash, that driver—and their insurance—may be primarily liable. Rideshare passengers injured in this scenario can still seek compensation, but through the at-fault driver’s policy.
A third party: In rare cases, liability may fall on a vehicle manufacturer (due to defects), a government entity (for unsafe roads), or even a business (if a commercial vehicle was involved).

Identifying all liable parties is essential to maximizing compensation. At Glenn Injury Law, we conduct thorough investigations to determine fault and hold all responsible individuals or entities accountable.

What If You Were a Passenger in the Rideshare Vehicle?

As a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you are almost never at fault for the accident. That means you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries—regardless of which driver caused the crash. You may file a claim against:

The Uber or Lyft driver’s insurance (personal or company-provided)
The other driver’s insurance, if they were at fault
Both policies, if fault is shared

In Tennessee, injured passengers may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. However, rideshare companies and insurance carriers often push back to limit payouts. Having legal representation ensures your rights are protected and your claim is taken seriously.

What If You Were Driving Another Vehicle?

If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, your ability to recover compensation depends on whether the rideshare driver was working at the time of the crash. If they were transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up, the rideshare company’s commercial policy may provide coverage. If they were off duty, the driver’s personal insurance will apply.

In these situations, it's critical to gather evidence—such as the driver’s status in the app at the time of the accident, police reports, and witness statements. Without this information, determining the right insurance company to file against can be more difficult.

Why You Should Speak with an Attorney

Rideshare accident cases often involve more than one insurance company, and those insurers will do everything they can to minimize what they pay out. If you're injured in a crash involving Uber or Lyft, your medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering deserve to be fully compensated.

At Glenn Injury Law, we handle the legal and insurance complexities so you don’t have to. We work to uncover every available source of compensation, communicate directly with adjusters, and build a strong case to support your claim.

The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of gathering the right evidence and securing the outcome you deserve. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless you win.

Call Glenn Injury Law After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Nashville, Tennessee

If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident in Tennessee, contact us today. We’re here to help you understand your rights and take action toward the justice and compensation you deserve.