Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely used across Alberta for their convenience and accessibility. But when a rideshare trip turns into a serious collision, injury victims are often left confused about who is responsible, what benefits they are entitled to, and whether they have grounds to sue. Alberta’s insurance laws for rideshare providers are different from those that apply to ordinary private passenger vehicles, and knowing your rights early on can make a significant difference in the compensation you receive.
If you have been injured as a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or a driver involved in a collision with an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you may be entitled to sue for damages. The experienced accident lawyers at Watchmaker Law in Edmonton, led by personal injury lawyer David Sowemimo, can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What You Can Sue for After a Rideshare Accident
Under Alberta law, you may have the right to bring a lawsuit for several categories of damages following an Uber or Lyft accident, depending on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life.
1. Pain and Suffering (Non-Pecuniary Damages)
If you sustained physical or psychological injuries, you may sue for pain and suffering. These damages compensate you for the actual experience of injury — your discomfort, trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety, or chronic pain.
2. Loss of Income and Loss of Future Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, reduce your hours, or force you into a lower-paying job, you may sue for past and future income losses. This applies even if you are self-employed, part-time, or a contractor.
3. Out-of-Pocket Medical and Rehabilitation Costs
Although some medical treatment is covered by Alberta’s health system, many expenses are not — including physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, massage therapy, mobility aids, counselling, medications, and long-term rehabilitation services. You can seek compensation for these costs.
4. Future Care and Rehabilitation
If your injuries will require ongoing treatment, therapy, or accommodations in the future, you may sue for the projected costs of long-term care.
5. Housekeeping and Home Assistance
Injuries often impact your ability to complete household tasks. You may claim compensation for the cost of hiring help or for the value of lost ability to maintain your home.
6. Loss of Quality of Life
When injuries prevent you from enjoying everyday activities, family life, hobbies, or recreation, you may be compensated for diminished quality of life.
7. Property Damage
If your personal belongings — such as your car, bicycle, phone, or other items — were damaged in the collision, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
Who Can Be Sued After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Liability in rideshare accidents can become complex because multiple parties may be at fault, including:
• The Uber or Lyft driver
• The rideshare company’s commercial insurance provider
• Another negligent motorist involved in the collision
• A municipality (in rare cases involving unsafe road conditions)
Uber and Lyft carry extended third-party liability coverage while the driver is logged into the app or transporting a passenger. However, the coverage level depends on the stage of the trip, and insurance companies often dispute claims or attempt to reduce payouts.
This is why having an experienced personal injury lawyer is critical — especially when multiple insurers are involved.
How Watchmaker Accident Lawyers in Edmonton Can Help
Watchmaker Law is an Edmonton-based accident and personal injury law firm that helps individuals injured in Uber and Lyft accidents secure fair compensation. Led by David Sowemimo, a personal injury lawyer in Edmonton with extensive experience in accident claims, the legal team provides guidance from the very first consultation and continues supporting you throughout the entire claims process.
What They Do for You
• Investigate liability and identify all available insurance coverage
• Deal directly with insurance companies on your behalf
• Coordinate medical assessments and injury documentation
• Calculate the full value of your claim (not just immediate costs)
• Negotiate for maximum settlement
• Pursue litigation if insurers attempt to underpay or deny your claim
Rideshare insurers are sophisticated and quick to protect their financial interests — having a skilled injury lawyer ensures your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
When to Contact a Lawyer
You should speak with a lawyer as early as possible after the accident, especially before signing any documents or giving a detailed statement to an insurance adjuster. Early legal guidance helps prevent mistakes that weaken or limit your claim.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Alberta, you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. Watchmaker Accident Lawyers in Edmonton, led by personal injury lawyer David Sowemimo, can help you pursue fair compensation and protect your rights from day one. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery.
