The Rise of Rideshare Accidents in California
Uber and Lyft have become a part of everyday life in California, offering convenience, affordability, and accessibility across cities like Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino. But as rideshare use has grown, so have rideshare-related collisions. A University of Chicago and Rice University study found that ridesharing services have contributed to a 2–3% increase in traffic fatalities nationwide since their introduction, representing thousands of additional accidents and injuries each year.
If you were injured while riding in, or hit by, an Uber or Lyft vehicle, it’s important to know what steps to take next. These accidents can quickly become complicated due to overlapping insurance coverage, independent contractor disputes, and unclear fault. Here’s what to do to protect your health, your rights, and your potential claim.
Step 1. Get Medical Help and Call 911
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, your first step after a rideshare accident is to make sure everyone is safe and that emergency services are contacted. Even if you feel fine, get checked by paramedics or a doctor. Many injuries, such as concussions or soft-tissue damage, may not show immediate symptoms. Having official medical records from the start also strengthens your claim later.
Step 2. Document the Scene and Collect Information
Gather as much information as possible while still at the scene:
- Take photos and videos of the vehicles, license plates, and your injuries.
- Record the Uber or Lyft driver’s name, insurance details, and app status (whether they were waiting for a ride, picking someone up, or in transit).
- Get witness contact information and note the responding officer’s name and report number.
These details will be crucial when determining liability and submitting an insurance claim.
Step 3. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Both companies require passengers and drivers to report accidents through their apps. This creates an official record with time, date, and trip details.
- In the Uber app, go to “Help → Help With a Trip → Select the trip → I Was Involved in an Accident → Fill out the report.”
- In the Lyft app, go to “Help → Report safety issue or accident → Accident.”
After you report, a company representative or their insurance partner may contact you. Be cautious about providing statements before speaking to a lawyer, as these companies often aim to limit their liability.
Tip: Save a screenshot of the submitted report and any case/incident ID the app provides, this can help validate timing and details later.
Step 4. Understand Whose Insurance Applies
One of the most confusing aspects of a rideshare accident injury claim is figuring out which insurance policy covers your damages. In California, coverage depends on the driver’s app status:
Driver’s App Status | Primary Coverage Applies | Coverage Limits |
App is Off | Driver’s personal insurance | State minimums ($15k/$30k/$5k) |
App On, No Ride Accepted | Driver’s insurance first, then Uber/Lyft’s contingent coverage | Up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage |
Ride Accepted or Passenger in Car | Uber/Lyft’s full commercial policy | Up to $1,000,000 in liability + uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
|
Because these claims often involve multiple parties and overlapping policies, consulting an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can help ensure you pursue the correct insurer and recover the full amount you’re owed.
Step 5. Avoid Quick Settlement Offers
Soon after your accident, you may receive calls or emails from insurance adjusters offering a quick payout. These early offers often undervalue your injuries and may waive your right to future compensation.
Before signing or accepting anything, speak with a rideshare accident attorney who can accurately calculate your current and future damages, including medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Step 6. Contact an Experienced Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer
A rideshare accident can involve multiple layers of liability: the driver, other motorists, the rideshare company, and multiple insurers. An attorney familiar with California rideshare accident claims can investigate the crash, gather app data, handle communications with insurers, and negotiate for maximum compensation.
You may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
California also enforces a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so acting quickly protects your right to recover.
The Bottom Line
Uber and Lyft make travel easier, but when accidents happen, victims often face uncertainty and stress. Knowing what to do in those first moments and having the right legal support can make all the difference.
Free Consultation: Speak With a California Rideshare Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Rancho Cucamonga or anywhere in Southern California, contact Muhareb Law Group today for a free consultation. Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the complexities of rideshare accident injury claims and will fight to help you recover the compensation you deserve. No fees unless we win.