Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Ontario

Uber and Lyft rides are a daily part of life in Ontario cities like Mississauga, Toronto, and Hamilton. But what happens if you’re injured while using a rideshare? Who pays — the driver, the company, or your own insurer?

Rideshare accidents can be legally complex because multiple insurance policies may apply. At Cambria Law Firm in Mississauga, we guide clients through these cases every day.

How Insurance Works in Ontario Rideshare Accidents

All Ontario drivers must carry personal auto insurance. Uber and Lyft also provide additional commercial coverage when drivers are using the app.

Here’s how it works:

• Driver offline (not logged into Uber/Lyft app): Only their personal auto insurance applies. If you’re hit by them in this state, it’s treated like any other car accident.

• Driver logged in but waiting for a ride request: Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage (up to $1 million). This applies if the driver causes an accident during this stage.

• Driver en route to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger: The full $2 million commercial liability policy applies. This protects passengers, other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians injured in the accident.

Example: If you’re an Uber passenger in Mississauga and your driver collides with another car, you can claim benefits through Uber’s $2 million insurance, regardless of who was at fault.

Who Can Make a Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

Several groups of people may be eligible to make a claim:

1. Passengers in Uber or Lyft – Covered under the company’s commercial policy while on a trip.

2. Other motorists – If struck by an Uber/Lyft driver, you may claim against the rideshare driver’s coverage.

3. Cyclists or pedestrians – Protected if injured by a driver who was logged into the rideshare app.

4. Rideshare drivers themselves – May claim accident benefits through their personal insurance or Uber/Lyft’s policy, depending on whether they were on a trip.

What Compensation Is Available?

Ontario’s insurance system allows injured people to access two types of compensation:

1. Accident Benefits (No-Fault Benefits):

   • Available to anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario, regardless of fault.

   • Covers medical and rehabilitation expenses, income replacement, attendant care, and other supports.

   • Paid through your own insurer first. If you don’t have auto insurance, Uber/Lyft’s insurer may step in.

2. Tort Claim (Lawsuit for Damages):

   • If another party was negligent, you can sue for additional damages such as pain and suffering, future care costs, and loss of income.

   • Example: If your Uber driver was texting and caused a serious crash, you may pursue a lawsuit in addition to receiving accident benefits.

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident in Ontario

1. Get medical help immediately. Even minor injuries like whiplash should be documented.

2. Call police and make sure an accident report is filed. This is crucial for insurance and legal claims.

3. Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Both companies require accidents to be reported through their app or support system.

4. Take photos and videos of the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries.

5. Collect contact details for the driver, passengers, and witnesses.

6. Notify your insurance company within 7 days to protect your right to accident benefits.

7. Consult a Mississauga rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure deadlines are met and claims are filed correctly.

Why These Cases Are Complicated

Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurers pointing fingers at one another. For example:

• Uber may argue the driver’s personal insurance should pay.

• The driver’s insurer may deny coverage because the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes.

• Your own insurer may try to limit benefits.

Without legal help, injured people risk getting caught in the middle and under-compensated.

Do You Have a Case?

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Ontario, you may be entitled to compensation. Your claim could involve personal auto insurance, Uber/Lyft’s commercial coverage, or both.

At Cambria Law Firm in Mississauga, we:

• Investigate rideshare accidents in detail

• Identify every possible source of insurance coverage

• Negotiate with multiple insurers

• Fight for fair compensation in settlement or court

Contact Cambria Law today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident.

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a lawyer about your specific situation.

About the Author: Written by the personal injury team at Cambria Law Firm, serving Mississauga, Hamilton, Guelph, and clients across Ontario in motor vehicle and rideshare accident claims.