What Happens If You're in an Uber or Lyft Accident in California?
You booked the ride to avoid driving. You didn’t expect to end up hurt in the back seat of someone else’s crash.
Rideshare accidents in California come with a wrinkle most passengers never think about until they’re in one. Figuring out which insurance policy actually covers you depends entirely on what the driver’s app was doing the moment you were hit.
We sort through that confusion so you don’t have to. Our firm handles rideshare accident cases across California, and we know exactly which coverage applies to your situation.
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Erick Novik, Esq.
Erick is extremely passionate about issues involving injustices where there is an apparent imbalance of power. Whether the imbalance involves a large corporation or a government entity that denies responsibility and minimizes the harm they have inflicted on his clients, Erick prides himself in helping victims obtain full and complete compensation.
Who’s liable when an uber or lyft accident happens?
Rideshare insurance in California breaks down into three distinct phases, and each one carries a different level of coverage.
- App off: If the driver’s app is off, their personal auto insurance applies, the same as any other driver.
- App on, waiting for a match: Uber and Lyft carry contingent liability coverage during this phase, typically up to $50,000 per person for injuries.
- En route or on a trip: Once a ride is accepted, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies, along with uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Knowing which phase applies to your accident is the first step in determining who pays.
What if the rideshare driver caused the accident?
If your driver caused the crash while you were a paying passenger, you have grounds to pursue a claim against Uber or Lyft’s $1 million policy. California law protects your right to seek full compensation for your injuries, medical costs, and lost wages in this situation.
What if another driver hit the rideshare vehicle?
Sometimes the fault lies with someone outside the rideshare relationship entirely. If a third party driver hit the vehicle you were riding in, you may have a claim against that driver’s insurance. And if that driver turns out to be uninsured or underinsured, California law still gives you options. Our guide on what to do if you’re hit by an uninsured driver covers that process in detail.
What should you do immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident?
- Report the crash through the app. Both Uber and Lyft require this, and it creates an official record tied to your trip.
- Call 911 and seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. Soft tissue injuries often surface days later.
- Document the scene. Photograph the vehicles and road conditions, and get the other driver’s information if a third party is involved.
- Avoid recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize what they pay, not to protect your interests.
How is compensation calculated for rideshare accident injuries?
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
Every case depends on the severity of your injuries and which insurance phase applies to your accident. A tenacious legal team on your side means you’re not left untangling policy language while you’re trying to heal.
Injured in a rideshare accident? We’re ready to help
You didn’t create the confusion in rideshare insurance rules. You shouldn’t have to untangle it while you’re recovering from an injury.
Get a Free Consultation – Call (818) 305-6041. Don’t pay any fees unless we win your case.
