Most states use “comparative fault” rules. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of blame. If you were 30% at fault for not watching where you walked, you would recover 70% of your damages. In some states, if you are found 50% or 51% (depending on the state) or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering anything. The property owner’s defense will often argue you were not paying attention or ignored obvious warnings.

Standard personal auto policies typically exclude coverage when you are logged into a ride-share app and are available for or transporting a passenger for pay. During this “period of livery,“ you rely on the ride-share company’s commercial policy, which often has significant coverage gaps. Many insurers now offer a specific “ride-share endorsement” or hybrid policy to cover these gaps. Never assume your personal policy covers commercial activities; notify your agent if you drive for a ride-share service to ensure you have proper protection.

You must clearly state the facts of what happened, why the defendant is legally responsible, and the specific harm or loss you suffered. Crucially, you must detail the compensation you are seeking, itemizing all costs and damages. Include full, correct names and addresses for everyone involved. Missing or vague information can cause delays or lead to your claim being rejected outright by the court.