Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have become part of everyday life in Milwaukee. But when an accident happens, it is assumed that the rideshare company’s insurance will take care of everything. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Rideshare companies often deny claims, leaving injured drivers and passengers feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do next.
At Natasha Misra Law, we know how disruptive this can be. Our rideshare accident lawyers helped clients across Wisconsin navigate denied claims, and we’re here to explain your options and how to move forward.
Before looking at solutions, it’s important to understand why a rideshare company might reject your claim. Common reasons include:
Disputes Over Fault – If there’s any question about who caused the crash—the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even both—companies may deny coverage.
A Different Policy Applies - If you receive a denial, there may be a different insurance policy that applies to the facts of the particular accident.
Lack of Documentation – Missing police reports, incomplete medical records, or other gaps in evidence can give insurers an excuse to push back.
Policy Exclusions – Rideshare policies are complicated. Depending on whether the app was on, off, or waiting for a ride, different coverage rules apply.
Understanding the “why” behind a denial helps you and your lawyer identify the next step.
A denied claim is not the end of the road. Here’s what you can do:
1. Consult with a Rideshare Accident Lawyer: Talking with an attorney should be one of your first moves. A Milwaukee rideshare accident lawyer can:
Evaluate Your Case – Review the accident details and the denial letter to identify weaknesses in the company’s reasoning.
Sort Our Insurance Coverages - An experienced attorney can look at all available insurance policies and see which apply to the circumstances of the accident.
Explore Options – From negotiations to filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will help you understand the best path forward.
Build Evidence – Lawyers know what records, statements, and reports are needed to make your case stronger.
2. Review the Denial Letter Carefully: Rideshare companies are required to explain why they’re denying your claim. Look for:
Specific Policy References – Pay attention to the insurance terms they cite.
Requests for More Information – Sometimes a denial isn’t final. Providing additional documentation may change the outcome.
3. Strengthen Your Documentation: A solid paper trail makes it harder for companies to avoid paying:
Accident Reports – Always get an official police report.
Medical Records – Keep detailed documentation of your injuries, treatments, and costs.
Witness Statements – Independent accounts can confirm what happened.
Wisconsin uses a fault-based insurance system. That means the driver (or drivers) responsible for the crash must cover damages. In a rideshare accident, this often involves multiple parties: the rideshare driver, another motorist, and the rideshare company itself. Proving fault clearly is one of the most important parts of a successful claim.
A denied rideshare claim can leave you feeling like you’ve run out of options. But you don’t have to face Uber, Lyft, or their insurance companies alone. At Natasha Misra Law, we fight for injured passengers across Milwaukee, Madison, Appleton, Green Bay, and surrounding areas. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and take on the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Don’t let a denied claim stand in the way of your recovery. Take the first step toward justice with Natasha Misra Law.
Like many other states, Wisconsin uses a “comparative negligence” law to determine fault during car accidents. But what does this mean?
In this blog, we will discuss what you need to know about comparative negligence, and how it may affect your car accident claim.
First, let’s define comparative negligence. Basically, this is a system of assigning fault in car accidents that determines how much a victim can recover in compensation based on their contribution to the accident.
In other words, both parties involved in an accident can be assigned a portion of the blame. For example, one party may be found to be 30% at fault in the accident, with the other driver being assigned 70% of the fault.
This means two things. First, you can still recover damages if you’re partially at fault for an accident. Even if you contributed to the accident, you may be able to file a personal injury suit and get compensation, as long as you were less than 50% negligent (more about that in the next section).
This is in contrast to states that use a “pure contributory negligence” law, where drivers are unable to recover any damages, even if they were only 1% responsible for the accident.
Second, your damages are limited by the amount of fault assigned to you for the accident. So if you are assigned 30% of the fault and the other driver is assigned 70% of the fault, you can only recover 70% of your damages.
In this situation, if your total damages for medical bills, property damage, renting a car, and other such costs were $20,000, you could only sue the other driver for $14,000 – not the full $20,000 in costs you incurred.
So, comparative negligence means that you can recover some damages after a car accident even if you share fault with the other driver. But what if you’re responsible for the majority of the fault?
Well, Wisconsin follows what’s called the “51 Percent Bar Rule.” This means that you’re “barred” from recovering damages if you are found to be responsible for the majority (51% or more) of fault.
In other words, if you are found to be 50% at fault, you can still recover damages after a car accident in Milwaukee. But if you exceed 50% fault, you will not be able to work with a Milwaukee personal injury attorney to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
Working with an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney can help you get a fair and just outcome when you’ve been in a car accident.
Natasha Misra Law can help you protect your rights and recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact us online or give us a call to schedule a free consultation.
My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.