Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more convenient in California, but what happens when an accident occurs?
Imagine this: You’re a passenger in an Uber on the way to LAX when another car runs a red light and crashes into your vehicle, leaving you with injuries. Or, you’re a rideshare driver who gets rear-ended while waiting for a ride request—who covers your medical bills and lost income?
These types of accidents happen every day, but suing for a rideshare accident isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or another motorist, the legal process is different from a typical car accident. Here are key things you may not know about your rights and how to pursue a claim in California.
1. Insurance Coverage Varies by Ride Phase
Rideshare companies provide different insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status:
- App Off: The driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- App On, No Ride Accepted: Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability coverage, typically $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. (Lyft Insurance Policy)
- Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: The rideshare company’s $1 million liability coverage kicks in. (Uber Insurance Policy)
Many injured passengers assume they are automatically covered, but insurance companies often dispute claims or attempt to pay as little as possible.
2. Determining Liability Can Be Complex
Unlike a traditional car accident, rideshare accidents involve multiple parties—the driver, the rideshare company, other motorists, and even passengers. California follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning if you are found partially at fault, your compensation could be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. Driver Classification Affects Your Claim
In California, rideshare drivers are independent contractors, not employees, under Proposition 22, which was upheld by the California Supreme Court in 2024. (Reuters) This impacts how and when Uber or Lyft can be held liable for an accident involving their drivers.
4. Time Limits for Filing a Claim
California imposes a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning you must file a lawsuit within two years of the accident. If your case involves a government vehicle (such as a city bus or public transit involved in the crash), the deadline is much shorter—just six months.
5. Importance of Personal Insurance
Rideshare insurance policies have coverage gaps, particularly when the app is on but no ride has been accepted. Some drivers mistakenly assume Uber or Lyft covers everything, but many insurance policies exclude rideshare-related incidents. Drivers should consider rideshare-specific coverage from providers like Mercury Insurance (Mercury Rideshare Insurance).
6. Underinsured Motorist Issues Can Complicate Claims
If a hit-and-run driver or underinsured driver causes your injuries while you’re in a rideshare, getting compensated can be difficult. Uber and Lyft provide some uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but not all situations qualify, making legal guidance critical.
7. Legal Assistance is Crucial
Filing a claim against Uber, Lyft, or another driver is not always straightforward. Rideshare companies fight liability aggressively, and insurance companies often offer low settlements that don’t cover the full extent of your damages.
A personal injury attorney can:
✅ Determine liability and negotiate on your behalf
✅ Ensure all deadlines are met for your claim
✅ Fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? We Can Help.
We are a California personal injury law firm helping rideshare accident victims in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, and beyond. If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, contact us for a free consultation to understand your rights and maximize your compensation.
📞 Call us today at (888) 711-4197 or fill out our contact form to get started!
