Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made getting around Scottsdale easier—but when accidents happen, the aftermath can be anything but simple. If you were injured in a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, you may be facing serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next.
At Kurtz Riley Law Group, we help individuals across the Phoenix area manage the intricacies of rideshare accident claims. Our Scottsdale rideshare accident lawyers understand how rideshare companies operate—and how to hold them accountable when their drivers cause harm. We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery.
Call us at (623) 303-5754 for a free consultation today.
Why Choose Kurtz Riley Law Group?
At Kurtz Riley Law Group, we’ve built a reputation for delivering results in complex injury claims—including those involving Uber and Lyft accidents. Our team understands the insurance landscape rideshare companies operate under and how to pursue maximum compensation when their drivers cause harm.
With years of experience in personal injury litigation, we’ve built a reputation for consistent, client-focused representation. Our attorneys have handled everything from minor fender benders to catastrophic injury cases involving multiple liable parties. Our goal is to make sure you don’t have to worry about anything but getting better. We’ll handle the rest.
Our approach is simple: clear communication, aggressive advocacy, and a commitment to maximizing your results. From day one, you’ll be kept in the loop about your case. No surprise bills, no unanswered questions—just honest, strategic legal guidance from a team that genuinely cares.
Our office is conveniently located at 10609 Hayden Rd, Suite 106, Scottsdale, AZ 85260. We represent rideshare accident victims throughout Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area, and we’re available for in-person or virtual consultations—whichever works best for you.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
No two rideshare accidents are exactly alike. The value of your case depends on the specific facts—like the severity of your injuries, how the crash has affected your life, and who is responsible. At Kurtz Riley Law Group, we take the time to understand every detail so we can fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.
Medical Expenses
Compensation may include reimbursement for all related medical costs—emergency treatment, hospitalization, physical therapy, medications, and future care needs.
Lost Income
If your injuries forced you to miss work, you can pursue payment for the income you lost during recovery.
Loss of Earning Capacity
Some injuries affect your ability to return to the same line of work. If your earning potential has been reduced, we can seek damages to reflect that long-term impact.
Pain and Suffering
Injuries are more than physical. Compensation may include emotional distress, anxiety, trauma, and the toll pain takes on your quality of life. We have accurate ways to calculate the intangible effects of your injuries on your life so you can obtain proper compensation for these non-economic losses.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
This can include expenses like travel to medical appointments, home care, medical devices, or over-the-counter medications. Even smaller expenses are important and compensable.
Property Damage
If your vehicle, bicycle, phone, or other personal property was damaged in the crash, we’ll seek money to recover the cost of repair or replacement.
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available—especially if the rideshare driver was reckless, impaired, or intentionally violated safety laws. These damages are meant to punish wrongful conduct and deter similar behavior in the future. Our team can assess whether your case may qualify for additional compensation.
Rideshare accident claims can be especially complicated because multiple insurance policies may apply. Our attorneys know how to sort out those layers and pursue every available option. Whether that means negotiating with Uber or Lyft’s insurers or filing a personal injury lawsuit, we’re ready to take the right path forward for your case.
Where Do Rideshare Accidents Happen in Scottsdale and Phoenix?
Rideshare collisions can happen anywhere, but certain areas in Scottsdale and Phoenix see more than their share of accidents—especially where traffic is dense, and rideshare activity is high.
In Scottsdale, accidents are common near:
- Old Town Scottsdale – Heavy nightlife and frequent rideshare pickups make this a high-risk area for collisions.
- Scottsdale Road and Shea Boulevard – A major intersection where rideshare traffic often crosses with commuters during peak hours.
- Loop 101 interchanges – High-speed traffic combined with distracted or rushed drivers can lead to serious crashes.
Phoenix also sees frequent rideshare-related accidents near:
- Sky Harbor International Airport – With constant drop-offs and pickups, this area is known for congestion and confusion.
- Downtown Phoenix – Especially near venues, bars, and event spaces where rideshare use spikes at night and on weekends.
These hotspots often share a few things in common: heavy pedestrian traffic, limited curb space, and high volumes of both personal and commercial vehicles. In busy areas, drivers are frequently distracted by navigation apps, rushing to meet pickup times, or stopping abruptly to collect passengers. These conditions increase the likelihood of sudden stops, unsafe lane changes, and other dangerous driving behaviors—especially when drivers are under pressure or unfamiliar with the area.
According to data from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Maricopa County continues to lead the state in overall crash volume. Many of those accidents involve commercial or app-based drivers, including Uber and Lyft operators.
National data reflects a similar trend. A study from the CDC found that areas with higher volumes of rideshare activity experienced more injury crashes—reporting a 4.6 percent increase in injury crash odds for every 100 rideshare trips during a given time and location. This underscores the growing risks tied to rideshare traffic, especially in high-demand urban areas like Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Rideshare Accident Basics: What You Need to Know
Rideshare accident claims aren’t like typical car crash cases. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors—not employees. That distinction matters because it affects who is financially responsible after an accident.
Both companies provide commercial insurance coverage as required by law, but the amount and type of coverage available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Rideshare companies divide their drivers’ coverage into three “periods:”
When the App Is Off
If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage available. Uber or Lyft won't accept liability.
When the App Is On, But No Ride Accepted
The rideshare company may offer limited liability coverage, but only if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t apply or isn’t enough.
When a Ride Is in Progress
Once a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This applies to injuries caused by the rideshare driver or even if another vehicle caused the crash.
Understanding when the crash occurred—and whether a ride was in progress—is vital to building a strong claim. Our legal team will investigate app logs, driver records, and insurance timelines to determine which coverage applies and how to proceed.
Types of Rideshare Accidents We Handle:
Rideshare accidents can happen in a variety of ways, and the injuries they cause range from mild to life-changing. At Kurtz Riley Law Group, we represent individuals hurt in all types of Uber and Lyft-related crashes—whether they were passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians.
Common Types of Rideshare Accidents
- Passenger Injuries: Riders injured due to their Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence—or the fault of another driver—are entitled to pursue a claim. These crashes often involve speeding, failure to yield, distracted driving, or unsafe lane changes.
- Third-Party Collisions: If you were driving your own vehicle or riding a bike and were hit by a rideshare driver, you may have a valid claim against the driver and potentially the rideshare company’s insurer, depending on whether the app was active.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Rideshare vehicles frequently pick up and drop off passengers in busy or poorly lit areas. When drivers fail to check for pedestrians or stop suddenly in unsafe locations, serious injuries can occur.
- Rear-End Collisions: Drivers working for Uber or Lyft often rely on GPS navigation and smartphone apps, which can cause distraction. Rear-end crashes are common, especially in heavy traffic or near pickup zones.
- Unsafe Pickups and Drop-offs: Accidents often happen when drivers stop in bike lanes, block intersections, or double park. These unsafe maneuvers can lead to injuries for both passengers and people nearby.
- Multi-Vehicle Crashes: In high-traffic areas like downtown Scottsdale or along Loop 101, it’s not uncommon for rideshare vehicles to be involved in chain-reaction crashes where the fault is shared among several drivers.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Injuries from rideshare accidents can range from minor bruises to permanent disabilities. Even low-speed crashes can lead to serious harm, especially if a seatbelt wasn’t worn or the passenger was positioned awkwardly during the ride.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions or more severe brain trauma from hitting a window or headrest during impact.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, or long-term mobility issues caused by forceful collisions.
- Broken Bones: Common in side-impact or rollover crashes, especially in the legs, ribs, or arms.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Frequently seen in rear-end collisions, even at lower speeds.
- Lacerations and Facial Injuries: Often caused by shattered glass or airbag deployment.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and deep bruising can limit mobility and cause lingering pain.
- Psychological Trauma: Accidents involving rideshare vehicles can cause anxiety, PTSD, or long-term emotional distress, particularly if the crash is severe.
In every case, timely medical treatment and strong legal representation are key. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately, but they can worsen over time. That’s why we encourage all rideshare accident victims to get checked out and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, which is why it’s critical to seek medical attention and legal help as soon as possible—even if you “feel okay” after the crash.
Fighting the Insurance Company
After a rideshare accident, it’s common for multiple insurers to be involved, including Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy, the driver’s personal insurer, and possibly your own. Each one may try to avoid paying by shifting blame, downplaying injuries, or delaying the process.
You might hear things like:
- “We’re still determining who’s responsible.”
- “There’s not enough coverage for that.”
- “Your injuries don’t appear to be that serious.”
- “We need more documentation before moving forward.”
At Kurtz Riley Law Group, we deal with insurance companies every day. We know how to build a case that makes it difficult for them to deny or delay payment. From the moment we take your case, we step in as your advocate—handling all communication, submitting strong documentation, and negotiating for full and fair compensation.
What You Can Still Do to Help Your Case
Even if you’ve already seen a doctor and reported the accident, there’s still a lot you can do to support your claim:
- Receipts for medical appointments, medications, or medical-related travel
- A copy of the police report or any incident report from the rideshare company
- Photos of vehicle damage or visible injuries, if available
- A written log or journal tracking your symptoms, pain levels, missed workdays, or how the injuries interfere with your daily activities
We’ll advise on everything you need. From medical records to dashcam footage, we know what insurance adjusters and juries want to see. The more information you can bring to your first consultation, the better.
Call a Scottsdale Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today
You deserve answers, not confusion. Whether you were hit by a rideshare vehicle, injured as a passenger, or left dealing with mounting bills after a crash, we’re here to help. Our legal team is ready to guide you through every step—investigating your case, dealing with the insurance companies, and fighting for the recovery you’re entitled to.
Ready to take the first step toward justice? Call a Phoenix personal injury law firm at (623) 303-5754 for your free consultation. Your rights, our fight.
You can also schedule a consultation to get started. We’re here to help rideshare accident victims across Scottsdale and the greater Phoenix area move forward with confidence. A Scottsdale personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Kurtz Riley Law Group | Scottsdale - Office Location
Address: 10609 Hayden Rd, Suite 106, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Contact No: (623) 303-5754