Los Angeles Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer

Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have changed the way the modern man commutes. However, as their popularity increases, so do the risks of motor vehicle accidents involving these rideshare companies. For victims—whether passengers, drivers, or pedestrians—the aftermath can be overwhelming, involving injuries, medical bills, and legal complexities.

Unfortunately, injured victims tend to avoid filing a case, thinking these ride-hailing giants have big undefetable legal teams to back them up.

At Jacoby & Meyers, we are dedicated to supporting rideshare accident victims in their pursuit of a fair recovery. With over 50 years of experience in personal injury law, our rideshare accident attorneys have a long history of securing significant results for clients throughout Los Angeles. Our decades of service and deep local roots make us a trusted choice for those involved in rideshare car crashes.

If you are seeking dedicated legal representation for your case, Jacoby & Meyers offers the experience and resources to help you pursue a fair recovery, regardless of your circumstances. Call us today for a free case consultation. Get clarity and speak with an expert today.

Why Choose Jacoby & Meyers for Your Uber or Lyft Accident Case?

Choosing the right attorney is critical in rideshare accident cases. Here’s why we’re Los Angeles’ trusted legal team:

Proven Expertise: Decades of experience handling Uber and Lyft accident cases.
No Attorney Fees Unless We Secure a Recovery: You pay nothing upfront—our fees are contingent upon obtaining a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Please note that while attorney fees are contingent, clients may still be responsible for certain court costs and litigation expenses.
California Law Specialists: Familiarity with AB 5 and state-specific rideshare regulations gives us an edge.
Comprehensive Support: From evidence gathering to negotiating with insurance companies, we manage every detail.
Client-Centered Approach: Compassionate guidance through a stressful time, with clear communication every step of the way.

Hit by an Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles: What to do ASAP

In a Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles, it is crucial to take the following actions after a crash:

Seek safety. If you can, relocate to a secure area.
Get medical attention. Examine for injuries, and call 911 or the nearest Los Angeles hospital for emergency medical attention.
Report to the police. Notify the Los Angeles police department and inform the police about the accident. Your insurance claim will likely require a police report.
Gather evidence. Record the accident site, any visible injuries, and the damage to the car with pictures and videos.
Record information if you are able. Obtain each driver’s license number, insurance information, and contact information. Get the witness’s contact information.
Lawyer up. Hire an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer who will dedicate their time, knowledge, and effort to protecting your rights.

Who Can I Sue for an Uber or Lyft Car Crash?

Depending on the circumstances of your car accident, several parties can be held responsible for the damages.

SCENARIO 1: AN ACCIDENT WITH AN OFF-DUTY RIDESHARE DRIVER

Liability: Driver’s Insurance.

Before hiring a driver, rideshare companies require them to have personal auto insurance. This usually covers accidents that happen outside of working hours. So, If a Lyft or Uber driver strikes you while off-duty, you can seek damages payout through their auto insurance.

SCENARIO 2: AN ON-DUTY DRIVER HITS YOU

Liability: Uber or Lyft’s insurance.

You may file a claim against the rideshare company if the driver was on duty. Lyft and Uber must carry $1,000,000 in insurance for accidents involving their drivers. This coverage applies if:

The driver’s app is on, and they are waiting for a ride request.
The driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger.
The driver is transporting a passenger to their destination.

In severe cases, such as wrongful death, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the company.

SCENARIO 3: ANOTHER DRIVER CAUSES THE COLLISION

Liability: Other Driver’s Insurance.

If another driver’s negligence causes an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you can file an insurance claim against that driver. You may also verify whether the rideshare driver’s actions contributed to the crash.

You may file multiple rideshare accident claims if both parties are responsible. This can help you pursue your damages payout and hold both parties accountable for their actions.

While you legally have the right to claim compensation for both parties, doing so entails more complicated legal matters. For instance, you must have sufficient evidence for BOTH cases to justify your claims. How can you gather proof if you need to recover from your injuries?

This is where our experienced Uber accident attorneys come in. With legal experts dedicated to each case, you can focus on your recovery with the assurance that both cases are handled by full teams to pursue an accident payout for you.

What Insurance Can Cover an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Rideshare companies usually require their drivers to have liability insurance. Aside from this, these companies have their own insurance coverage in cases of accidents where they can be liable.

Under California Public Utilities Code (PUC) §5432, ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft are required to notify their drivers about when the company’s insurance applies and when their personal auto insurance is responsible. The type of coverage depends on whether the driver is actively using the rideshare app, which determines the applicable liability coverage limits.

Uber Insurance Coverage

Period	Uber Insurance Coverage
Offline: The rideshare driver had the app turned off at the time of the accident	The Uber driver’s own insurance
Period 1 UBER: The driver turned on the Uber app but didn’t accept a ride yet.	$50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance for each accident victim $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage Property damage liability coverage of $30,000 for each incident $200,000 in supplemental liability insurance during Period 1.
Period 2 UBER: Driver accepted a trip.Period 3 UBER: They were on their way to pick up a passenger.	$1 million in commercial auto insurance. $1 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Lyft Insurance Coverage

Period	Lyft Insurance Coverage
Offline: The rideshare driver had the app turned off at the time of the accident	The lyft driver’s own insurance
Period 1 LYFT: The driver had the app on but wasn’t on the way to the passenger or didn’t have any passenger on board.	$50,000 in bodily injury liability insurance for each accident victim $100,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage Property damage liability coverage of $30,000 for each incident
Period 2 LYFT: The driver accepted a ride.Period 3 LYFT: They picked up a passenger.	Commercial auto insurance worth $1 million. $1 million in coverage for underinsured and uninsured drivers.

Rideshare companies often attempt to downplay their liability and thus lower the payout each victim will receive. This is where a skilled attorney can negotiate with insurers to secure fair compensation.

Legal Scenarios Based on Your Role in the Accident

You Were a Passenger in a Rideshare Vehicle
Passengers injured in Uber or Lyft accidents are generally covered under the company’s liability insurance.
You Were a Pedestrian Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle
Pedestrians can file claims against both the driver’s and the rideshare company’s policies.
You Were Driving Another Vehicle in the Collision
If a rideshare driver caused the accident, you may file claims through their personal or rideshare insurance, depending on the app status.
Multiple Parties Are Involved in the Accident
In cases with multiple victims, liability and compensation may depend on the coverage limits of all involved policies.

How Much Compensation Can I Get from a Ridesharing Accident?

Recovering from a car accident can be a long and challenging process, and it’s natural to focus on getting your medical bills paid and your car repaired. But when you’re seeking legal help, it’s essential to think beyond just these immediate costs. You may be entitled to much more.

Generally, your accident compensation value depends on the amount of loss you sustained in a car accident and how it affects your overall life.

For example, if a car accident results in a victim’s permanent leg amputation, they can seek compensation for medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost wages, and potential loss of income if they are unable to work due to their injuries.

Additionally, because the victim can no longer participate in activities they once enjoyed, they may experience emotional distress and loss of life enjoyment. These emotional losses can be included in their settlement as well, ensuring they are compensated for both physical and emotional damages.

Overall, you can receive compensation for the following damages IF applicable to your situation:

Economic Damages: Losses that you can prove by providing receipts and other documentation. This can be:

Past, present, and future medical expenses
Lost wages
Future loss of income
Vehicle or property repair costs
Burial and funeral expenses in case of a wrongful death
Other measurable financial losses

Non-Economic Damages: Emotional or psychological impact of the crash on a victim’s life.

Emotional distress
Loss of companionship
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Loss of life enjoyment
Other emotional or psychological impacts stemming from the accident

Navigating a legal claim involves more than just calculating medical bills; it requires a deep understanding of damages that are often overlooked. Our rideshare accident lawyers work to hold liable parties accountable by carefully evaluating every aspect of your case. We are dedicated to pursuing a recovery that accounts for both your financial losses and your pain and suffering.

How Long Do I Have to File for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

In Los Angeles, injured victims have a specific time frame when filing a personal injury claim. According toCalifornia Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §335.1, you may pursue a case within two years from the date of the accident. However, this may change depending on the circumstances of the case. For instance, if the victim is a minor, the claim starts when they reach the legal age.

With the strict deadline for personal injury cases, you must already know the specific steps you should take when filing one to avoid wasting time and effort. When working with a Lyft or Uber accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery and have peace knowing that all legal deadlines and requirements are met.

Why Should I Hire a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyer?

Increased Accountability vs. Rideshare Companies

Using ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft is supposed to be a convenient and safe way to get around. But what happens when you’re injured in a ride-hailing accident due to someone else’s negligence?

Unfortunately, some companies may complicate the claims process by restricting access to safety records, making it difficult for individuals to pursue the financial recovery they are seeking. Our firm is committed to uncovering these facts and advocating for a resolution that reflects the impact of your injuries.

Experienced Legal Team Dedicated to Your Recovery

Many riders have reported seeing drivers distracted by their phones, almost causing accidents. And despite the alarming number of injuries and fatalities, victims often don’t seek legal help, thinking that Uber and Lyft will automatically offer fair settlements from their insurance providers.

But the reality is that these settlements often fall short, leaving victims with significant out-of-pocket expenses and ongoing financial burdens.

At our law firm, we’ve seen firsthand how rideshare companies can downplay the severity of accidents and minimize the financial losses suffered by victims.

That is why having a skilled attorney on your side is vital to advocate for your rights and pursue a recovery that reflects the impact of your injuries. Our team manages every aspect of your case, from navigating insurance negotiations to representing your interests in court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to litigate your case to seek a resolution.

Here’s why you should hire our Uber accident attorneys and Lyft accident lawyers:

Five Reasons to Hire Our Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Transparency
An Uber accident attorney ensures transparency in your case. While insurance companies often obscure details to maintain control and minimize payouts, our lawyers offer a free consultation to explain the legal process, discuss your case’s potential value, and outline your options so you can make informed decisions.
Settlements
Insurance companies often reach out quickly to obtain statements that could impact your claim. An attorney can help you manage these communications and navigate insurer tactics. By building a comprehensive case based on documented evidence, your legal team works to present a claim that reflects the full scope of your losses when pursuing a settlement.
Better Health Outcomes
Seeing a doctor after an accident is crucial for your health and case. Early treatment can pSeeing a doctor after an accident is crucial for your health and your case. Early treatment may prevent worsening injuries, such as whiplash. Our team can assist in helping you understand the importance of timely medical care, which may help reduce complications and support documentation of your injuries.
Protecting Your Long-Term Lifestyle
Severe injuries from a rideshare accident can lead to lost wages and financial strain, affecting your ability to meet daily obligations. Insurance companies may offer an initial settlement, but these offers do not always account for the long-term impact of your injuries. A rideshare accident attorney can help identify potential future damages supported by medical and financial evidence, including diminished earning capacity or reduced ability to participate in prior activities.
Legal Expertise and Support
Victims with limited knowledge of personal injury law may overlook legal requirements that can affect their claim. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers provide legal guidance to help you pursue compensation supported by the evidence and move forward after an accident.

Questions You May Ask

What Are the Common Rideshare Accident Injuries?

Ridesharing incidents might cause minor to severe injuries. After an accident, you must always get medical help to assess and treat injuries and document them for future personal injury claims.

Here are the common rideshare accident injuries you may experience after a crash:

Whiplash
Broken bones
Head injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Internal injuries
Laceration and bruises

What Are the Top Causes of Los Angeles Rideshare Accidents?

In Los Angeles, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are becoming increasingly popular, and the additional traffic has contributed to more accidents. Other factors, including driver behavior, also contribute to rideshare crashes.

Distracted driving
Rideshare drivers often multitask while operating a vehicle, such as checking their rideshare app, sending texts, or using GPS.
Speeding
An Uber or Lyft driver may attempt to complete trips quickly to accept additional rides. Speeding can increase the risk of collisions.
Driver Fatigue
Drivers who extend their work hours on the road may experience fatigue.
Unfamiliarity with Routes
Drivers frequently rely on GPS navigation, which may result in abrupt stops or turns.

If a rideshare driver hits you or you are an injured passenger in a crash, determining the cause of the collision is important when filing a personal injury case.

How Often Do Uber Accidents Happen?

Uber-related accidents do occur. Publicly released safety reports indicate that there were 101 fatal Uber accident victims in 91 fatal Uber-related crashes from 2019 to 2020. During that period, overall motor vehicle fatality rates increased nationally.

Reported fatalities involved third-party drivers, passengers, and riders using the app.

What Happens if the Rideshare Driver Is at Fault but Is Not Logged Into the App?

If a rideshare driver causes injuries or damages in an accident but is not logged into the rideshare application, you would generally pursue a claim against the driver. In that case, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy typically applies.

Can I File a Claim if I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?

Yes.

Victims sometimes believe they cannot file a claim if they contributed to the accident. While that may be true in some states, California follows a comparative fault system. This allows involved parties to pursue a claim regardless of their degree of fault, although any recovery may be reduced by the percentage of responsibility assigned.

For example, if a distracted rideshare driver hits you while you are walking outside a crosswalk and you are found 20% at fault, your recoverable damages may be reduced by 20%.

A personal injury lawyer familiar with rideshare cases can help evaluate fault allocation and assess whether a settlement offer reflects documented damages.

I’m Not in Pain After My Uber Accident. Should I Still Seek Medical Help?

Yes.

Even if you do not feel pain immediately after a crash, you should seek medical attention to diagnose potential late-appearing injuries such as concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries. Adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms immediately following an accident.

In addition to protecting your health, obtaining medical evaluation creates documentation that may be relevant when insurance providers assess liability and damages.

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices Offer Free Case Evaluation

We understand that it can be overwhelming to pursue a case, especially if you are facing large ride-hailing companies. Victims sometimes believe hiring an Uber or Lyft accident attorney can be expensive, which may discourage them from seeking legal guidance.

Like many personal injury firms, we operate on a contingency fee agreement. Our attorney fees are contingent upon obtaining a settlement or verdict on your behalf. If no recovery is obtained, attorney fees are not owed. It is important to distinguish between attorney fees and case-related costs, which are handled according to our standard retainer agreement.

In addition to our contingency fee structure, we offer free consultations to accident victims. A member of our team can explain the legal options available for your case. Our rideshare accident lawyers can evaluate your situation, discuss potential legal strategies, and provide advocacy throughout the process.

This article was written in collaboration with experienced personal injury lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers.

How Does Negligence and Liability Work in an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Understanding Negligence and Liability in Motor Vehicle Accidents

Liability in motor vehicle accidents refers to a person’s legal responsibility for causing harm to others. Negligence involves a failure to act with the level of care that a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances. Together, negligence and liability determine who may be responsible for an accident and its resulting damages.

How Negligence and Liability Work: An Example

Consider an accident involving an Uber driver. Imagine the driver is checking their phone while en route to pick up a passenger. Distracted, they fail to notice a red light and the stopped traffic ahead, rear-ending your vehicle and causing injuries.

In this scenario:

Negligence: The Uber driver may be considered negligent because they were distracted by their phone — conduct that can fall below the standard of reasonable care expected of drivers.
Liability: The Uber driver may be legally responsible for injuries and damages if their negligence caused the accident.

When proving negligence, the following components must generally be demonstrated:

Duty of Care
The individual responsible for your safety, such as a driver, owes a duty to operate the vehicle with reasonable care.
Breach of Duty
This duty is breached when the driver fails to act reasonably, such as by speeding, texting while driving, or failing to follow traffic laws.
Causation
You must show that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries. In other words, the harm would not have occurred but for the driver’s conduct.
Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm or losses due to the accident. This may include physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses.

Establishing these four legal elements is necessary when pursuing compensation. For those navigating complex evidentiary issues, consulting with an accident attorney can provide clarity. Our team can assess the details of your case, collect relevant evidence, and develop a legal strategy to address the responsible parties.

Our Los Angeles Accident Attorneys can also help with the following:

Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyers | Free Consultation

Michael Akiva is Managing Partner of Pre-Litigation of Jacoby & Meyers. Having started his career as an attorney at Latham & Watkins LLP, a prestigious, global corporate law firm, Michael quickly realized that representing big corporations was not for him. After leaving the firm, Michael dedicated himself to fighting for the rights of the injured. Education J.D. UCLA School of Law, Editor, UCLA Law Review B.S., Finance, University of Southern California, Magna cum laude

Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Accident Lawyer