California Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Rideshare Accidents: Causes and Effects in California

The rise of ridesharing services like Uber, Lyft, and others has transformed how people and goods move across California. Nationally, the ridesharing market is valued at $147.28 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. While these services offer many conveniences, they also introduce risks to road safety.

Ridesharing can reduce the number of drunk drivers, ease congestion, and make transportation more efficient. However, the increase in on-demand transportation, including delivery services like Uber Eats and Amazon vans, adds more vehicles to already crowded roads. This surge in traffic brings a higher risk of accidents.

Many rideshare accidents share common causes with typical car crashes, but the nature of the job adds unique risks. Drivers often rely heavily on technology during trips, using phones to manage rides and GPS to navigate. They may also work irregular hours, leading to fatigue. Unlike professional drivers, rideshare drivers usually don’t receive formal training, which can lead to errors behind the wheel.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

• Distracted Driving – Using phones to manage rides or follow GPS instead of focusing on the road.
• Driver Errors – Failing to stay in lanes, maintain control, or communicate with other drivers.
• Speeding – Driving too fast, especially on unfamiliar roads or in areas with heavy foot traffic.
• Low Visibility at Night – Challenges from bright lights, crowded venues, and the difficulties of nighttime driving.
• Vehicle Maintenance Issues – Problems with faulty parts or lack of upkeep.
• Road Conditions – Weather hazards, debris, or poorly maintained roadways.
• Driver Fatigue – Long, irregular hours contributing to drowsy driving.
• Traffic Congestion – Heavy traffic and chaotic areas, often where rideshare demand is highest.

The results of these accidents can be devastating, leading to collisions such as rollovers, rear-end crashes, head-on impacts, and t-bone accidents. These crashes can cause severe injuries or even fatalities.

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Call Thompson Law’s California rideshare accident attorneys today for expert legal help. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve!

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in California

If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, documenting the incident thoroughly is crucial to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. Follow these steps to ensure the event is properly recorded:

• Call 911 immediately, especially if there are serious injuries, and request emergency assistance.
• Collect information about all involved, including drivers, vehicles, passengers, and witnesses. Work with law enforcement to ensure all details are accurately noted.

Accurate documentation is vital in any motor vehicle accident to help ensure justice and secure rightful compensation for injuries and damages.

Insurance Coverage in California Rideshare Accidents

Insurance plays a critical role in resolving claims and settlements after rideshare accidents, but it can be uniquely complicated compared to traditional auto or commercial vehicle accidents. Unlike long-established regulations for commercial vehicles like trucks and delivery vans, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate under evolving laws and emerging technology, creating new challenges in determining insurance coverage and liability.

In California, Uber and Lyft have specific insurance requirements for their drivers. Here’s a breakdown of their coverage:

Uber’s Insurance Coverage for California Rideshare Accidents

Uber’s insurance coverage varies based on the driver’s activity in the app:

Offline

• Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
• Drivers must maintain California’s minimum insurance requirements.
• Uber’s coverage does not apply.

Online But No Ride Accepted

• Third-Party Liability:
  • $50,000 per person for injuries.
  • $100,000 per accident for injuries.
  • $25,000 for property damage.
• Additional coverage may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and personal injury protection (PIP), depending on California laws.

En Route or During a Trip

• Third-Party Liability: At least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries.
• Comprehensive and Collision: Covers vehicle repairs up to the car’s value, with a $2,500 deductible, if the driver’s personal policy includes this coverage.
• Additional coverage may include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, PIP, and Optional Injury Protection for drivers.

Uber’s policies aim to provide robust protection, but conditions and exceptions apply. If you’ve been in a rideshare accident, contact our California rideshare accident lawyers to guide you through the claims process.

Lyft Insurance Coverage

• Base Coverage (When App is On but No Ride Accepted):
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury.
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury.
  • $25,000 for property damage.
• Coverage During Pickup or Ride:
  • $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage.
  • $250,000 in uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible, covering physical damage up to the vehicle’s cash value if the driver has comprehensive and collision coverage on their personal policy.

Despite these clear coverage limits, restrictions and exceptions can complicate the claims process. Coverage varies depending on the driver’s status (active on the app, en route to a passenger, or off-duty) and whether the driver’s personal policy applies.

For help understanding your options and pursuing a successful claim, contact our California rideshare accident attorneys at (844) 308-8180. We’re here to guide you through every step of your case.

What Compensation Can I Receive After a Rideshare Accident in California?

Rideshare accidents in California often involve unique legal and insurance considerations compared to typical car accidents. This is because rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft offer additional insurance coverage during certain stages of operation.

Here are the types of compensation our California rideshare accident attorneys can help pursue for victims:

• Medical Expenses – Covers costs for treatments related to injuries, including emergency care, hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages – Compensation for earnings lost due to temporary or permanent inability to work caused by accident-related injuries.
• Property Damage – Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of damaged personal vehicles or other property.
• Pain and Suffering – Monetary compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
• Punitive Damages – In cases of extreme negligence or misconduct, damages meant to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior.
• Rideshare Insurance Coverage – Depending on whether the rideshare driver was en route to a pickup or transporting passengers, the company’s insurance may provide additional compensation beyond the driver’s personal insurance.

Understanding how these compensation options apply to rideshare accidents can make a significant difference in recovering the financial support you need. Contact our experienced California rideshare accident attorneys to explore your options and maximize your recovery.

Common Injuries Suffered in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can result in injuries similar to other car crashes, ranging from minor to severe. Even in minor collisions, passengers may suffer whiplash, seatbelt injuries, or cuts from unsecured objects inside the vehicle. In more serious accidents, the injuries can be life-altering.

The risk of severe injuries may be higher in rideshare incidents due to the nature of when and where people often use these services—late at night, after drinking, or in high-traffic areas. These factors create challenging driving conditions for rideshare drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents. If a driver is distracted or careless, passengers may bear the brunt of the consequences.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t delay seeking medical care and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact Thompson Law’s California rideshare accident attorneys immediately. Our team is available 24/7 to guide you through the process, from managing medical treatment to negotiating with insurance companies.

We’ve helped clients recover compensation for injuries such as:

• Cuts and bruises
• Whiplash
• Head injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Broken bones
• Spinal injuries
• Paralysis
• Neck injuries
• Spinal disc injuries
• Back injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
• Joint injuries and trauma
• Internal injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Amputations
• Dismemberment
• Wrongful death

Call our Rideshare Accident Attorneys for a FREE CASE REVIEW

It’s always wise to have legal representation after any car accident, and rideshare accidents present unique challenges involving liability and insurance. These complications make it especially important to consult with a skilled rideshare accident attorney.

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare, delivery, or commercial driver in California, now is the time to seek legal help. Contact our California rideshare accident attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Thompson Law?

At Thompson Law, our California rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only receive a percentage of the compensation you are awarded. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

We are committed to helping you recover and move forward. Our bilingual team is available to assist you 24/7, every day of the year. From the moment you are injured to the moment you receive your settlement, we are here to provide the dedicated representation and support you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California law handle rideshare accident liability?

California law requires rideshare companies to maintain specific insurance policies for their drivers, but liability depends on whether the driver was logged into the app, en route to a passenger, or carrying a passenger at the time of the accident. Determining liability often requires careful examination of app records, driver behavior, and other evidence.

Can I file a claim against the rideshare company directly?

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft generally avoid direct liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors. However, their commercial insurance policies often provide coverage during active rides. An attorney can help identify the responsible parties and file claims against the appropriate policies.

What should I do if I’m injured as a passenger in a rideshare accident?

If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, prioritize medical care, document the accident, and gather details about the driver, vehicle, and witnesses. Contact a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to help navigate insurance claims and secure compensation for your injuries.

Are there different insurance requirements for Uber and Lyft drivers in California?

Both Uber and Lyft drivers must maintain personal auto insurance and are covered by the companies’ commercial policies while logged into the app. Coverage levels vary depending on whether the driver is waiting for a ride, en route to a pickup, or actively transporting a passenger.

How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in California?

In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, specific circumstances, such as claims against government entities or the involvement of minors, may alter this timeline. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures you meet all deadlines.