Great Falls Rideshare Accident Attorney

Injured While Riding an Uber or Lyft in Great Falls, MT?

Rideshare crashes present unique challenges: multiple parties, layered insurance policies, app‑based tracking, and intricate liability rules. Without knowledgeable legal representation, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle—and insurers often offer lowball settlements early on.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Great Falls, MT, you need an experienced Great Falls rideshare accident lawyer on your side. At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we help you navigate the complex legal terrain of rideshare incidents—working to secure maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Contact our Great Falls Uber and Lyft accident lawyers today at (406) 233-1302 for a free consultation. 

Rideshare Driving Laws in Montana

Montana has rules that impact rideshare driving and related liability, though the industry remains less regulated than in some states. Important regulatory points include:

• No statewide rideshare-specific licensing requirement – Unlike other jurisdictions, Montana does not require Uber or Lyft drivers to hold special state-issued rideshare permits.
• No-fault and UM law: Montana’s no-fault personal injury protection is optional; uninsured motorist (UM) laws apply and may play a role if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage.
• Statute of Limitations: You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, per § 27‑2‑204, MCA.

Our team stays current on state law and applies it directly to your case—whether you're dealing with UM coverage, PIP denials, or causal negligence.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Liability in rideshare accidents depends on the status of the driver/app at the time of the crash. Montana courts distinguish among three key scenarios:

Driver Is Logged Off

If the Uber or Lyft driver’s app is turned off and they are functioning as a private motorist, liability generally attaches to the driver’s personal auto insurance policy. That means bodily injury and property damage must be resolved through standard liability coverage, not the company’s commercial insurance.

You or your attorney must pursue a claim directly against the driver and their insurer. Contesting low settlement offers early on and proving legal negligence (e.g. distraction, speed, or failure to yield) is critical.

Driver Logged On but Not Carrying Passengers/Before Request

When the app is on and the driver is simply waiting for ride requests, the rideshare company’s contingent liability insurance may kick in, typically covering:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

During this period, both the driver's personal insurance and the company’s policy could overlap. Our approach is to:

• Obtain app activity logs (timestamped “available” status).
• Determine which policy applies first.
• Pursue all available coverage up to policy limits.

Driver En Route or With Passengers

Once the driver has accepted a ride or is actively transporting passengers, Uber/Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability insurance becomes the primary coverage for:

• Injuries to riders and third parties
• Damage to other vehicles or property

This policy also typically includes uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. As your Great Falls rideshare accident lawyer, we:

• Access trip logs and records via subpoena
• Demand full policy documentation
• Guide you through negotiations or litigation to maximize recovery.

What Can You Claim After a Rideshare Accident?

Victims may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (billions for hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost income, including reduced future earning potential
• Pain and suffering (mental anguish, physical pain, loss of enjoyment)
• Property damage (vehicle repairs or total loss)
• Punitive damages, if gross negligence is proven

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we work with medical experts, accident reconstruction teams, and economists to build a comprehensive claim tailored to your needs.

FAQs About Uber & Lyft Accidents in Great Falls, MT

 Do I file a claim with Uber/Lyft or with the other driver’s insurer?

It depends on driver status: app-off means the driver’s personal insurer; app-on (waiting or occupied) invokes rideshare policies. With severe injuries or weak personal coverage, it's best to pursue company policies for full compensation.

How fast can I file a claim with rideshare insurers?

Submit your claim as soon as possible. Montana’s statute of limitations for personal injury is 3 years, but delay can hamper evidence collection, and insurance companies may try to settle quickly. We recommend acting right away.

Do I have to go to court?

Most rideshare accident cases settle out of court after thorough negotiations. However, if the insurer undervalues your pain and suffering or medical cost, we’re prepared to litigate aggressively.

What if the rideshare driver is uninsured or underinsured?

Uber/Lyft policies include uninsured/underinsured coverage. Also, check your personal UM policy. We’ll ensure every available source (rideshare cover, personal UM) is pursued.

Should I get a lawyer even for minor injuries?

Yes. “Minor” injuries might carry hidden costs: chronic pain, physical therapy, lost future wages. Insurance adjusters will minimize claims. Your best protection is experienced legal counsel.

Why Choose Hoyt & Blewett PLLC?

• Local Montana knowledge: We understand Great Falls traffic patterns, local courts, and insurance players.
• Rideshare expertise: We’ve handled numerous Uber/Lyft claims—knowing all the hurdles and how to overcome them.
• Personalized representation: You won't be shuffled off to juniors—your case is handled personally by our top trial attorneys.
• Free consultation: No obligation review of your situation and honest legal advice.
• Proven results: Six-figure settlements and verdicts won for Great Falls clients injured in rideshare crashes.

Reach out by calling (406) 233-1302 today for a free consultation with a trusted Great Falls rideshare accident attorney.