Providence Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Uber & Lyft Claims Start With the Right Insurance Tier. We Know Which One Applies.

Rideshare accidents are rarely straightforward. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber, a cyclist struck by a Lyft driver, or the occupant of another vehicle, the first question any claim turns on is which insurance policy applies. That answer depends on the driver’s app status at the moment of impact, and it can mean the difference between a $50,000 policy and a $1.5 million one. At McIntyre Tate LLP, our collaborative team approach puts an experienced attorney on every case from day one, working through that insurance complexity so you can focus on recovering.

Our Providence office brings over 150 years of combined legal experience to personal injury matters, with deep roots in the Rhode Island legal community and consistent Tier 1 recognition from U.S. News & World Report.

How Rhode Island Law Ties Coverage to the Driver’s App Status

Rhode Island’s Transportation Network Company (TNC) statute creates three distinct coverage tiers based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Identifying the correct tier is the starting point for any rideshare injury claim.

App Off
When the driver isn’t logged into Uber or Lyft, only that driver’s personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company’s coverage doesn’t enter the picture.

Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.2-14(b), primary liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per incident, and $25,000 for property damage is required. This contingent liability coverage applies when the driver’s personal policy doesn’t meet those thresholds.

Actively Providing a Prearranged Ride
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-14.2-14(c), the coverage requirement rises sharply to a combined $1,500,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage. If the driver’s personal insurer has lapsed or won’t cover the claim, Rhode Island law under § 39-14.2-14(d) and (e) requires the rideshare company’s policy to pay from the first dollar and defend the claim without first demanding that the driver’s personal insurer deny it.

Who Can Bring a Rideshare Accident Claim in Providence

Several categories of people may have a claim after an Uber or Lyft accident, and the applicable coverage varies by situation. We work with:

• Injured passengers riding in the Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash, who may pursue the at-fault driver and, depending on app status, the rideshare company’s insurance.
• Occupants of another vehicle struck by a rideshare driver, whose recovery path follows the same app-status analysis.
• Pedestrians and cyclists hit by a rideshare vehicle, who may face additional insurance coverage questions on top of the standard TNC tiers.
• Rideshare drivers injured by a negligent third party, who must navigate their own layered coverage while pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver.

Rhode Island Rules That Shape Your Claim

Two Rhode Island statutes define the practical path of any rideshare personal injury claim. Understanding both from the outset can help protect your options.

Three-Year Statute of Limitations
Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-1-14(b), most personal injury claims, including those arising from motor vehicle and rideshare accidents, must be filed within three years of the date of injury. Missing that window generally bars recovery regardless of how strong the underlying claim is.

Pure Comparative Negligence
Rhode Island follows a pure comparative negligence rule under R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-20-4. Being partially at fault doesn’t eliminate your right to recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility. A claimant found 60 percent at fault can still recover 40 percent of their damages. How fault is allocated across the at-fault driver, the rideshare company, and other parties can affect your compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.

Why Clients in Providence Choose McIntyre Tate LLP

Sorting out which insurer is on the hook, at which coverage tier, and how Rhode Island’s comparative fault rules apply to your specific facts requires careful case development. Our collaborative team approach means an experienced attorney builds a thorough understanding of your case rather than passing it through a succession of paralegals. With more than 150 years of combined experience in negotiations and personal injury litigation, we know how insurers handle these claims and how to push back when they don’t. As a Tier 1 firm recognized by U.S. News & World Report, with longstanding ties to Providence and the broader Rhode Island legal community, we bring both the credentials and the local knowledge these claims demand.

Start with a Free Consultation

We offer free initial consultations for rideshare accident claims and handle personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you. If you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or driver in an Uber or Lyft accident in the Providence area, call (401) 351-7700 or contact McIntyre Tate LLP online to get started.