Rideshare Driver Ran a Red Light—How to File an Injury Claim | Bert McDowell Injury Law | Bert McDowell Injury Law

Rideshare Driver Ran a Red Light—How to File an Injury Claim

Red Light Runner

Rideshare Driver Ran a Red Light—How to File an Injury Claim

It happens in a flash. A green light. A crosswalk. A screech. A crash. And just like that, your life changes.

In this era of convenience—of rides on demand and five-star ratings—we’ve welcomed Uber and Lyft into our daily routines. But what happens when that same convenience becomes a catalyst for catastrophe? What happens when a rideshare driver, entrusted with your safety, recklessly blows through a red light and shatters the illusion of security?

Let me tell you this: if you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash caused by a red light runner, you have rights. And you deserve answers. This isn’t just about car damage or whiplash. It’s about justice.

The Anatomy of a Red Light Disaster

Let’s be clear—running a red light isn’t a mistake. It’s a choice. And when that choice is made behind the wheel of a multi-ton vehicle, while representing a billion-dollar tech company, the stakes aren’t just high—they’re sky-high.

A red light violation by a rideshare driver can trigger:

  • Blindsided T-bone collisions

  • Head-on impacts in intersections

  • Devastating injuries to pedestrians and cyclists

  • Chain-reaction pileups involving innocent drivers

These aren’t theoretical risks. They’re real. They’re documented. And they’re happening on streets across America every single day.

Who’s Really to Blame?

Now here’s where it gets murky—intentionally murky.

Uber and Lyft would have you believe their drivers are “independent contractors.” Translation: if something goes wrong, the company shrugs and says, “Not our problem.” But when these drivers are using the app, accepting fares, picking up passengers—they’re working. And work comes with responsibility.

So, who’s on the hook?

  • The driver? Certainly. They were behind the wheel. They broke the law.

  • The company? Yes—if the driver was actively working at the time. That $1 million commercial liability policy is there for a reason.

  • A third driver? Possibly. Sometimes the picture isn’t as clear as the footage from a dashboard cam.

This is where the system wants you confused. Delay. Deny. Deflect. That’s the game. And if you’re going to play, you’d better come prepared.

What to Do in the Aftermath of the Crash

Let’s slow it down. You’ve just been in an accident. The adrenaline is pumping. You’re shaken. Maybe hurt. Maybe worse.

What you do in the next few hours could define your case—and your recovery.

Step 1: Get to Safety and Call 911

This isn’t optional. Call emergency services. Get help. Even if injuries seem minor, insist on a full police report. It’s the official record—and it’s critical.

Step 2: Become a Journalist at the Scene

That’s right. Channel your inner reporter. Capture everything:

  • Photos of the vehicles

  • Traffic signals and signage

  • Weather conditions

  • Witnesses—get names, numbers, and quotes

Every piece of evidence tells a story. You want that story airtight.

Step 3: Confirm the Driver’s Status

Was the rideshare driver on the clock? Ask them. Screenshot the app if you were the passenger. Were they en route to a pickup? This determines whether personal or corporate insurance applies.

Step 4: Report the Incident to the Rideshare Company

Use the in-app reporting feature. Get it on record. You’ll be assigned a case number—keep it.

Step 5: Get Medical Attention

Even if you walk away from the crash, get checked. Brain injuries, internal trauma, soft tissue damage—these things don’t always show up on the roadside. But they show up in the days, weeks, and months after. A full medical record helps prove the link between the crash and your suffering.

Filing the Injury Claim: Your Fight for Justice

Let’s get one thing straight: this isn’t a small claim. This is your life. Your health. Your livelihood. Filing an injury claim isn’t paperwork—it’s a mission.

Step 1: Lawyer Up

Don’t do this alone. Hire a personal injury attorney who knows rideshare cases inside and out. Someone who’s not afraid to go toe-to-toe with billion-dollar insurers.

Step 2: Build Your Case Like a Prosecutor

Work with your attorney to gather:

  • Medical records and hospital bills

  • Lost wages and employment documentation

  • Photographic and video evidence

  • Witness statements

  • Police reports

  • App data showing driver activity

Step 3: Calculate the True Cost of What You’ve Lost

This isn’t just about what’s already happened. It’s about what you’ll live with going forward:

Step 4: Target the Right Insurer

Depending on whether the driver was “on the clock,” you’ll be dealing with either:

Let your attorney sort out the liability maze. Your focus should be healing.

Step 5: Fight for a Fair Settlement—or Prepare for Trial

Insurance adjusters don’t care about fairness. They care about saving money. Expect lowball offers. Expect delay tactics. Expect denials. But with the right legal team, you’ll be ready.

If settlement talks stall, litigation may be necessary. This can mean depositions, discovery, court appearances—but it can also mean justice.

Rideshare Claims: The Hidden Challenges

Here’s what most blogs won’t tell you:

  • Multiple insurance policies can fight each other.

  • Uber and Lyft often dodge direct blame.

  • Drivers may give inconsistent stories.

  • Delay tactics can drag the case out for months—or years.

  • There are deadlines. Wait too long, and your claim disappears.

This isn’t just about law. It’s about strategy. It’s about pressure. And it’s about staying strong in the face of stonewalling corporations.

Why You Need a Fighter in Your Corner

You don’t need a lawyer. You need a fighter. A warrior in a suit. Someone who doesn’t blink when the phone rings and it’s Uber’s legal team on the line.

That’s where Bert McDowell Injury Law comes in.

We don’t back down. We don’t take shortcuts. We investigate, we litigate, and we communicate. Our mission? To secure the compensation you deserve and make sure no negligent driver or evasive company escapes accountability.

Real Compensation for Real Losses

What are you entitled to?

  • Medical Expenses: ER visits, surgeries, therapy, future treatments

  • Lost Wages: For the time you couldn’t work—and the time you’ll never get back

  • Pain and Suffering: For every sleepless night and moment of anxiety

  • Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and belongings

  • Punitive Damages: When negligence turns to recklessness, the court can punish the wrongdoer

Conclusion: From Crash to Comeback

This story may have started with a red light, but it doesn’t end in darkness. You have power. You have a voice. And with the right team by your side, you have a path to justice.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash caused by a rideshare driver, it’s time to take a stand. Call Bert McDowell Injury Law at (475) 529-2634 today. We’ll listen. We’ll investigate. And we’ll fight.

Because accidents happen—but silence is not an option.