Carmel Uber Accident Lawyer

Carmel Uber Accident Lawyer – Maximum Compensation for Rideshare Injuries

You ordered an Uber or Lyft to avoid driving yourself. Maybe you’d been out with friends. Maybe you just didn’t want to deal with parking in Carmel City Center. You trusted the driver to get you home safely.

Then the crash happened.

Now you’re dealing with injuries, medical bills, and a confusing insurance situation. Who’s responsible? The driver? Uber? Lyft? Their insurance company? Your own insurance? It’s not straightforward like a regular car accident, and that’s exactly what makes rideshare cases so frustrating.

Look, at Pavlack Law, we’ve spent 50 years combined handling complex vehicle accident cases throughout Carmel and Hamilton County. We understand that Uber and Lyft accidents involve multiple layers of insurance coverage, corporate liability shields, and legal complexities that most accident victims don’t know exist. These companies have massive legal teams protecting their interests. You need experienced attorneys protecting yours.

We’ve recovered millions for injured clients. That includes $4,000,000 for a woman paralyzed from the waist down in a car collision and $1,250,000 for a family whose young man was killed in a collision with a negligently operated semi. We know how to handle serious vehicle accident cases. We bring that same aggressive advocacy to rideshare accidents.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Carmel, call us at 317-733-5171. Your consultation is completely free. We’ll explain your rights, identify all available insurance coverage, and tell you honestly whether you have a strong case. You’ll speak directly with experienced attorneys, not intake staff.

Why Carmel Rideshare Accident Victims Choose Pavlack Law

Uber and Lyft accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. The insurance situation is complicated. Liability can be murky. The rideshare companies have spent millions creating legal barriers to protect themselves from lawsuits.

You need a lawyer who understands these unique challenges.

Here’s what sets Pavlack Law apart.

50 Years Combined Experience in Vehicle Accident Cases

Our three attorneys bring half a century of combined experience handling all types of vehicle accidents. Car crashes. Truck accidents. Motorcycle collisions. And yes, rideshare accidents.

We’ve seen how insurance companies operate. We know their tactics. We know how to win.

Proven Results in Serious Vehicle Accident Cases

$4,000,000 settlement for a woman paralyzed from the waist down in a car collision.

This catastrophic injury case demonstrates our ability to secure maximum compensation when someone’s negligence causes life-changing injuries. Rideshare accidents can result in equally devastating injuries, and we fight for full compensation.

$1,250,000 settlement for family of young man who was killed in collision with a negligently operated semi.

Fatal vehicle accidents require attorneys who understand wrongful death law, complex liability issues, and how to hold negligent parties accountable. We’ve successfully handled these tragic cases.

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes (every case is unique), they show our track record of winning complex vehicle accident cases against well-funded defendants.

Attorney Eric Pavlack: Super Lawyers 2009-2025

Attorney Eric Pavlack has been recognized as a Super Lawyer or Super Lawyers Rising Star consistently from 2009 through 2025. This peer recognition reflects a proven track record of excellence in personal injury representation.

We Understand Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Here’s the thing about Uber and Lyft insurance. It’s complicated by design.

Coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the exact moment of the crash. Were they logged into the app? Did they have a passenger? Were they en route to pick someone up? Each scenario triggers different insurance coverage with different policy limits.

Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage Tiers:

• Driver offline: Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies (and most personal policies exclude commercial activity)
• Driver online but no ride request: Uber/Lyft provide limited liability coverage ($50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage)
• Driver en route to pickup or transporting passenger: Uber/Lyft provide $1 million liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

We investigate thoroughly to determine which coverage applies to your case. We identify all available insurance policies. We fight to maximize your compensation from every source.

Direct Attorney Access, Not Case Managers

When you call Pavlack Law, you speak with experienced attorneys. Attorney Eric Pavlack personally handles rideshare accident cases. We don’t pass you off to paralegals or case managers.

You deserve direct access to the lawyers fighting for your rights.

Zero Financial Risk

We work on a contingency fee basis. No upfront costs. No consultation fees. No retainers. No hourly bills. We advance all case expenses. You only pay if we recover compensation for you.

If we don’t win? You owe nothing.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

Most cases settle. But insurance companies know we’re fully prepared to take cases to trial if they won’t offer fair compensation. Attorney Eric Pavlack is admitted to practice in Indiana state courts and federal courts. That trial readiness gives us leverage in negotiations.

What Our Clients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Eric Pavlack handled my father’s case with the level of professionalism and care it required. He worked with us for a long while and kept up communication extremely well. Eric oversaw the situation with care even after long periods of waiting. We appreciate all he’s done for us. He is truly exceptional!”
— Desirae Michaels

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Eric and his team are top notch. Handled my son’s case with the upmost professionalism. Great communication and responsiveness. Would highly recommend his services.”
— Jennifer Hart

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I give my upmost recommendation to Eric and the Pavlack Law team. At my age, 65, when I first inquired about services due to a work injury, I was not optimistic about what could happen for me and my situation. The first thing I can say about my experience is that Eric put my mind at ease. He did not promise the world, but had real conversation and discussed what the best and worst outcomes could be in this situation. Expectations were set not on the outcome, but on the process. I felt he was going to battle for me with his demeanor and explanations the whole way through the experience. During mediation, he helped me get fully prepared and made sure I was aware that the final say was totally up to me. Rest assured you are in good care with Eric and his team. I was extremely happy with the outcome.”
— Randy Hartley

You can read additional reviews from our clients on our Google Business Profile.

Common Types of Uber and Lyft Accidents in Carmel

Rideshare accidents happen for the same reasons regular car accidents occur. Distracted driving. Speeding. Running red lights. Failing to yield.

The difference? The complex insurance and liability issues that come with rideshare involvement.

Accidents While You’re a Passenger

You ordered an Uber or Lyft. Got in the vehicle. Then the driver caused a crash by running a stop sign, changing lanes unsafely, rear-ending another vehicle, or making an unsafe turn.

As a passenger, you weren’t at fault. You have the right to recover compensation for your injuries. The question is: from whom? The driver’s insurance? Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy? Another driver who may have contributed to the crash?

We investigate to determine all liable parties and available coverage. Understanding when to contact a lawyer after an Uber crash can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Crashes Caused by Uber/Lyft Drivers Hitting Your Vehicle

You’re driving through Carmel when an Uber or Lyft driver causes a crash. They were distracted by their phone, looking at the rideshare app for directions, speeding to get to their next pickup, or just driving negligently.

Now you’re injured. Your car is damaged. If you were in a rental vehicle when the accident occurred, the situation becomes even more complex. Learn more about what to do after an accident in a rental car to protect your rights.

The other driver may have minimal personal insurance (if it even covers their rideshare activity). You need attorneys who know how to pierce through to Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles

Carmel has extensive pedestrian areas and bike trails. The Monon Trail. Downtown Carmel. Clay Terrace shopping areas. Rideshare drivers picking up or dropping off passengers sometimes fail to watch for pedestrians and cyclists.

According to NHTSA pedestrian safety data, pedestrian fatalities have been increasing nationwide. When a rideshare vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, determining insurance coverage becomes critical.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents Involving Rideshare Drivers

Complex accidents involving three or more vehicles. The Uber or Lyft driver may have caused the initial collision, which triggered additional impacts. Liability gets distributed among multiple parties. Insurance companies point fingers at each other.

Many of these crashes occur at busy Carmel intersections where serious accidents happen at intersections due to driver inattention or traffic violations.

You need experienced attorneys who can sort through the chaos and hold all responsible parties accountable.

Accidents on High-Traffic Carmel Roads

Common accident locations include:

• U.S. Route 31: Major north-south corridor with heavy traffic and frequent rideshare activity
• Keystone Parkway: Busy thoroughfare where rideshare drivers pick up and drop off passengers
• 116th Street and Meridian Street: High-volume intersections with rideshare traffic where many serious accidents happen at intersections
• Range Line Road: Commercial corridor with restaurants and entertainment venues generating rideshare demand
• Carmel’s roundabouts: Unique infrastructure requiring attention (Carmel has more roundabouts than any U.S. city)
• Clay Terrace and Carmel City Center areas: Heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic where public events can become the source of personal injury disputes

Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare accidents cause the same types of injuries as any vehicle collision. The severity depends on impact speed, whether seat belts were worn, vehicle size differences, and point of impact.

Serious and Catastrophic Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injuries
Head impacts during collisions can cause concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. Even “mild” TBIs can result in lasting cognitive impairment, memory problems, and personality changes.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Our $4,000,000 settlement for a woman paralyzed from the waist down demonstrates the catastrophic nature of spinal injuries. These injuries often result in permanent disability, requiring lifetime medical care and assistance with daily activities.

Broken Bones and Fractures
Legs, arms, wrists, ankles, ribs, and facial bones frequently break in vehicle collisions. Many require surgery, pins, plates, or rods. Recovery takes months and sometimes results in permanent limitations.

Internal Injuries
The force of collision can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and injuries that aren’t immediately apparent. This is why seeking medical attention immediately after any accident is critical.

Common but Serious Injuries

Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Rear-end collisions (common in rideshare accidents when drivers are distracted) cause whiplash. While insurance companies try to minimize these injuries, they can cause chronic pain and require extensive treatment.

Back Injuries
Herniated discs, muscle strains, and ligament damage in the back can cause debilitating pain and limit your ability to work. Understanding common causes of spinal cord injuries can help you recognize the seriousness of back trauma from vehicle accidents.

Soft Tissue Injuries
Sprains, strains, and contusions may seem minor initially but can develop into chronic conditions requiring ongoing medical care.

Lacerations and Scarring
Broken glass, metal, and airbag deployment can cause facial lacerations, resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Psychological Trauma

Vehicle accidents often cause post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety about riding in vehicles, depression, and emotional distress. Indiana law allows recovery for these psychological impacts in addition to physical injuries.

Understanding Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage

This is where rideshare accidents get complicated. The insurance coverage available depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.

When the Driver Is Logged Off

If the Uber or Lyft driver wasn’t logged into the app, they’re considered off-duty. Only their personal auto insurance applies.

Here’s the problem: most personal auto policies specifically exclude coverage for commercial activity like ridesharing.

If the driver’s personal insurer denies the claim (which they often do), you may have limited options for recovery unless other parties share liability.

When the Driver Is Logged In But Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

The driver is online and available but hasn’t received or accepted a ride request yet. Uber and Lyft provide limited liability coverage:

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

This coverage is inadequate for serious injuries. If your medical bills and damages exceed these limits, we look for additional coverage sources.

When the Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger

This is when maximum coverage applies. Once the driver accepts your ride request or is actively transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage. This also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

This is the coverage tier that applies to most passenger injuries and many accidents caused by rideshare drivers.

Additional Complications

Driver’s Personal Insurance May Still Apply:
In some situations, we can pursue both the driver’s personal insurance and Uber/Lyft’s commercial coverage.

Third-Party Liability:
If another driver contributed to the accident, their insurance is also in play. We pursue all available sources.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
If you have your own underinsured motorist coverage, it may provide additional compensation beyond what Uber or Lyft’s insurance offers.

We investigate every potential source of recovery to maximize your compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Indiana law allows vehicle accident victims to recover several categories of damages.

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses:
All current and future medical costs. Emergency room treatment. Hospitalization. Surgery. Medications. Physical therapy. Ongoing treatment. Medical equipment. Home modifications if you’re permanently disabled.

Lost Wages:
Income you’ve lost while unable to work due to your injuries. This includes wages, salary, bonuses, commissions, and benefits.

Lost Earning Capacity:
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your career advancement, you can recover compensation for reduced lifetime earning potential. Understanding your legal rights after an injury includes knowing how to calculate these long-term economic losses.

Property Damage:
Vehicle repair or replacement costs if you were driving when the accident occurred.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering:
Compensation for the physical pain you’ve endured and will continue to experience.

Emotional Distress:
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts of the accident.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
Compensation for activities, hobbies, and pleasures you can no longer pursue due to your injuries.

Scarring and Disfigurement:
Permanent visible scars that affect your appearance and self-esteem.

Indiana follows modified comparative fault. If you were partially at fault (50% or less), you can still recover compensation, but it’s reduced by your percentage of fault. This rarely applies to passengers but can affect other rideshare accident victims.

Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Carmel

What you do immediately after the accident affects both your health and your legal rights.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your safety comes first. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by paramedics. Some serious injuries don’t manifest symptoms immediately.

2. Report the Accident

Contact the Carmel Police Department (317-571-2500) to file an official accident report. This documentation is critical for your claim.

3. Document Everything

Take photos. All vehicles involved. Visible injuries. The accident scene. Road conditions. Traffic signs. Anything else relevant. Get contact information from the driver, other involved parties, and any witnesses. Proper documentation is crucial, and you can learn more about gathering important evidence after vehicle accidents to strengthen your case.

4. Report Through the Rideshare App

Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident. This creates an official record with the rideshare company. But don’t give detailed statements through the app without consulting an attorney first.

5. Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Go to the emergency room or your doctor even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured. Insurance companies will use any delay in treatment against you, claiming you weren’t really hurt.

6. Don’t Give Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters (including Uber and Lyft’s insurers) will contact you quickly asking for recorded statements. Politely decline. Tell them you’re consulting with an attorney first.

Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.

7. Don’t Accept Quick Settlement Offers

Initial settlement offers are almost always far below what your claim is worth. Insurance companies count on victims accepting quick money without understanding their injuries’ full impact. Read about why you shouldn’t accept the first insurance offer before making any decisions.

Once you accept and sign a release? You can’t reopen your claim later, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially believed.

8. Contact Pavlack Law at 317-733-5171

Call us before dealing with insurance companies. We’ll protect your rights from day one, handle all communications with insurers, and build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

The Pavlack Law Process for Uber and Lyft Accident Cases

When you choose Pavlack Law to represent you, here’s what to expect.

Step 1: Free Consultation

Your initial consultation is completely free with no obligation. We’ll listen to what happened. Review any documentation you have. Explain rideshare insurance coverage. Identify potentially liable parties. Answer all your questions. Provide an honest assessment of your case.

We can meet at our office, by phone, or at your home if you’re unable to travel due to injuries.

Step 2: Investigation and Evidence Gathering

We immediately begin building your case. Obtaining the police report. Requesting the driver’s information from Uber or Lyft. Gathering all medical records and bills. Interviewing witnesses. Obtaining the rideshare trip data. Determining which insurance coverage applies. Consulting with accident reconstruction experts if needed. Preserving all evidence before it disappears.

Step 3: Identifying All Insurance Coverage

We determine whether the driver was offline, online without a ride, or actively transporting passengers. We identify all applicable insurance policies (driver’s personal insurance, Uber/Lyft’s coverage, other drivers’ insurance, your own underinsured motorist coverage). We calculate total available coverage and develop a strategy to maximize your recovery.

Step 4: Demand and Negotiation

Once you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (or we understand your future medical needs), we calculate the full value of your claim. We submit comprehensive demand packages to all applicable insurance companies. We negotiate aggressively for fair compensation.

We don’t recommend settlement unless the offer reflects the true value of your case.

Step 5: Filing Suit if Necessary

If insurance companies won’t offer fair compensation, we file a lawsuit. We’re admitted to practice in Indiana state and federal courts. We have 50 years of combined litigation experience. Insurance companies know we’re trial-ready, which gives us leverage even in settlement negotiations.

Step 6: Securing Your Recovery

When we win your case through settlement or verdict, we handle all final details. We resolve medical liens. Ensure proper distribution of funds. Get you your compensation as quickly as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for an Uber accident?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. No consultation fees. No retainers. No hourly bills. We advance all case costs. You only pay if we recover compensation.

If we don’t win? You owe nothing.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Indiana’s statute of limitations for vehicle accidents is two years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly. Contact us immediately.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Usually no. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This protects the companies from direct liability in most situations. However, their insurance policies provide coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.

We pursue claims against the applicable insurance coverage.

What if the driver wasn’t logged into the app?

This complicates things. Uber and Lyft won’t provide coverage. The driver’s personal insurance may deny coverage if they discover the driver was doing rideshare work. We investigate all options including claims against other drivers who may share liability.

I was a passenger. Can I recover compensation?

Yes. Passengers have strong claims because you weren’t at fault. If the driver was actively transporting you, Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy should cover your injuries. We ensure you receive full compensation.

What if my own car was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver?

You can pursue a claim against the rideshare driver and potentially against Uber or Lyft’s insurance depending on the driver’s status. Understanding how to protect your rights after a truck accident applies similar principles to rideshare accidents involving commercial drivers.

We investigate to determine which coverage tier applies.

How long does a rideshare accident case take?

It varies. Some cases settle within months. Others take longer, especially if you have serious injuries requiring extensive treatment. We don’t rush settlement. We wait until we understand the full extent of your injuries and future needs.

What if the other driver didn’t have insurance?

If the Uber or Lyft driver was actively on a trip, their company’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may also provide compensation. We explore all options.

Should I accept Uber’s or Lyft’s settlement offer?

Almost never without having a lawyer review it first. Initial offers typically fall far below what your claim is worth. These companies have financial incentives to minimize payouts. Understanding the tactics insurance companies use and why you shouldn’t accept the first insurance offer can save you from settling for far less than you deserve.

Let us evaluate any offer before you consider accepting.

About Pavlack Law: Experienced Vehicle Accident Representation

Attorney Eric Pavlack has devoted his entire legal career to representing injured people throughout Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University in 1996 with a B.S. in Biology, then earned his Juris Doctor from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1999. He’s practiced personal injury law exclusively since entering the profession.

Credentials and Recognition

Bar Admissions:

• State of Indiana
• United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
• United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
• United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

Professional Memberships:

• Indiana State Bar Association
• Indianapolis Bar Association
• American Association for Justice

Awards and Honors:

• Super Lawyers (2015-2025)
• Super Lawyers Rising Star (2009, 2011-2013)

Attorney Pavlack’s legal work has been featured in IndyStar, WRTV Indianapolis, WFYI Public Media, Chicago Tribune, and FOX59 Indianapolis.

Personal Approach

Eric and his wife Lorrie are proud parents of two college students. When he’s not advocating for clients, Eric enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, home improvement projects and woodworking, sports, and playing guitar in bands.

This personal approach shapes how we operate the firm. We treat every client with respect and give each case the attention it deserves.

Serving Carmel and Hamilton County

Carmel is home to approximately 102,000 residents with a thriving economy that generates significant rideshare activity. Clay Terrace, Carmel City Center, and the Arts & Design District draw visitors who rely on Uber and Lyft for transportation.

We represent Uber and Lyft accident victims throughout Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, Indianapolis, all of Hamilton County, Marion County, and Central Indiana.

Important Local Resources

Carmel Police Department
3 Civic Square
Carmel, IN 46032
317-571-2500

Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
18100 Cumberland Road
Noblesville, IN 46060
317-776-2617

Major Medical Facilities:
IU Health North Hospital
St. Vincent Carmel Hospital
Riverview Health

Take Action Today: Protect Your Rights

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Carmel, time matters. Evidence disappears. Insurance companies move quickly to minimize their liability. You need experienced attorneys protecting your rights from day one.

Don’t try to handle the insurance companies alone. They have legal teams working to pay you as little as possible. You need advocates fighting for maximum compensation.

Here’s what Pavlack Law offers:

• Free consultation with no obligation
• 50 years of combined experience in vehicle accident cases
• Proven results including multi-million dollar settlements
• Deep understanding of rideshare insurance coverage
• Direct attorney access (not case managers)
• Zero financial risk (no fees unless we win)
• Trial-ready advocacy in Indiana courts

Contact Pavlack Law Today

Call us anytime at: 317-733-5171

We’re available 24/7 for emergencies. If you can’t travel due to injuries, we’ll come to you.

Don’t let Uber or Lyft’s insurance companies take advantage of you. Don’t settle for less than fair compensation. Don’t miss your opportunity to hold negligent parties accountable.

Contact Pavlack Law today for your free consultation. Let us handle the complex insurance negotiations while you focus on recovery.

You pay nothing unless we win your case. Call 317-733-5171 now.