California Rideshare Accident Lawyers
We Partner with You to Achieve the Best Results.
Rideshare accidents happen every day across California. With over 300,000 active Uber and Lyft drivers operating in the state, the chances of being involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle continue to rise. While the physical injuries resulting from a rideshare accident mirror those in any car crash, the legal consequences require additional analysis — because rideshare accidents involve multiple parties, overlapping insurance policies, and evolving California regulations.
If you have been injured in an accident involving Uber, Lyft, or any other rideshare company, you need an experienced rideshare accident lawyer who understands these complexities.
At Wells Call Injury Lawyers, we are seasoned rideshare accident attorneys who have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims throughout California. Founded in 1984, we have decades of experience with automotive liability — and when rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft became part of everyday life, we became the Uber and Lyft accident lawyers Californians need.
What Is a Rideshare Accident?
A rideshare accident is any motor vehicle collision that involves a transportation network company (TNC) vehicle, such as an Uber or Lyft car. These accidents can involve rideshare passengers, other motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists who are struck by a rideshare vehicle.
What makes rideshare accidents different from typical car accidents is the involvement of a corporate entity — Uber or Lyft — and multiple layers of insurance coverage that change depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. California law specifically regulates TNCs under AB 2293, which requires rideshare companies to maintain insurance coverage for their drivers during different phases of a trip.
California Uber Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber vehicle, you need a California Uber accident lawyer who understands how Uber’s insurance policies work and how California law applies to rideshare claims.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage Tiers in California
Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- App Off (Period 0): The driver’s personal auto insurance is the only coverage available. Uber provides no coverage when the app is off.
- App On, Waiting for a Request (Period 1): Uber provides limited liability coverage of $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route to Pickup or During a Trip (Period 2/3): Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage.
Common Uber Accident Scenarios
Our team handles all types of Uber accident claims, including collisions where a passenger was inside the Uber at the time of the crash, accidents where another driver was hit by an Uber vehicle, pedestrians struck by Uber drivers, and accidents caused by distracted Uber drivers navigating with the app.
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, our Uber accident attorneys can help you navigate the claims process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
California Lyft Accident Lawyer
Lyft accidents in California follow a similar insurance structure to Uber, but the claims process and policy details can differ. If you were injured in an accident involving a Lyft vehicle, our Lyft accident lawyers can guide you through every step.
Lyft’s Insurance Coverage in California
Like Uber, Lyft’s insurance coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- Period 1 (App On, No Match): Lyft provides contingent liability coverage of $50,000/$100,000/$25,000.
- Period 2 (Matched, En Route to Passenger): Lyft provides $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
- Period 3 (Passenger in Vehicle): Full $1 million liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Common Lyft Accident Claims
Lyft accident claims we handle include passenger injury during a Lyft ride, third-party drivers hit by Lyft vehicles, Lyft accidents at pickup and drop-off locations, and accidents involving Lyft drivers running red lights or making unsafe lane changes.
Who Is Liable in a California Rideshare Accident?
Determining liability in a rideshare accident is more complex than in a standard car accident. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and identifying the right defendants is critical to maximizing your recovery.
Driver Status and Insurance Coverage Phases
The rideshare driver’s status at the time of the accident is the most important factor in determining which insurance policy applies. When you were injured, was the rideshare driver logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or carrying a passenger? Each scenario triggers different insurance coverage from Uber or Lyft, as described above.
Comparative Fault Under California Law
California follows a pure comparative fault system (California Civil Code §1714), meaning that more than one party can share financial responsibility for an accident. The damages awarded to injured parties are apportioned according to each party’s degree or percentage of fault. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Our legal team has decades of experience in gathering, analyzing, and dissecting accident details so we can identify everyone who might be even partially at fault and put forth the strongest possible case for you.
How We Help
We enjoy getting large recoveries for our clients. This is primarily because we like helping people. This is how we help you:
- Initial consultation. We will listen to your story and provide a no-obligation consultation where we review the details of your rideshare accident. We will identify the strong points of your case and the points that will require extra diligence to overcome.
- Determining fault. While a jury will eventually have the final say on who is at fault, our team knows whom to investigate, so we leave no stone — and no possible source of recovery for you — unturned.
- Dealing with insurance companies. Navigating the maze of insurance companies and negotiating with them is something we do well. Rideshare accidents will likely involve dealing with multiple insurance policies, but we can help ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Litigation. If we, in consultation with you, determine that a trial is the only way to get what you deserve, then we will be prepared to represent and advocate for you in court. Our lawyers have experience litigating rideshare accident cases and have a rare understanding of California’s traffic and insurance laws.
Recovering from an automobile accident can be exhausting, frightening, and challenging. We know how to help.
Your Compensation
If you’re not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs,
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Property damage, and
- Other accident-related expenses.
Whether or not you sue, we are committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in California
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident in California, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident. A police report creates an official record of the incident.
- Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the scene. Take photos of vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and any visible ride details from the app.
- Save your rideshare trip details. Screenshot your trip receipt, driver information, and route from the Uber or Lyft app.
- Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies without speaking to an attorney first.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex claims process and protect your rights from the start.
Why Choose Wells Call Injury Lawyers?
We know you have your choice of many California accident attorneys. But here are a few of the reasons we believe you are in the best hands with our firm.
Specialized Knowledge
Rideshare accident law is still relatively new and remains a niche area of personal injury law. You need a rideshare accident attorney with real experience handling these cases. We have extensive experience dealing with rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft and their insurance carriers.
Proven Track Record
Wells Call Injury Lawyers has a history of success representing rideshare accident victims. We have secured favorable settlements from insurance companies and favorable verdicts from juries. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for accident victims since our founding in 1984.
Client-Centered Approach
We put our clients first. You are the reason we do what we do. Professionally, we provide you with personalized attention, top-notch legal advice, and advocacy. Personally, we are compassionate people who understand what you’ve been through and how tough it is to be in an automobile accident.
No Fee Unless You Recover
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win or settle your case. Our goal is to remove any financial barriers to excellent legal representation.
The Legal Process
The legal process requires patience, precision, and persistence. Our skilled rideshare accident attorneys are prepared to take your case from initial investigation through resolution and every step in between. Our main goal is to resolve your case in a way that brings you both the closure and the compensation that you deserve. We do this with skill and compassion.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle in California, you do not have to handle things on your own. We understand the unique complications of these cases, the emotional and physical toll they take, and the challenges of dealing with insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
Can I sue Uber or Lyft for an accident in California?
Yes. While Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, California law allows you to pursue claims against the rideshare companies under certain circumstances, particularly when the driver was logged into the app and performing rideshare services. You can also file claims against the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s commercial insurance policies. An experienced rideshare accident lawyer can identify all available sources of recovery.
What is the average settlement for a rideshare accident?
Rideshare accident settlements vary widely depending on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the insurance coverage available. Minor injury claims may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while cases involving serious injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage can result in settlements of hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Wells Call Injury Lawyers evaluates each case individually to pursue the maximum compensation available.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in California?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure §335.1, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, if a government entity is involved, you may have as little as six months to file an administrative claim. We recommend consulting with a rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if the rideshare driver was not at fault?
Even if the rideshare driver was not at fault, you may still have a claim. The at-fault driver’s insurance would be the primary source of compensation. Additionally, Uber and Lyft provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage during active trips, which can help cover your damages if the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance.
Does rideshare insurance cover passengers?
Yes. When you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle during an active trip, you are covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy regardless of who caused the accident. This coverage applies to passengers from the moment the driver accepts the trip until the passenger exits the vehicle at the destination.
Who pays for medical bills after an Uber or Lyft accident?
Medical bills after a rideshare accident may be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance, the at-fault driver’s personal insurance, your own health insurance, or a combination of these sources. Our team helps identify all applicable insurance policies and works to ensure your medical expenses are fully covered as part of your settlement or verdict.
What should I do immediately after a rideshare accident?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, save your rideshare trip details from the app, collect contact information from witnesses, and contact a rideshare accident attorney before providing any recorded statements to insurance companies.
Contact Wells Call Injury Lawyers Today
The legal process requires patience, precision, and persistence. Our skilled rideshare accident attorneys are prepared to take your case from initial investigation through resolution and every step in between. Our main goal is to resolve your case in a way that brings you both the closure and the compensation that you deserve. We do this with skill and compassion.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle in California, you do not have to handle things on your own. We understand the unique complications of these cases, the emotional and physical toll they take, and the challenges of dealing with insurance companies.
Contact Wells Call Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
