Los Angeles Uber and Lyft Ridesharing Accident

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 helping rideshare accident victims secure the justice they deserve. With over 50 years of experience in personal injury law, our rideshare accident attorneys have won big settlements for our clients all throughout the city of Los Angeles. Our proven track record makes us the top-rated choice for victims involved in rideshare car crashes.

If you need the best legal representation to win your case, Jacoby & Meyers has the expertise and resources to help you pursue maximum compensation, 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 Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront—we only succeed when you do.
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 maximize 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 ensuring maximum 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

While seeking compensation is possible, you may miss out on some damages that are challenging to quantify and calculate. A rideshare car accident lawyer can hold the liable party accountable by considering and quantifying all possible damages. This allows you to collect compensation for all losses, from medical bills to 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 to California 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, these companies often make it difficult to hold them accountable by hiding their safety records and making it hard for victims to get the compensation they deserve.

Expert Team to Ensure Higher Compensation

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’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled attorney on your side who can defend for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. They will manage your case and negotiate with the insurance companies. If things don’t work out in a settlement, they will vigorously fight for your rights in court.

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, your case’s value, and your options, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Higher Settlements
Insurance companies quickly contact you to get statements that could harm your case. But did you know that victims who work with an attorney receive 3.5 times higher settlements, even after legal fees are taken out? That’s because an attorney can help you navigate the insurance company’s attempts to get you to make a statement and build a strong case that maximizes your compensation.
Better Health Outcomes
Seeing a doctor after an accident is crucial for your health and case. Early treatment can prevent worsening injuries, such as whiplash. Our team ensures you see the right doctors, reducing medical bills and safeguarding your health and finances.
Protecting Your Long-Term Lifestyle
Severe injuries from a rideshare accident can lead to lost wages and financial strain, impacting mortgage payments, rent, tuition, and vacations.While some insurance companies may offer compensation, they rarely match what an Uber accident lawyer can secure. Attorneys also fight for compensation for future lifestyle impacts, like the inability to work in your field or pursue hobbies.
Legal Expertise and Support
Victims with limited knowledge about personal injury law often overlook specific legalities that hinders their ability to file a claim.Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers provide expert legal support, ensuring you receive fair compensation and helping you and your family move forward confidently 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 record 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, but the additional traffic has also resulted in an increase in accidents. Other factors, like human behavior, also contribute to the rising number of injured rideshare accident victims.

Distracted driving
Rideshare drivers often multitask while operating a vehicle, such as checking their rideshare app, sending texts, or using their GPS.
Speeding
An Uber or Lyft driver sometimes hurriedly completes their trips to book more rides and earn higher fares. Unfortunately, speeding can result in collisions.
Driver Fatigue
Drivers who often extend their work hours on the road experience driver fatigue.
Unfamiliarity with Routes
Drivers who use ridesharing services frequently rely on GPS navigation, which might result in abrupt stops or turns.

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

How Often Do Uber Accidents Happen?

Unfortunately, Uber car accidents happen frequently. In fact, there were 101 fatal Uber accident victims in 91 fatal Uber-related crashes from 2019 to 2020. The total number of motor vehicle fatalities per VMT also rose by 7% between the years 2017 to 2018 and 2019 to 2020, in line with a 6% rise on a national level when comparing the same years.

Moreover, 2020’s rise in occupant fatalities significantly affected the rise in the motor vehicle fatality rate from 2019 to 2020. Most of these deaths were either third-party drivers or riders using the app resulting in Uber accidents.

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

If a rideshare driver causes you injuries or damages in an accident but is not logged into the ride-hailing service application, you must pursue a case against the driver. In such a case, the driver’s insurance policy will cover the damages and expenses you sustained.

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

Yes, you can.

Victims often think they can’t file a claim if they somehow contributed to the accident. While this is true in some states, California allows involved parties to pursue a case regardless of their degree of fault in a crash.

For example, if a distracted rideshare driver hits you while you’re walking outside a crosswalk, even if the court assigns you 20% of liability, you’d still be entitled to 80% of the compensation. Similarly, the other party might seek 20% compensation for their damages.

However, how will you know if you receive the exact 80% of your compensation? A personal injury lawyer with specific expertise in rideshare crashes can compute the total damages, help you determine if the offer is fair and ensure that you get the settlement you deserve.

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

Yes, you should.

Even if you don’t feel anything after a crash, you must still seek medical attention to diagnose if you have late-appearing injuries such as concussions, whiplash, or internal injuries. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and other symptoms right after the accident, making it difficult to diagnose without the help of a medical professional.

Aside from ensuring your well-being, doing this can be beneficial for your case. Usually, if you lack evidence to show the cause of your injuries, insurance providers can avoid liability by insisting the accident didn’t cause them. If you attend to your injuries immediately, you may have the documentation or medical record justifying the cause.

Jacoby & Meyers Law Offices Offer Free Case Evaluation

We understand that it can be overwhelming to pursue a case, especially if you are fighting against ride-hailing giants. Victims often think hiring an Uber or Lyft accident attorney can be expensive, leaving the odds to the insurance company.

However, most personal injury law firms work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay their services IF they win your case. This is what you’ll get from us.

Aside from our no-fee-until-we-win principle, we offer FREE consultations to accident victims. One of our team representatives can explain your legal options based on your case with NO RISKS. Let our top-rated rideshare accident lawyers evaluate your situation, determine the best legal option, manage your claim, and vigorously fight for your rights.

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, on the other hand, 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 is 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 you injuries.

In this scenario:

Negligence: The Uber driver was negligent because they were distracted by their phone—a behavior no reasonable driver would engage in.
Liability: The Uber driver is legally responsible for your injuries and damages because their negligence caused the accident.

When proving negligence, you must demonstrate the following components:

Duty of Care
The individual responsible for your safety, such as the driver or the company, owes you a certain level of care. This means they’re accountable for ensuring your safety and well-being.
Breach of Duty
Unfortunately, this obligation is often broken. For example, the driver may have been speeding, texting while driving, or failing to follow traffic rules.
Causation
To prove negligence, you need to show that the breach of duty directly led to your injuries or harm. In other words, you wouldn’t have been injured if the driver didn’t breach their duty of care.
Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual harm or losses due to the accident. This could include physical injuries, emotional distress, or financial losses.

Demonstrating these four components can build a solid case to receive the compensation you deserve. However, if you are unsure how to do so, such as when you lack evidence, it is best to contact accident lawyers who can assess your situation, collect evidence, and prove liability.

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