Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare Accident Attorney in Montana

Services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way Montanans travel, especially in cities like Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman. But when a rideshare trip ends in an accident, passengers, drivers, and even third parties often find themselves facing a complicated question: who is responsible?

At AT Legal PC, we help victims of rideshare crashes untangle these complexities. Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or another motorist involved in a rideshare collision, we bring experience, clarity, and calm professionalism to guide you through every step of your claim.

Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Montana

Rideshare accidents differ from standard car crashes because they involve multiple insurance policies, corporate liability structures, and digital platforms that often shift blame between parties.

When you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may have to deal with:

The rideshare company’s insurer (Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy)
The driver’s personal insurance
Another driver’s insurer (if a third vehicle was involved)

Each party may point fingers at the others, leaving victims uncertain about where to file a claim or how to recover compensation.

Our role is to simplify that process. At AT Legal PC, we identify the correct policy, establish liability, and advocate for full recovery under Montana law.

Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare vehicle, you may be eligible for compensation under one or more insurance policies. Common claimants include:

Rideshare passengers injured during a trip
Other drivers hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle
Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare driver
Rideshare drivers injured by negligent motorists

Each situation requires a different legal approach depending on whether the rideshare driver was logged into the app, transporting a passenger, or waiting for a fare.

When the Rideshare Driver Is “On the App”

Liability coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft divide their insurance coverage into three “periods”:

App Off: The driver is not logged in. Only their personal auto insurance applies.
App On, Waiting for Ride: The rideshare company provides contingent liability coverage if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim.
Passenger Accepted or In Transit: Once the driver accepts a ride or has a passenger in the car, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.

Our firm determines which coverage applies and pursues the appropriate insurer for recovery. In some cases, both the rideshare company’s and driver’s policies may share liability.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare drivers face unique risks because they spend long hours navigating unfamiliar streets while multitasking with the app. Common causes of collisions include:

Distracted driving while accepting rides or checking GPS
Speeding or running lights to meet trip quotas
Fatigue from long driving hours
Inexperience with Montana’s rural or icy roads
Poor vehicle maintenance on high-mileage cars
Negligence by other drivers sharing the road

Even if the crash seems minor, injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or back trauma may take time to manifest. Immediate medical evaluation and legal counsel are essential.

Understanding Montana Law and Comparative Negligence

Montana uses a modified comparative negligence system under Montana Code Annotated §27-1-702. This means:

You can recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault for the accident.
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury awards you $100,000 but finds you 20% responsible, your recovery would be $80,000.

Determining fault in a rideshare accident is complex, especially when multiple vehicles and corporate insurers are involved. AT Legal PC meticulously investigates the evidence to ensure liability is accurately assigned.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including:

Medical expenses and future treatment costs
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
Property damage or vehicle replacement
Long-term disability or disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

We also pursue uninsured and underinsured motorist claims if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, what you do immediately after can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.

Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor.
Report the crash to local law enforcement and request a copy of the police report.
Document the scene with photos of vehicles, license plates, and surroundings.
Screenshot the rideshare trip details from your app.
Avoid discussing fault with drivers, passengers, or insurers.
Contact a rideshare accident attorney to protect your rights before speaking to insurance adjusters.

These steps ensure critical evidence is preserved and prevent insurers from twisting your words to reduce your claim.

Rideshare Accidents Involving Public and Private Roads

Rideshare vehicles operate across Montana’s unique mix of urban and rural landscapes. Accidents may happen:

On busy city routes like downtown Billings or Missoula’s Higgins Avenue
Along interstate highways like I-90 and U.S. 93
On rural county roads where poor lighting and wildlife crossings increase risk

Montana’s vast geography can complicate jurisdiction, emergency response, and insurance coverage. AT Legal PC’s familiarity with local conditions helps ensure no detail is overlooked.

Liability Beyond the Driver

While a rideshare driver’s negligence is the most common cause of accidents, other parties may share responsibility, including:

Rideshare companies for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failure to deactivate unsafe drivers
Vehicle manufacturers for defective parts or safety systems
Third-party motorists who caused the initial collision
Municipalities for dangerous road conditions or poor signage

We pursue every liable party to maximize compensation for our clients.

The AT Legal PC Difference

Founded by Adrienne Tranel, a Montana native and National Top 100 Trial Lawyer, AT Legal PC provides representation rooted in professionalism and empathy.

Adrienne’s upbringing on a ranch north of Billings taught her persistence, fairness, and the courage to advocate for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

Clients choose AT Legal PC because:

We prioritize clarity and transparency.
We handle communication with insurers so clients can focus on recovery.
We combine meticulous preparation with compassionate advocacy.
We represent clients from all backgrounds with inclusion and respect.

We measure success not by headlines but by the trust and relief our clients feel when their cases conclude.

Our Process: From Consultation to Resolution

Step 1: Consultation

We begin with a detailed consultation to understand your situation, review trip data, and identify applicable insurance policies.

Step 2: Investigation

We collect police reports, driver history, vehicle data, witness statements, and app records to reconstruct what happened.

Step 3: Claim Filing

Depending on the facts, we file against Uber or Lyft’s insurer, the driver’s insurance, or another at-fault party. We handle all communication and documentation.

Step 4: Negotiation or Litigation

Our negotiation strategy is grounded in preparation and precision. If insurers fail to act fairly, we are ready to litigate with professionalism and resolve.

Step 5: Resolution

You receive clear updates, fair guidance, and complete transparency about your options, settlements, or trial outcomes.

What to Bring to Your Consultation

To help us evaluate your claim efficiently, bring:

Police report or crash record
Photos or videos of the scene
Medical bills and records
Insurance communications or claim numbers
Screenshot of your rideshare trip or receipt
Witness contact information

Even if you are missing documents, we can often retrieve them directly from rideshare companies or law enforcement.

How Long Do Rideshare Accident Cases Take?

The timeline varies depending on the severity of injuries, insurance cooperation, and whether litigation becomes necessary.

Straightforward cases may settle within months, while complex multi-party claims may take a year or longer.

AT Legal PC manages these cases with patience and precision, ensuring you are informed every step of the way.

Serving Clients Across Montana

We represent clients statewide, including Billings, Miles City, Sidney, Great Falls, Bozeman, Livingston, Butte, Missoula, Hamilton, Kalispell, and Whitefish.

Montana’s roads range from congested city streets to expansive rural highways. We understand how terrain, weather, and infrastructure affect rideshare accidents and tailor our approach to each local environment.

Wherever your crash occurred, our commitment remains the same: deliberate, thorough, and compassionate representation that helps you rebuild your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting an attorney for a rideshare accident?

Yes. Rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance companies and complex liability rules. An attorney ensures your claim is properly filed, evidence is preserved, and settlement offers reflect the true value of your losses.

Why hire an attorney for a rideshare accident?

An attorney protects you from insurance tactics designed to minimize payouts and ensures you are compensated for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Are accident attorneys worth it?

Absolutely. Studies consistently show that represented victims recover substantially more compensation than those who negotiate on their own.

How many rideshare accident cases go to court?

Most settle before trial once insurers recognize the strength of the evidence. AT Legal PC prepares every case as if it will go to court, which often leads to faster and better settlements.

Related Practice Areas

Have Questions? Contact Us.

If you were injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle in Montana, you do not have to navigate the insurance maze alone.

Have questions? Contact us and we will help you find answers.