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Can I sue Uber or Lyft to get full compensation for the injuries I sustained in a car accident in a ridesharing vehicle? If you were in an accident involving a ridesharing vehicle, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries. The available compensation will depend on the specific circumstances and who was at fault. What should you do if another driver is at fault? In both situations, it’s advisable to ask for the help of a California rideshare accident lawyer.
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions when you encounter an accident as a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle:
Can I Sue Uber Or Lyft When Their Driver Is At Fault For The Crash?
If you are a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle, or you’re a driver or passenger in another car, or a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you must be able to prove that someone was negligent so you can file a claim.
Like in any other car accident case, the person who is filing the claim must prove who was at fault for the incident and provide information on how badly you were injured in the accident.
When an accident happens, it is challenging to recover a personal auto insurance policy from the Uber or Lyft driver. Most private insurance policies do not cover commercial operations. This is why Uber and Lyft drivers must update their insurance policies about doing business with these ridesharing companies.
California Vehicle Code Section 5430 provides that these rideshare companies must have $1 million in maximum insurance for death, personal injury, and property damage in case of an emergency. The $1 million in insurance covers claims when the driver has accepted a ride request on the Uber or Lyft app until the driver completes the transaction on the app, or until the ride is complete. If the ridesharing driver caused a crash during the time between trips, Uber or Lyft is required to offer insurance, but at a lower amount. In this case, the driver’s personal car insurance will also provide coverage.
If you were injured in a crash involving a rideshare driver, skilled Uber or Lyft accident lawyers can help you assess liability. They can assist you in pursuing compensation available under California law.
Can I Sue Uber When Another Driver Was At Fault For The Collision?
If you are a passenger or a driver of a ridesharing vehicle, and another driver was at fault for the incident that happened, you may bring a claim against the driver at fault. California law requires motorists to have liability insurance, but some drivers violate this rule or only carry the minimum coverage, which was updated to $30,000 for a single person’s injuries as of 2025.
If the driver-at-fault does not have the financial resources, California law requires the rideshare companies to carry $1 million in uninsured or underinsured insurance. This insurance coverage applies from when the passenger enters the ridesharing vehicle until the passenger exits the vehicle.
What is uninsured and underinsured coverage for motorists? If the car driver at fault does not have insurance or has too little coverage, the California law requires that the rideshare companies provide $1 million in insurance.
Uber accident lawyers can help you understand your legal options and determine how to pursue compensation through the proper insurance coverage.
What Is Uninsured And Underinsured Coverage For Motorists?
If the car driver is at fault and may not have insurance or too little coverage, the California law requires that the rideshare companies provide $1 million in insurance.
What Damages May I Recover In An Uber Car Accident?
Depending on your specific circumstances, the damages you can pursue after an Uber car accident are:
- Physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment, past and future.
- Medical, hospital, rehabilitation, disability, and other health care expenses, past and future.
- Economic losses, including lost wages, salary, or income, and property damage.
- Punitive damages for wrongful conduct
- A wrongful death occurred when the family decided to file a lawsuit.
If you’re unsure which damages apply to your situation, consult car accident lawyers. They can review your case, provide details about your possible compensation, and assist you with the claims process.
Will I Save Money If I Try To Deal Directly With Uber Or Lyft’s Insurance Company And Settle My Case Without An Attorney?
If your case involves catastrophic injuries or even death, it is often inadvisable to proceed without legal counsel. If you try to settle your claim directly with Uber or Lyft, you may not be aware of all your legal rights or the full value of your claim. Consulting with an injury lawyer who handles rideshare accident cases can help you understand your options and make informed decisions. Even in cases with fractures and concussions, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer with experience in personal injury law to help you.
After the accident, expect to receive a call from an insurance agent representing Uber or Lyft. You shouldn’t give any information or statement if you haven’t talked to an attorney first.
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements, but these might not cover all your losses. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options and make informed decisions, rather than simply accepting what is offered to you.
Insurance companies may sometimes suggest that medical attention is unnecessary or that you are responsible for your own injuries. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, consulting with an attorney can be helpful in understanding your rights and options based on the specific facts of your case.
Asking for help from experienced personal Injury Lawyers can be beneficial in pursuing compensation for all the injuries and damages that you sustained.
