Uber/Lyft Accidents Attorney In Des Moines, Iowa

Last updated on July 21, 2025

The country has seen a significant rise in the use of ridesharing app services. Uber and Lyft, the big names in the ridesharing industry, are worth billions of dollars.

With more people choosing to ride with Uber and Lyft over other forms of public transportation, there has been a lot more traffic congestion. More ridesharing cars on the road means more chances for accidents involving them.

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, talk to our personal injury attorneys at Carter Law Offices, P.C., immediately.

Alarming Statistics On Rideshare-Related Accidents

Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other crash reports reveal a worrying trend. Since ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft became popular, there has been a small but steady rise – between 2% and 4% each year – in deadly accidents. That is almost one thousand additional lives lost every year since 2010.

According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, there were 17 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes involving ridesharing drivers in 2018 in Nebraska alone. In Iowa, traffic fatalities continue to increase, from 337 in 2019 to 356 in 2021. The NHTSA also reported that 1,828 people were injured and 24 people lost their lives because of crashes involving ridesharing vehicles in 2021. It is clear from this data that the rise of ridesharing may be contributing to a concerning growth in road casualties.

Navigating The Complexities Of Rideshare Accident Liability

Accidents involving ridesharing vehicles can present several insurance and liability issues that are often more complicated than traditional car accident claims. Liability can fall on the driver, the ridesharing company or another party altogether. What makes matters worse is that each party involved will have a different insurance provider, and each will attempt to remove blame from the party they represent.

Unique Challenges In Uber And Lyft Accident Claims: What Most Attorneys Overlook

Uber and Lyft accidents have many aspects that make them different from other motor vehicle crashes. It is important to have an attorney in your corner who understands the complex issues and challenges rideshare crash claims can raise, like those mentioned below.

Driver Classification And Liability Impacts

Rideshare drivers are usually classified as independent contractors rather than employees. So, when such a driver causes an accident, they are typically individually liable for it. You generally cannot directly sue the rideshare company they are linked to. So, the insurance situation of rideshare drivers can have a big impact on claims.

Layered Insurance Policy Issues

Drivers with Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies often carry two types of auto insurance:

• Personal insurance: This typically does not cover commercial driving, so it often only applies when a rideshare driver isn’t actively working.
• Company-provided insurance: Uber and Lyft provide their drivers with $1 million in coverage for accidents that occur while transporting a rideshare passenger or going to pick one up. They provide a lower level of coverage for accidents that happen when a driver is waiting for a ride request.

A range of legal conflicts can arise over which coverage applies to a given situation. This includes disputes over whether a driver was actively looking for a ride request when they had their app on.

Multiple Parties

Rideshare accident claims can involve a wide range of parties beyond just the driver. This includes:

• Other motorists
• Passengers
• Pedestrians

This can make it difficult to pinpoint who exactly was at fault for an accident. Additionally, it can mean having to navigate a range of different insurance policies and negotiating situations when pursuing compensation.

Iowa-Specific Legal Concerns

Iowa has statewide rules governing the rideshare industry. These laws touch on a range of issues that can be impactful in accident situations, including insurance coverage. Given this, having an advocate with strong local legal knowledge who is closely watching for any potential new developments regarding such regulations can be critical.

Non-Collision Incidents

Not all rideshare-related injuries stem from collisions. They can also come from assaults, falls from vehicles or other more uncommon scenarios. When these more unusual causes are at play, it can be critical to have a team on your side with a knowledge base that goes beyond just car accident claims.

Why Knowledgeable Legal Support Matters

Rideshare accident claims can be incredibly complex. Without the right support, it can be very easy to encounter pitfalls that could jeopardize your ability to get full compensation. Contact our firm today to learn how our attorneys’ extensive experience with and knowledge of the unique issues raised by rideshare accident claims can make a difference for you.

Steps To Take Immediately After A Rideshare Accident

1. Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
2. Call emergency services: Report the accident to the police and seek medical attention for any injuries.
3. Document the scene: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage and any visible injuries.
4. Gather information: Collect contact details from the rideshare driver, other involved parties and any witnesses.
5. Report the accident: Inform the rideshare company (Uber or Lyft) about the accident through their app.
6. Consult a personal injury attorney: Contact a legal professional to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Possible Damages After Rideshare Accident Injuries

After suffering injuries in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. Here are the main types of damages you can pursue with guidance from our rideshare accident attorneys in Des Moines.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to compensate you for measurable financial losses stemming from the accident, such as:

• Medical expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy and ongoing health care needs. It is essential to include all related medical documentation in your claim.
• Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you lost. This can include loss of bonuses or other work-related benefits.
• Property damage: If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you can pursue compensation for repair or replacement costs.
• Future earnings: In cases of long-term or permanent disability, you may also be entitled to damages for lost earning capacity, helping ensure financial security should you be unable to return to work.

Our Des Moines rideshare accident lawyers can help you reflect these and other losses in your claim.

Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages address the more intangible consequences of a rideshare accident. These include:

• Pain and suffering: Discomfort caused by your injuries, including chronic pain that impacts your daily life.
• Emotional distress: Anxiety, PTSD and other emotional effects of the accident can have long-term consequences. These damages account for the psychological toll of your experience.
• Loss of life enjoyment: When the accident prevents you from engaging in activities that you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports or time with family and friends.
• Loss of consortium: To address the impact of the crash on family relationships, including loss of companionship, support, or intimacy with a spouse or partner.

Navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and other challenges following a rideshare accident. The right rideshare accident attorney in Des Moines can help you calculate the extent of your damages and negotiate with other involved parties to obtain the maximum available compensation on your behalf.

As you can see, there are many considerations to address in a rideshare accident claim. Speak with our rideshare accident lawyers for more information specific to your case.

Get Experienced Legal Help With A Free Consultation

At Carter Law Offices, P.C., in Des Moines, our personal injury lawyers have over 30 years of experience investigating motor vehicle accidents, including those involving ridesharing vehicles. Contact us at 515-644-4871 or 402-979-8675 to discuss your case or directly message us online. We are committed to standing by your side every step of the way, from negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.