Common Reasons for Delays in Rideshare Injury Settlements
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft often lead to injury claims that take much longer to resolve than a typical car accident case. Many injured passengers and drivers are frustrated to learn that rideshare injury settlements can drag on for months – or even longer – before a fair resolution is reached.
The reason is simple: rideshare claims are more complex. They involve multiple insurance policies, large corporate insurers, and frequent disputes over fault and coverage. Let’s take a closer look.
Insurance Coverage Disputes
One of the most common causes of settlement delay in rideshare cases is determining which insurance policy applies. Rideshare drivers are covered differently depending on whether they were logged out of their app, waiting for a ride, on the way to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone.
Each stage triggers a different level of coverage, and insurers often argue over which policy is responsible. These disputes can significantly slow the settlement process.
Multiple Parties and Liability Issues
Rideshare accidents often involve more than one potentially at-fault party. In addition to the rideshare driver, another driver may be responsible, and multiple insurance companies may be involved.
When insurers point fingers at each other or dispute who caused the crash, negotiations tend to stall.
Medical Treatment Takes Time
Insurance companies typically want a clear understanding of your injuries before settling. If treatment is ongoing or your doctors have not yet determined your long-term prognosis, insurers may delay making a serious offer.
Gaps in treatment or incomplete medical records can further slow the process.
Fault Disputes and Investigation Delays
Even when fault seems obvious, rideshare insurers often challenge liability or argue that the injured person shares some responsibility for the accident.
Resolving these issues may require accident reports, witness statements, or additional investigation, all of which add time.
Corporate Insurance Delay Tactics
Uber and Lyft work with large insurance carriers that are skilled at delaying claims.
Slow responses, repeated document requests, and low initial offers are common tactics designed to reduce payouts or pressure injured people into settling too quickly.
How Long Do Rideshare Injury Settlements Take?
Every case is different, but minor injury claims may resolve in a few months, while more serious cases can take six months to a year or longer.
Claims involving disputed liability or litigation often take the most time.
How a Lawyer Can Help
An experienced rideshare accident attorney can identify the correct insurance coverage early, gather critical evidence, and push back against unnecessary delays.
Legal representation often leads to a faster resolution and a settlement that better reflects the true cost of your injuries.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.