Experienced Des Moines Rideshare Accident Lawyers
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a popular and convenient way to travel across the Des Moines area, especially around busy pickup and drop-off areas such as the Court Avenue District, Des Moines Airport, Downtown Des Moines, the Iowa State Fair and other major events.
While these services offer ease and flexibility, they also introduce unique legal challenges in the event of an accident. Collisions involving rideshare vehicles can involve multiple parties, including the driver, the rideshare company, other drivers and occasionally passengers, making it vital to work with an attorney.
At Galligan Law, our Des Moines area attorneys have more than 25 years of experience helping injured people and a strong commitment to the community we serve. We work to hold the right parties accountable, pursue fair compensation for our clients and guide them through the insurance and legal issues that can come with rideshare accident claims.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents occur when a driver providing a service for companies like Uber or Lyft is involved in a collision. These accidents can result from a variety of causes, including:
- Driver negligence: Distracted driving, speeding or failing to follow traffic laws.
- Fatigue: Rideshare drivers often work long hours, increasing the risk of accidents due to drowsiness.
- Vehicle issues: Poor maintenance or mechanical failure in a rideshare vehicle.
- Passenger behavior: Sudden movement or distraction from passengers can contribute to accidents.
As Uber and Lyft have become more common, rideshare crashes have also become more common. These accidents can involve several people and insurance companies, which can make the claim harder to handle.
In Des Moines, rideshare accidents may happen in busy areas, during rush hour or after social events when more people rely on Uber and Lyft.
Each rideshare company has its own rules, insurance limits and responsibilities after a crash. Knowing which policy applies can make a major difference when you need compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
At Galligan Law, we take a careful, hands-on approach to rideshare accident claims. Our attorneys investigate what happened, review the evidence and work to hold the right parties accountable.
How Do Rideshare Accidents Differ From Typical Motor Vehicle Accidents?
An Uber or Lyft crash can raise questions that do not come up in a basic two-car collision. The main issue is often the driver’s activity at that moment. Was the driver using the car personally, waiting for a request, heading to a pickup or completing a ride? The answer can change which policy responds to the claim.
Unlike standard vehicle accidents, where the at-fault party’s personal insurance typically handles claims, rideshare accidents may involve the company’s corporate insurance in certain circumstances. Our lawyers in Des Moines understand the unique aspects of these cases and are prepared to help you through the process.
How Can App Status Affect Coverage In A Des Moines Rideshare Accident Claim?
A driver’s activity in the Uber or Lyft app can help determine which insurance policy applies after a Des Moines rideshare accident.
| Driver’s app status | What it usually means | How insurance coverage may work |
|---|---|---|
| App off | The driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons and was not logged into the rideshare app. | The driver’s personal auto insurance usually applies. Uber or Lyft coverage generally does not apply because the driver was not using the app for rideshare work. |
| App on, waiting for a ride request | The driver was logged in and available but had not accepted a ride. | Iowa law requires primary coverage of at least $50,000 for injury or death to one person, $100,000 for injury or death to two or more people and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage may come from the driver, the rideshare company or both. |
| Ride accepted, driver on the way to pick up a passenger | The driver accepted a ride and was traveling to the pickup location. | Higher rideshare coverage may apply because the driver was engaged in a prearranged ride. Iowa law requires at least $1 million in primary coverage for injury, death and property damage during this stage. |
| Passenger in the vehicle | The driver had picked up the passenger, and the ride was in progress. | The same higher coverage may apply while the passenger is being transported. This stage often involves corporate rideshare insurance, but the facts and policy terms still matter. |
These details are vital because insurance companies may disagree about which policy applies. The rideshare company, the driver’s personal insurer and another driver’s insurer may each try to limit responsibility.
We look for app records, trip receipts, GPS data, police reports, witness statements and insurance documents to determine the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Who Can Be Held Liable For A Rideshare Accident Injury?
Several parties can potentially be held responsible for injuries sustained in a rideshare accident, including the following:
- Vehicle driver: The rideshare driver may be directly responsible if they were driving recklessly, distracted or otherwise negligent.
- Rideshare company: Companies like Uber and Lyft could be partially liable if the driver was logged into the app and their insurance coverage could be involved.
- Other drivers: In accidents involving multiple vehicles, another driver may share responsibility for the collision.
- Third parties: External factors, such as poor road maintenance or malfunctioning traffic signals, may shift liability to local municipalities or contractors.
- Vehicle manufacturers: If a defect or mechanical problem helped cause the crash, the vehicle manufacturer may be responsible for resulting injuries.
- Passengers: In rare instances, passengers in the vehicle may play a role in causing the accident, such as by distracting the driver.
Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate all potential causes of your accident to determine who is responsible for your injuries and seek the compensation you deserve.
Do I Still Have A Lawsuit If I Was A Passenger And My Own Rideshare Driver Caused The Accident?
Yes. If your own Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident, you may still have a claim for your injuries. As a passenger, you do not control how the driver operates the vehicle, and you should not have to absorb the cost of medical bills, lost wages or pain caused by someone else’s negligence.
A passenger claim may involve the rideshare driver’s insurance, Uber or Lyft’s applicable insurance coverage, another driver’s policy or more than one source of recovery. For example, your claim may become more complicated if another vehicle contributed to the crash, if both drivers blame each other or if the rideshare company questions whether the trip was active when the collision occurred.
These details matter. We can look at when the driver accepted the ride, when you got in the car, where the crash happened and what the app records show. This helps us find out which insurance coverage may apply to your injuries.
How Can A Des Moines Uber And Lyft Accident Attorney Help With My Case?
A Des Moines Uber and Lyft accident attorney can help you identify the right insurance coverage, protect your claim and pursue compensation from every responsible party. These cases can move quickly, and the insurance issues can become difficult if the rideshare company, driver or another insurer disputes fault or coverage.
At Galligan Law, we bring local knowledge, trial experience and a strong commitment to injured Iowans. Our work includes:
- Investigating the crash and preserving key evidence
- Determining the rideshare driver’s app status
- Reviewing Uber, Lyft and personal auto insurance policies
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Identifying all liable parties
- Documenting medical bills, lost income and other damages
- Preparing your case for settlement or trial
Our firm’s approach centers on injured people and the safety of Iowa communities. Brian Galligan’s membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum speaks to the level of results our team has achieved for clients. His role with the Iowa Association for Justice Legislative Committee also reflects our work to protect injured Iowans inside and outside the courtroom.
We are also proud of our family tradition of service. As brothers carrying on the legacy of their trial-lawyer father, our attorneys understand the responsibility that comes with standing up for people after a serious injury. When you work with Galligan Law, we take your case seriously, explain your options clearly and fight for the accountability you deserve.
Let Our Iowa Lawyers Fight For You
If a rideshare accident injured you, we are ready to stand by your side. Call 515-316-6179 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation. Let us help you pursue the recovery you deserve.