I retained Paul Padda after firing my other lawyer. Best decision I ever made! He did a fantastic job for me in handling my personal injury case. Always courteous and cares about his clients. Great office staff that cares about people. With Mr. Padda, I felt comfortable every step of the way. My first choice for a lawyer!
Paul Padda is a great attorney that cares about his clients. I hired him and was impressed. Very good in court and handled my case really well. He took the time to understand my case and cared about me as a person. He would be the first person I call if I need an attorney again.
Overview
It’s Not Just an App. It’s Your Life.
You trusted the app. You requested a ride from Harry Reid International Airport after a long flight, or maybe you hailed a Lyft from a casino valet on The Strip after a night out with friends. You expected a safe, convenient ride home. Instead, you found yourself on the side of the road, in pain, confused, and staring at flashing lights.
In an instant, the convenience of the “gig economy” vanished, replaced by the harsh reality of a serious vehicle collision. Now, you aren’t just fighting to recover from injuries; you are stepping into a ring with billion-dollar technology companies, aggressive insurance adjusters, and complex corporate liability laws designed to protect them—not you.
At Paul Padda Law, we know that a rideshare accident is not just another car wreck. It involves layers of corporate insurance, independent contractor laws, and technology data that standard car accident lawyers may overlook. You need a team that understands the specific tactics Uber and Lyft use to minimize payouts. You need a Las Vegas rideshare accident lawyer who sees you as a person, not a claim number.
We are here to help you get the medical care you need, support your emotional healing, and fight for the rightful compensation you deserve.
The Leader of Your Recovery Team
"Being a lawyer allows me to be a voice for the voiceless."
- Paul Padda, J.D.
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Table of Contents
What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
The moments following a crash are chaotic, but the steps you take can make or break your future claim.
- Check for Safety & Call 911: Your health is the priority. Even if you feel “fine,” the adrenaline can mask serious injuries. Police documentation is essential for determining fault.
- Screenshot the Ride: If you are a passenger, open the app immediately and take a screenshot of the ride status, the driver’s profile, and the “Ride in Progress” screen. This is critical proof that the $1 million insurance policy should apply.
- Do Not “Just Leave” in Another Uber: It is tempting to just call another car to get home. Do not do this. Stay at the scene, give your statement to the police, and ensure you are listed on the accident report.
- Exchange Info, But Watch What You Say: Get the driver’s name and insurance, but do not apologize or say “I’m okay” to the driver. These polite comments can be used against you later.
- Seek Medical Attention: Go to a hospital or urgent care immediately. Gaps in treatment give insurance companies an excuse to deny your claim.
- Call Paul Padda Law Before Uber Calls You: Rideshare companies have rapid-response teams that may call you within hours, offering a small settlement to make the problem go away. Do not sign anything and do not give a recorded statement until you have spoken to us.
Why Choose Paul Padda Law?
When you are lying in a hospital bed or dealing with the tragic loss of a loved one, you don’t need a lawyer who just “processes files.” You need a relentless advocate who knows the local courts, the local roads, and the specific challenges of Nevada personal injury law.
- We Know Las Vegas: From the congestion of the I-15/US-95 Spaghetti Bowl to the chaotic pickup zones at the Bellagio and Venetian, we understand the unique traffic patterns that lead to accidents in our city.
- We Value You: Our philosophy is simple: It’s not about the injury. It’s about the recovery. We focus on the whole person. We help you navigate medical appointments, vehicle repairs, and the emotional toll of the crash.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You are already facing financial stress. We handle your case on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you.
- Proven Results: We have recovered millions for our clients, including substantial settlements against major corporate defendants. We are not afraid to take a case to trial if an insurance company refuses to make a fair offer.
The Unique Danger of Las Vegas Rideshare Accidents
Las Vegas is a city built on movement. With over 40 million visitors a year and a local population of over 600,000, our roads are some of the busiest in the country. The rise of Uber and Lyft has made getting around easier, but it has also added thousands of non-professional drivers to our streets, many of whom are under immense pressure to perform.
Rideshare drivers are not like taxi drivers. They are not subjected to the same rigorous training or daily vehicle inspections. They are everyday people trying to make a living, often working second jobs, driving late at night, and battling fatigue.
Furthermore, the very nature of the app creates danger. To make money, a driver must constantly interact with their phone—accepting rides, checking GPS, and communicating with passengers. This “distracted driving by design” is a leading cause of rideshare accidents in Clark County.
Common Causes of Rideshare Crashes We See:
- Deadheading Distraction: Drivers staring at their app waiting for a “ping” while cruising The Strip.
- Sudden Stops: Drivers slamming on brakes to pick up or drop off passengers in unauthorized zones or busy travel lanes.
- Fatigue: Drivers working 12+ hour shifts to hit bonus incentives, leading to drowsy driving.
- Unfamiliarity: Drivers from outside the immediate area trying to navigate the complex valet loops and one-way streets of downtown Las Vegas.
Who We Help: Understanding Your Status
Rideshare cases are unique because your legal rights change completely depending on who you are in the accident. Paul Padda Law represents victims across all categories.
1. For Injured Rideshare Passengers
As a passenger, you are the most protected party, but also the most vulnerable. You had no control over the vehicle. You put your trust in the driver and the company. When that trust is broken, you are entitled to significant protection.
The Good News: If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft during a ride, you are covered by a $1 million commercial liability policy. This applies regardless of whether your driver was at fault or another driver hit you.
The Challenge: Despite this high limit, insurance adjusters will still try to devalue your claim. They may argue your injuries were pre-existing or that the treatment you received was unnecessary. We ensure the full $1 million policy is unlocked to cover your medical bills, pain, and suffering.
2. For Innocent Third Parties (Other Drivers & Pedestrians)
If you were driving your own car, riding a motorcycle, or walking across a crosswalk and were hit by a rideshare driver, your case depends heavily on the driver’s “status” at the time of the crash (see the “Insurance Gap” section below).
If an Uber driver t-bones you while they are rushing to pick up a fare, you have a claim against the corporate policy. However, if they were just “online” but hadn’t accepted a ride, Uber may try to deny responsibility, forcing you to rely on the driver’s often-inadequate personal insurance. We fight to prove the driver was “on the job” to access the higher insurance limits you need for your recovery.
3. For Rideshare Drivers
You are the engine of the gig economy, yet the companies often treat you as disposable. If you are injured while driving for Uber or Lyft, you are typically not entitled to workers’ compensation because you are classified as an “independent contractor.”
If another driver hits you, you can pursue a claim against them. But what if the at-fault driver is uninsured? What if you are injured in a hit-and-run? We help rideshare drivers navigate the complex uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage provided by the apps, ensuring you aren’t left with crippling debt just for doing your job.
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The “Insurance Gap”: Why You Need a Lawyer
One of the most confusing aspects of a rideshare accident is the “Period of Coverage.” Uber and Lyft do not provide the same insurance coverage at all times. They have successfully lobbied for a tiered system that leaves many victims vulnerable.
At Paul Padda Law, we investigate the digital footprint of the ride to determine exactly which period the driver was in. This is often the difference between a $25,000 settlement and a $1 million settlement.
Period 0: The App is Off
- Status: The driver is using their car for personal reasons.
- Coverage: Uber/Lyft provides zero coverage.
- Result: You must rely solely on the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. In Nevada, the state minimum is only $25,000 for bodily injury. If you have severe injuries, this will likely not be enough.
Period 1: App On, Waiting for a Ride (The Danger Zone)
- Status: The driver is logged in and cruising, waiting for a request. They are technically “working,” but have no passengers.
- Coverage: This is the “gap.” The corporate $1 million policy does not fully apply. Instead, there is a limited policy (typically $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for injury).
- Result: If you are hit by a driver in this phase, the rideshare company will try to distance themselves. We fight to find evidence that they were engaged in work-related activity to maximize your claim.
Period 2 & 3: En Route or Passenger on Board
- Status: The driver has accepted a ride request or has a passenger in the car.
- Coverage: The full $1 million commercial liability policy and $1 million Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist policy is in effect.
- Result: This is the best-case scenario for coverage, but accessing it still requires proving liability and damages.
Wrongful Death in Rideshare Accidents: Justice for Families
Tragically, not everyone walks away from a rideshare crash. The high speeds on I-15 or reckless driving on surface streets like Flamingo Road or Tropicana Avenue can lead to fatal outcomes.
If you have lost a spouse, parent, or child in an Uber or Lyft accident, we understand that no amount of money can replace them. However, a wrongful death claim is the primary tool the civil justice system offers to hold negligent parties accountable and secure your family’s financial future.
Why these cases are different:
In a standard car accident, you sue the driver. In a rideshare wrongful death case, we often have to litigate against the corporate entity to prove that their negligence—such as failing to screen a driver with a criminal record or a history of reckless driving—contributed to the death.
Nevada law allows surviving family members to recover damages for:
- Funeral and burial expenses.
- Loss of financial support and future earnings of the deceased.
- Loss of companionship, love, and guidance.
- Grief and sorrow.
The injury attorneys at Paul Padda Law approach these cases with the utmost sensitivity and aggression. We shield you from the legal battles so you can focus on grieving, while we tirelessly work to secure a settlement that acknowledges the magnitude of your loss.
Injuries We Often See in Las Vegas Rideshare Crashes
The physics of a car accident do not change just because the car was summoned via an app. However, passengers in the back seat of a rideshare vehicle often do not wear seatbelts, leading to unique and severe injury patterns.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe cognitive impairment caused by striking the partition or window.
- Facial Injuries: Impact with the seat back or front partition can cause broken noses, orbital fractures, and dental damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Whiplash is common, but high-speed impacts can cause herniated discs or paralysis requiring lifetime care.
- Knee and Hip Injuries: Often called “dashboard injuries,” these occur when the force of the crash drives the passenger’s legs into the hard surfaces of the vehicle interior.
- Emotional Trauma: The psychological impact of a violent crash can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and a fear of driving, which are compensable damages in Nevada.
We work with top medical experts in Las Vegas to ensure your injuries are properly diagnosed and documented. We don’t just rely on the emergency room notes; we build a comprehensive view of how this injury will affect your life next year, and ten years from now.
Determining Liability: It’s Not Always Clear
Who is at fault? In a rideshare accident, the answer is often “multiple people.”
The Rideshare Driver:
If they were speeding, distracted by the app, or violated traffic laws, they are liable.
The Other Driver:
If another motorist ran a red light and hit your Uber, they are the primary at-fault party. However, if they are uninsured, we may still need to file a claim against Uber’s UIM policy.
The Rideshare Company (Uber/Lyft):
Can we sue the company directly? Generally, they hide behind the “independent contractor” shield. However, if they were negligent in hiring—for example, approving a driver with a history of DUIs or sexual assault—we may have grounds to sue the corporation directly for negligent hiring or retention.
Vehicle Manufacturers:
If the airbags failed to deploy or a tire blew out causing the crash, we may look at product liability claims.
At Paul Padda Law, we cast a wide net. We investigate every potential source of liability to ensure there is enough insurance money available to cover your total damages.
Understanding Damages: What is Your Case Worth?
We cannot give you a dollar figure without reviewing your case, but we can tell you what we fight for. In Nevada, you are entitled to be “made whole.” This includes:
- Economic Damages: These are your financial losses.
- Past and future medical bills (surgeries, physical therapy, medication).
- Lost wages (time off work).
- Loss of earning capacity (if you can no longer do the same job).
- Property damage (if you were driving your own car).
- Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective but very real.
- Physical pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Disfigurement or scarring.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the driver’s conduct was malicious or incredibly reckless (like driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol), we may seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly for my accident?
In most cases, you are suing the driver, and Uber or Lyft’s insurance company steps in to pay the damages. However, suing the corporate entity directly is difficult because drivers are independent contractors. Exceptions exist if the company failed to background check the driver properly or if the app itself caused the distraction that led to the crash
What if my Uber driver was not at fault?
If another driver hit your rideshare vehicle, you first file a claim against that at-fault driver’s insurance. If that driver is uninsured or has low policy limits, you can then file a claim under Uber or Lyft’s $1 million Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policy. This ensures you are covered even if the other driver cannot pay.
I was a passenger and I wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Can I still claim damages?
Yes. In Nevada, failure to wear a seatbelt does not automatically bar you from recovering damages, nor is it considered "negligence per se." However, the defense may try to argue your injuries would have been less severe if you were buckled up. We know how to counter these arguments to protect your compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Nevada?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Nevada is generally two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it is two years from the date of death. While this sounds like a long time, evidence disappears quickly. Video footage from casinos or traffic cameras is often deleted within weeks. It is vital to start the investigation immediately.
Does Paul Padda Law handle Lyft accidents too?
Yes. While people often say "Uber accident" as a catch-all term, we handle claims involving Lyft, Uber, generic taxi services, and other app-based transport services. The laws and insurance policies are very similar, and we are experienced with all of them.
What does it cost to hire a rideshare accident attorney?
It costs you nothing out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all costs for the investigation, experts, and filing fees. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay legal fees.
We Are The Allies You Want. The Advocates You Need.
After a rideshare accident, you may feel small against the backdrop of massive insurance companies and confusing legal loopholes. But you don’t have to fight alone.
Paul Padda Law is a firm built on the principle of fighting for the underdog. We have the resources to take on the giants and the local care to treat you like family. Whether you were a passenger on your way to a show, a driver trying to support your family, or a local resident hit by a distracted gig worker, we are ready to stand up for you.
Don’t let an insurance adjuster decide what your future is worth.Contact us today at (702) 707-7000 or use our online form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most: your recovery.