What Las Vegas passengers need to know before they ride
Most people only worry about accidents when they’re behind the wheel. But in Las Vegas, where rideshare has become an ultra-convenient way to get around the Strip, reach the airport, or get home after a night out, more and more accident victims aren’t drivers. They’re passengers.
Rideshare is Everywhere in Las Vegas
Annual taxi trips in Clark County have dropped by more than 50% since rideshare arrived, falling from nearly 28 million trips in 2014 to just over 13 million in 2024. Meanwhile, Uber and Lyft have grown into major alternatives to traditional taxis, including in Las Vegas.
On the Strip, one of the most densely trafficked corridors in the country, rideshare vehicles are a near-constant presence, navigating congested pick-up zones, heavy pedestrian traffic, and drivers who are often unfamiliar with the area.
That’s a risky combination for drivers and their passengers. According to a University of Illinois Chicago study published in the Journal of Safety Research, one in three rideshare drivers has been involved in a crash on the job. And rideshare drivers face up to 73% higher accident involvement rates than the general driving population, due in large part to the many hours a day they spend on the road.
How to Stay Safe as a Rideshare Passenger
Before we get into what to do in the event of an accident, it’s worth covering a few simple steps you can take to help reduce your risk as a rider.
- Verify your driver before you get in. Always confirm the license plate, make, and model of the vehicle with the information in the app, and ask the driver to confirm your name before you confirm theirs.
- Share your trip details. Both Uber and Lyft have in-app features that let you share your route and estimated arrival time with a trusted contact. Use them, especially late at night, on unfamiliar routes, or when you’re visiting a new city.
- Wear your seatbelt. It sounds obvious, but passengers in the back seat skip this step more often than they should. In a crash, it’s still your first line of protection.
What To Do If You’re In a Rideshare Accident
Being a passenger in an accident is disorienting. Many of the same steps you should take after a car accident in Las Vegas also apply when you’re riding as a passenger. You weren’t in control of the vehicle, so you may not know exactly what happened, and the legal picture is more complicated than a typical two-car crash. Don’t let the strangeness of the situation keep you from protecting yourself.
• Check for injuries and call 911. Your safety comes first. Even if the crash seems minor, call 911 and make sure a police report is filed. That report becomes important evidence if you need to file a claim.
• Document everything at the scene. Take photos of all the vehicles involved, the surrounding area, any visible injuries, and the rideshare driver’s information. Make sure to screenshot your trip details in the app before you close it, including the driver’s name, vehicle information, and trip route.
• Seek medical attention. As with any accident, adrenaline can mask pain and delay symptoms. Get checked out as soon as possible, and make sure your injuries are documented by a medical professional.
• Report the accident through the app. Both Uber and Lyft have in-app processes for reporting accidents. Do this promptly, but be careful about giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters, for either driver’s personal insurance or the rideshare company’s commercial policy.
The Insurance Picture Gets Complicated Quickly
Rideshare accidents are tricky. Different insurance policies may apply depending on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash. Coverage can also become more complicated when an at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Rideshare companies maintain insurance coverage that may apply during active trips, but which policy applies can depend on the circumstances of the crash and the driver’s status in the app.
You Have Rights As a Passenger
Being a passenger doesn’t mean you’re just along for the ride when it comes to your legal options. If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Las Vegas, you may have the right to pursue compensation for losses such as medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.
Anthem Injury Lawyers has experience handling rideshare accident claims and can help you understand exactly where you stand. Reach out today for a free case review, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
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