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.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, most vehicles depreciate twenty-percent within the first year. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, auto insurance will likely cover the value of the vehicle at the time of the accident. But, what if the value is less than what you still owe on your auto loan?
Gap insurance covers what your standard auto policy does not. Rather than being left to make loan payments on a vehicle you cannot drive, gap insurance makes sure your auto loan is paid off.
So, what exactly is gap insurance, and do you need it? Here we explain how standard insurance policies handle totaled vehicles and how gap insurance works.
Yes, auto insurance will cover your totaled car, but coverage is based on the current value of the vehicle, not the remaining balance on your auto loan which includes interest. Generally, auto insurance providers total a vehicle if the cost of repairs exceeds the actual cash value of the vehicle. If you have an outstanding auto loan on the vehicle, the insurance reimbursement will go directly to your loan provider who is the lienholder of the vehicle.
Because cars depreciate over time, it is not uncommon for this to happen. Auto insurance will make a payment to the lender for the depreciated value of the vehicle. If this is less than the outstanding balance on the loan, you will be responsible for continuing payments out-of-pocket until the loan has been paid in full, unless you have gap insurance.
If your car is stolen or totaled in an accident and you owe more than the car’s value at the time of the loss, gap insurance covers the difference between the value of the car and the remaining balance on the auto loan. Gap insurance is intended to protect you from having to make payments on a car you can no longer use. Many dealerships offer gap insurance, but it is also available as an add-on through many insurance providers.
For example, gap insurance from Toyota Financial Services (TFS) will either waive or pay the deficiency balance, or the difference between what is owed on the vehicle and what the insurance company will pay if the vehicle is declared a total loss. So, if you owe $23,000 on your vehicle and receive $20,000 from the auto insurance company, you would be responsible for $3,000 out-of-pocket. However, gap coverage from TFS would cover this $3,000 balance.
Yes, a car accident attorney will make sure your gap insurance is appropriately applied to resolve any remaining balance on your auto loan. Save yourself the headache of the back-and-forth with your loan provider and insurance company and contact Milwaukee personal injury attorney Natasha Misra Law today.
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.
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