If you were harmed as a result of an Uber or Lyft accident, or if you were hit by a rideshare vehicle, you can file a claim against the at fault party to recover compensation. While undergoing this legal process, you may wonder, how long will it take until a settlement is finalized? Understandably, people would want this to be done quickly, especially if they are dealing with a pile of medical bills and lost income. While timelines vary for each person, knowing what to expect can help you stay informed and prepared as you proceed with your case.  

Average Timeline for an Uber or Lyft Injury Claim

On average, an Uber or Lyft injury claim can be settled anywhere from a couple of months over to a few years. Simple cases often involve minor bodily harm and clear liability, thus resolving the situation in as little as 3 to 6 months. The more complex it gets though, the higher the settlement timeline will be. So, if you are suffering serious injuries or are experiencing liability disputes, it can contribute to an extended settlement process, which may take 12 to 18 months or longer, especially if it ends up in litigation.

What Affects the Timeline?

Several factors can affect the settlement timeline of an Uber or Lyft injury claim. Let’s take a look at each one below. 

Severity of Your Injury

If you suffered minimal bodily damage, like whiplash or bruising, your claim will typically settle faster. But, if you fractured a bone and are in need of surgery or long-term rehabilitation, your case may remain active for a longer period of time. This is because your Uber and Lyft accident lawyer and the insurance company will want to make sure all aspects of current and future medical care are met before settlement discussions are initiated. 

Duration of Medical Treatment

The length of your treatment will affect how long it will take to settle your Uber or Lyft injury claim. It is wise to wait until you are done with medical care before discussing serious settlement negotiations. This way, your legal team can calculate the full cost of expenses, including long-term needs, accurately. If you rush into a settlement and later uncover more serious complications, you will not be able to refer back to your claim and ask for additional compensation. 

Liability Issues

Under certain circumstances, it can be unclear who caused the rideshare accident, especially if it involves multiple parties or conflicting witness statements. If liability is disputed, it may take some time to investigate the situation, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement. Matters of this sort may involve mediation or arbitration. If no agreement can be reached, the case may go to court, thus extending the length of your Uber or Lyft injury claim.

Comparative negligence may also slow down the process. In California, where more than one party can share liability, insurers may try to lessen financial responsibility by claiming that their driver was not entirely to blame for the incident. This, in turn, can lead to disputes and ongoing negotiations. 

Insurance Coverage

Uber and Lyft both provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when a rideshare driver is actively picking up or dropping off passengers. However, determining which policy applies can trigger delays. Insurers may argue over who should pay, especially if the incident happened while the rideshare driver was offline or waiting for a request at the time of impact.

Settlement Negotiations 

Once your treatment has been completed and all of your damages are calculated, your Uber and Lyft accident lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance company. This will initiate the negotiation process. Some insurers may respond quickly with reasonable offers, whereas others will try to get away with lowball offers. Your legal team may develop several approaches when negotiating with the opposing side to ensure you are granted a fair settlement.

Filing an Uber or Lyft Accident Claim

While most Uber and Lyft accident claims settle through negotiations, some may be resolved by filing a lawsuit. Undergoing this process does not necessarily mean that you will immediately proceed with litigation. A large percentage of personal injury lawsuits will settle prior to going to court, and this often happens during the discovery phase, mediation, or just right before trial. Nonetheless, pursuing this decision will extend the timeline as litigation involves multiple stages, like:

Pleadings

This is the formal start of the lawsuit. The injured party (plaintiff) files a complaint outlining the facts of the case, the nature of their injuries, and the legal basis for holding the rideshare driver, company (like Uber or Lyft), or other involved parties liable. The defendant (rideshare driver, their insurer, or the company) then files an answer, admitting or denying each allegation. This stage sets the legal framework for the case.

Discovery

In discovery, both sides exchange information to prepare for trial. This includes interrogatories (written questions), requests for production of documents (like medical records, rideshare logs, insurance policies), depositions (sworn, out-of-court testimony), requests for admissions.

In rideshare cases, discovery often focuses on whether the driver was logged into the app, who may be liable (driver, rideshare company, third party), and the extent of injuries.

Motions

During or after discovery, either party can file motions to resolve legal issues or potentially end the case before trial. Common motions include:

• Motion to dismiss – argues the case should not proceed for legal reasons.
• Motion for summary judgment – argues there’s no need for a trial because the facts are undisputed and the law is clear.

In rideshare cases, defendants may file motions arguing the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee, or that the company isn’t liable.

Settlement conferences

Courts often require settlement conferences to encourage resolution before trial. Both parties meet—often with a judge or mediator—to negotiate a settlement. Many rideshare injury claims settle here, especially when liability is clear and the plaintiff’s damages are well-documented. These conferences aim to save time, legal fees, and the uncertainty of a jury verdict.

Trial

If the case doesn’t settle, it goes to trial. A judge or jury hears evidence and determines who is liable and how much compensation is owed. Personal injury trials in rideshare cases may involve testimony from accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, witnesses, the rideshare driver and plaintiff.

Trial outcomes can vary, but they’re generally a last resort due to the costs and unpredictability involved.

Should You Settle Quickly?

You should not rush with a settlement. This can cause you to leave money on the table, particularly if you have yet to heal from the injuries you suffered in the rideshare accident. Insurance companies will try to offer a fast payout, but early settlement deals are usually created to save them money, not to provide you with full compensation.

It is important to remain patient until you learn the extent of your injury and whether it will have a long-term effect on your life. Be sure to speak with your Uber and Lyft accident lawyer and a medical professional to help you make the right decision. Doing this will allow you to move forward with confidence, and give you a better opportunity of acquiring a settlement value that accurately reflects your current and future losses. 

West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Is Here to Help

If you have been injured due to an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be eligible to file a claim against the at fault party to secure financial compensation. At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, our skilled attorneys will ensure all important documents are filed promptly, meeting deadlines to avoid unnecessary delays. With our expertise in rideshare accident claims, we can guide you through the settlement process and get you maximum compensation to cover the losses you suffered as a result of the collision.

To set up a FREE case evaluation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 465-8682 or completing our convenient online contact form.