When you step into an Uber or Lyft, you trust that you’ll get to your destination safely. But when an accident happens, that trust can quickly turn into confusion and frustration. As someone who has helped victims of rideshare accidents across Los Angeles, I’ve seen firsthand how complex these cases can be. The rules, insurance coverages, and responsibilities differ greatly from regular car accidents. That’s why knowing your rights after an Uber or Lyft crash is so important—especially if you’ve been injured or left with mounting expenses.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in Los Angeles
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have transformed how we travel, but they’ve also introduced new legal challenges. When you’re injured in a rideshare accident, multiple parties could be responsible — the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company itself. Determining who is liable isn’t always simple.
California law treats rideshare drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which makes filing claims more complicated. However, both Uber and Lyft are required to carry liability insurance coverage for their drivers under specific conditions. The key to your case is understanding which coverage applies at the time of the crash.
If the driver was waiting for a ride request, limited coverage applies. If they had accepted a ride or were transporting a passenger, higher coverage limits come into play. Knowing these distinctions can determine how much compensation you’re entitled to.
Your Rights After an Uber or Lyft Accident
After a rideshare accident, you have the same basic rights as any other car accident victim — the right to medical treatment, to recover lost wages, and to pursue compensation for pain and suffering. However, these cases involve more legal layers, especially when rideshare insurance policies are in play.
As a ridesharing accident lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, I always remind victims that they have the right to pursue claims against negligent drivers, even when a big company like Uber or Lyft is involved. Don’t let the corporate structure intimidate you. If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or even another driver struck by a rideshare vehicle, you are entitled to fair compensation.
Click to learn more about how liability is determined in rideshare accident claims.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
The moments following an accident can be overwhelming, but your actions will significantly impact your ability to recover damages. Here’s what you should do:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked. Some injuries appear days later.
- Document the scene. Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, the rideshare app screen, and any visible injuries.
- Collect information. Get the driver’s details, their rideshare platform (Uber or Lyft), and witness contacts.
- Report the accident to Uber or Lyft. Use their in-app accident reporting system, but be careful not to admit fault.
- Consult a rideshare accident lawyer. This ensures your rights are protected from the start.
Click to learn more about protecting your claim with proper documentation.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents can cause anything from mild whiplash to severe trauma. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Neck and back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Emotional distress
Even minor injuries can result in long-term pain and costly medical treatments. That’s why it’s critical not to underestimate your injuries. A ridesharing accident lawyer in Los Angeles can help you document every detail to support your compensation claim.
Insurance Coverage for Uber and Lyft Accidents
One of the biggest differences between regular and rideshare accidents is insurance coverage. Uber and Lyft are required by California law to maintain specific insurance policies, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
- App Off: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App On, Waiting for Ride Request: Limited liability coverage of up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- Ride Accepted or Passenger Onboard: Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
Understanding which coverage applies can be tricky without legal help. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts by disputing whether the driver was “on the app” or actively transporting a passenger.
Determining Liability in Rideshare Accidents
Establishing fault in a rideshare accident requires a careful investigation. Liability could rest with:
- The rideshare driver (for reckless or distracted driving)
- Another motorist involved in the crash
- The rideshare company (for negligence in hiring or app safety issues)
- A third party, such as a vehicle manufacturer (in defective part cases)
I always advise victims to avoid discussing fault at the scene. Instead, let a lawyer gather evidence — police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, and rideshare data — to build a strong claim.
Why You Need a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accident cases are not like regular car accident claims. You’re not just dealing with one driver’s insurance — you’re dealing with multi-million-dollar corporations, multiple insurers, and complex legal definitions of driver activity.
Hiring an experienced lawyer ensures that every detail is handled correctly — from gathering digital ride data to negotiating settlements with aggressive insurance adjusters. Without proper representation, you risk accepting far less than your injuries are worth.
I’ve seen many victims settle early, unaware that they were entitled to more compensation for ongoing therapy, lost future income, or long-term disability. With the help of a skilled attorney, you can demand accountability and recover what you truly deserve.
How Compensation Is Calculated
In most cases, compensation after a rideshare accident includes both economic and non-economic damages. These can cover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term care needs
A detailed evaluation by your attorney ensures every loss is accounted for. We work with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and financial analysts to establish the full value of your claim.
Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters often appear helpful, but their goal is to reduce payouts. They might pressure you to accept a quick settlement before you’ve had time to understand the full extent of your injuries. Never provide recorded statements or sign documents without legal guidance.
Your ridesharing accident lawyer can handle communications with the insurer, ensuring your rights are not compromised. Remember — once you accept a settlement, you usually waive your right to pursue further claims.
Why Choose Rod Armande Law
At Rod Armande Law, we stand for accident victims who deserve justice and fair compensation. Our firm has represented numerous clients across Los Angeles affected by Uber and Lyft crashes. We understand how intimidating the process can feel — dealing with corporate lawyers, insurance companies, and complex legal language.
Our approach is personal. We listen to your story, evaluate your case thoroughly, and fight relentlessly to secure the best outcome. Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or taking your case to trial, we stay committed to your recovery every step of the way.
When to Contact a Ridesharing Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident, time is critical. California law sets a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, meaning delays could jeopardize your right to compensation. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Even if you’re unsure who is at fault, don’t wait. A quick consultation can clarify your rights and next steps. You don’t have to face the legal process alone — professional help can make all the difference.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rideshare accident, contact us today to schedule a consultation. You deserve to understand your rights, your options, and the best way to move forward.
Let a skilled Ridesharing Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles, CA guide you through the process, handle the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
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