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If you live in Las Vegas, you’ve likely taken an Uber, seen a Lyft, or spotted a self-driving car on the Strip. As the city adopts modern transportation, accidents involving rideshare services and autonomous vehicles (AVs) are becoming more common.
These crashes may initially seem similar. However, regardless of the causes, liability and the legal process can differ significantly. Whether you’re hit while riding in an Uber or struck by a driverless car, knowing your rights under Nevada law is crucial.
This guide explains how these accidents are handled, what makes them unique, and what Las Vegas residents should do if they’re involved.
Las Vegas has long been a leader in embracing transportation technology. Uber and Lyft are already well-established here. AV companies like Waymo and Zoox now test driverless fleets on city streets.
With its wide roads, dry weather, and grid-style layout, the city is well-suited for autonomous vehicle (AV) development. Nevada was also one of the first states to legalize autonomous vehicles, paving the way for innovation in this field.
According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, Las Vegas continues to expand its infrastructure for autonomous vehicle testing, making it one of the most active AV deployment zones in the U.S.
Rideshare and autonomous vehicle (AV) accidents differ in both cause and liability.
Human error (like distraction or fatigue) is often the main factor in rideshare accidents. Drivers using platforms like Uber or Lyft are still in control of the vehicle.
AV accidents, on the other hand, may result from software bugs, sensor failures, or miscommunication with road infrastructure. The manufacturer, software provider, or operator can be held liable. Rideshare accidents may involve the driver, the company, or another motorist. Third-party tech companies may be responsible for AVs.
Notably, Uber and Lyft offer up to $1 million in liability coverage when a passenger is in the vehicle. They offer less when the app is off.
Determining liability in rideshare and autonomous vehicle (AV) crashes can be a complex process.
In rideshare accidents, liability may fall on the driver or the rideshare company. If the driver was at fault and had the app on at the time of the accident, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may apply, depending on whether they were waiting for a ride, en route, or had a passenger onboard.
For autonomous vehicles, liability often involves the manufacturer, software developer, or technician, especially if the crash was caused by sensor failure or a software glitch.
Under Nevada law (NRS 41.141), compensation is reduced if you’re partially at fault and barred completely if you’re more than 50% responsible.
Sometimes, both a human and a company may share fault. This could occur, for example, if a safety driver fails to intervene during an AV malfunction.
Always remember to seek medical attention after an accident. Be aware that your injury symptoms might not immediately be noticeable. The fact that you don’t feel injured doesn’t mean you haven’t sustained any serious injuries.
It’s also important to report the accident right after it happens. Call the police, file a report, and request a copy for your records.
Notify the right party: report rideshare crashes through the Uber or Lyft app; for AV incidents, contact the operator (like Waymo or Zoox). Document the scene with photos, road conditions, and visible injuries, and gather witness information.
Secure digital evidence early. This may include in-app ride details or, in AV cases, black box and software data. These cases often involve multiple parties, so acting quickly helps preserve critical proof and strengthens your legal position.
Nevada has specific laws that impact how rideshare and autonomous vehicle (AV) accidents are handled. Understanding these rules is key if you’re involved in a crash.
Under NRS 690B.470, rideshare companies must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage when a ride is in progress. This protects passengers and others in the event of an accident.
Nevada is also a leader in AV regulation. Laws like SB 140 and the DMV’s AV Testing Program require safety assessments and permits before companies can operate fully driverless cars on public roads.
The state follows a comparative negligence rule. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you may not be eligible for compensation. If you’re partially at fault, your damages are reduced accordingly.
Finally, Nevada’s personal injury lawsuits are subject to a two-year statute of limitations under NRS 11.190. Missing this deadline could cost you the right to sue for compensation.
You also need to act within Nevada’s personal injury statute of limitations, which is two years from the date of the accident under NRS 11.190. Missing this deadline could prevent you from filing a claim.
Rideshare and autonomous vehicle (AV) accidents involve legal complications that go beyond typical car crashes.
In rideshare claims, you may deal with multiple insurance policies—yours, the driver’s, and the company’s. Knowing which one applies can be confusing without legal help.
AV accidents are even more technical. Proving fault may require access to sensor logs, black box data, or software records—evidence that’s often difficult to obtain from tech companies.
You may also face legal challenges involving manufacturers, software firms, and regulators. That’s why having an experienced legal team can make all the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
| Feature | Rideshare Accidents | Autonomous Vehicle Accidents |
| Primary Liable Party | Driver or TNC (Uber/Lyft) | Manufacturer, software provider |
| Insurance Coverage | Up to $1 million (while active) | Varies by AV operator and policy |
| Human Error Factor | High | Low (tech error or sensor issue) |
| Evidence Sources | Witness, app logs, dashcam | Event data recorder, software logs |
| Legal Complexity | Moderate | High |
Get medical aid right away, record the collision, collect any supporting documentation (such as pictures, app data, or AV logs), and strongly consider contacting a personal injury lawyer for assistance in determining liability.
Depending on the nature of the fault, potentially liable parties may include the AV company, the manufacturer, the software developer, or the human safety operator.
Liability can fall on the driver, the rideshare company, or another motorist. The level of Uber/Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on whether the app was active during the incident.
Under Nevada’s comparative fault law, you can still recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault; however, your compensation will be reduced proportionally.
Yes. Rideshare companies are regulated under NRS 706A, while autonomous vehicles are subject to special DMV oversight and state legislation, such as SB 140.
As Las Vegas moves toward more intelligent transportation, accidents involving rideshare and autonomous vehicles are becoming more common. They’re also becoming more complex. Understanding your legal rights is key to protecting yourself after a crash.
The differences in liability and insurance between these cases can impact your claim. Acting quickly, gathering evidence, and knowing Nevada law can make all the difference.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare or AV accident, the team at Gina Corena & Associates is here to help. We bring the experience and focus needed to handle these evolving cases.
As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.
