What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in California

 

 

TL;DR: If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in California, protect your health and legal rights by getting immediate medical attention, documenting the scene, and speaking with a rideshare accident lawyer. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or in another vehicle, rideshare claims are complex. Fault, insurance layers, and app status all matter. Don’t go it alone.

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Understanding Your Rights as a Passenger vs. Driver

If You Were a Passenger

• You are never at fault. Passengers are considered innocent parties.
• Both rideshare and third-party insurance may apply. Uber and Lyft carry up to $1 million in coverage during active rides.
• You have the right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

If You Were the Rideshare Driver

• Coverage depends on your app status.
• App off: Your personal insurance applies.
• App on, no ride accepted: Limited liability coverage (e.g., $50,000/$100,000).
• Ride accepted or passenger onboard: Uber/Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
• Fault affects compensation. If you’re partly at fault, California’s comparative negligence rules apply (Civil Code §1714).

If You Were in Another Vehicle

• You can still recover damages from the rideshare driver and/or Uber/Lyft if they were at fault.
• You may face challenges if the rideshare driver claims you were to blame. Thorough documentation is crucial.

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5 Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention
   • Always get checked, even if injuries seem minor.
   • This creates essential documentation.
2. Document the scene
   • Take photos of vehicle damage, rideshare logos, license plates, and injuries.
   • Capture screenshots of the Uber/Lyft trip details if you were a passenger or driver.
3. Gather contact information
   • Get names, phone numbers, insurance details, and app status of all drivers.
   • Ask for witness contact info.
4. File a report with the rideshare company
   • Use the in-app accident report feature.
   • Don’t accept fault or provide a recorded statement to insurers without legal guidance.
5. Call a rideshare accident lawyer
   • These claims often involve multiple insurance carriers, conflicting stories, and shifting blame.
   • A lawyer can preserve evidence, determine liability, and maximize your compensation.

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What Insurance Covers Uber and Lyft Accidents?

Rideshare App Status	Insurance Coverage
App off	Driver’s personal insurance
App on (no ride accepted)	Limited liability ($50k/$100k) from Uber/Lyft
Ride accepted/passenger onboard	Up to $1M in liability + uninsured motorist coverage

Important: These policies often have fine print, exclusions, and multiple adjusters. Let your attorney handle communication.

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Common Disputes in Rideshare Accidents

• Was the driver “on the clock”? App timestamps matter.
• Who caused the accident? Police reports and video evidence can clarify.
• Which insurer is responsible? Multiple policies may overlap or deny coverage.
• What damages are recoverable? Medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering are common. “Damages” simply means money to cover your losses.

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Real Client Example: Lyft Passenger, Major Results

In San Diego, our client was riding in a Lyft when the driver ran a red light and was T-boned by an SUV. Initially offered $35,000 by Lyft’s insurer, we investigated dash cam footage, obtained the app trip data, and brought in medical experts.

Final settlement: $310,000

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Feeling Overwhelmed After the Crash?

You’re not alone. Rideshare accidents often involve:

• Unclear liability
• Confusing insurance tiers
• Delayed or denied claims

Take a deep breath. Start with medical care and let a qualified attorney handle the rest. Our team has helped hundreds of rideshare passengers and drivers recover full compensation.

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FAQs

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Not usually. Because drivers are classified as independent contractors, your claim goes through their insurance. However, there are exceptions if the company acted negligently in hiring or training.

What if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault?

You can still recover from the at-fault driver’s insurance. Uber/Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured coverage may also apply.

Should I talk to Uber/Lyft or their insurer?

Only to report the crash. Don’t give recorded statements or discuss fault without legal counsel.

I was the driver, but the other car caused it. Am I covered?

Yes. If you had a passenger or were en route to one, Uber/Lyft’s $1M policy applies.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In California, you generally have 2 years to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle was involved, the window may be as short as 6 months.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation.

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Attorney Attribution

Neama Rahmani, Esq.
President, West Coast Trial Lawyers
California Bar No. 240613
Verify at the California State Bar

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