How Do I Report an Accident to Uber or Lyft as a Third Party Without the App?

Uber and Lyft accidents are scary for injured passengers, but they have a straightforward method to report the crash and seek compensation: The Uber or Lyft app. If you’re a third party involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, such as the driver of another car, you might not have those apps on your phone. However, you have ways to report an Uber or Lyft accident as a third party, and an experienced attorney can guide you.

Understanding Third-Party Involvement in Rideshare Accidents

A third party in a Georgia Uber or Lyft crash is anyone who is not the rideshare driver or passenger. If you drive your own car and an Uber or Lyft collides with you, you count as a third party. The same rule applies if you are a pedestrian or cyclist and a rideshare driver hits you. In these cases, you may have the right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other harm from the accident.

Crashes involving rideshare drivers often create confusion because multiple insurance policies may apply. Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance for accidents their drivers cause, but the coverage depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and if a ride was in progress. At the same time, the driver’s personal auto policy may also apply. Sorting out which policy applies can affect how quickly you receive compensation.

If you suffer an injury as a third party in an Uber or Lyft accident, you should immediately report the crash. Delays can make it harder to prove what happened and may allow insurance companies to dispute your claim. Quick reporting also helps preserve key evidence that might support your case, such as driver logs and electronic trip data.

Can You Report an Uber or Lyft Accident Without the App?

You do not need the Uber or Lyft app to report a crash involving one of the companies’ drivers. Passengers usually use the app to report collisions because they already have the app if they requested a ride, and both companies encourage riders to use their app after a crash. However, Uber and Lyft both provide alternative means to report accidents without their apps.

Steps to Report an Uber Accident Without the App

The easiest way to report an Uber accident with the app is through the company’s online crash report form. Here’s what to do:

Complete the online form with your full name and accurate contact information so Uber can reach you if necessary. Provide the date, time, and location of the crash. It’s also wise to include details that identify the rideshare vehicle, such as the driver’s name or their license plate number.
Describe what happened in clear, factual terms. Avoid opinions or speculating about fault, as you don’t want to say anything that might hurt your legal case.
Include information about your injuries and property damage. Be thorough without overstating or minimizing your condition.
Upload any supporting documents you have. These may include the police accident report number, your medical records, or photos of the vehicles and crash scene.
Keep your answers consistent with what you told the police and your healthcare providers, as conflicting statements can weaken your claim.
Save a copy or screenshot of the completed form for your records.

How to Report a Lyft Accident as a Non-Passenger

Like Uber, Lyft has an online crash report form you can use to report an accident if you weren’t a passenger in the rideshare vehicle. Here’s what to do when you file your report:

Begin by entering your contact details, including your name, phone number, and email, so that Lyft can follow up with you.
List the date, time, and crash location, and include any identifying information about the Lyft vehicle, such as the driver’s name, car make and model, or license plate.
Write a clear description of the collision. Stick to what you directly observed and avoid speculating about responsibility.
Note the injuries you suffered and any property damage, keeping your statements direct and accurate without exaggerating or downplaying.
Upload supporting materials you have, like photos, the police report reference number, or medical documentation.
Double-check that your information aligns with your statements to the police and healthcare providers.
Save a screenshot or download a copy of the form once you submit it for your records.

What Happens After You Submit a Claim?

After you file a claim, Uber or Lyft sends it to their insurance carrier for review. An adjuster will then contact you to gather more details about the accident, your injuries, and the damage to your vehicle or other property.

You may also receive requests for records, such as medical bills, treatment notes, or proof of lost wages. The insurance company uses this information to decide how much compensation to offer. During this stage, you should be careful about what you say, since adjusters often look for reasons to reduce the value of your claim. Get help from an experienced attorney so they can protect your rights.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents often involve unique legal issues, such as the fact that more than one insurance policy may apply. Moreover, companies like Uber and Lyft have teams of adjusters and lawyers to handle claims and deny you fair compensation. If you try to deal with them on your own, you may face delays, low settlement offers, or disputes about who should pay.

How The Scott Pryor Law Group Can Help

At The Scott Pryor Law Group, we know how confusing rideshare accident claims can feel. Our attorneys can explain your rights and walk you through each step of the process. We’ll gather the evidence that supports your claim, from police reports and medical records to electronic trip data. We’ll also communicate with insurance carriers and push back against unfair settlement offers. If necessary, we’ll take your case to court and argue for the compensation you deserve before a judge or jury.

Our goal is to protect your interests and pursue fair compensation for your losses from an Uber or Lyft accident. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.

Scott Pryor

Managing Attorney | CEO

Scott is a U.S. Marine Veteran. He is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and is listed in the top 1% of trial attorneys in the nation by the Litigator Awards. He is also a member of Super Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers, the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association—Champion Level and sits on the Communications Committee of GTLA and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.