Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
A subtype of Motor Vehicle Accidents
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About Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Uber and Lyft accident claims are more complex than ordinary car crashes. As a rideshare passenger, you are generally covered by the platform's commercial insurance of up to $1 million. However, the specific coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident — waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or during an active trip. Different statuses correspond to different insurance coverages. It is advisable to file claims with multiple insurers to maximize compensation.
What insurance companies won't tell you
The first offer is usually low
Adjusters' first offers are often on the low side, and many people accept without knowing. Before you sign anything, it's worth hearing a lawyer out.
Your calls may be recorded
Anything you say to the insurance company can be recorded and affect your claim. Once you have a lawyer, the insurer generally has to communicate with your lawyer instead.
Delay is a common tactic
Medical bills keep growing while they wait for you to get anxious. A lawyer keeps following up and applying pressure so your claim doesn't stall.
What to do right now
Don't talk to the other driver's insurance alone
The other side's adjuster aims to pay as little as possible. Until you have a lawyer, you don't have to give a recorded statement or sign anything.
Photograph everything at the scene with your phone
Vehicles, road conditions, injuries, the other driver's plate and insurance — photos and video are the strongest evidence.
See a doctor soon, even if you feel fine
Injuries can show up days later, and timely medical records matter a great deal to your claim.
Keep every receipt and report
Medical bills, the police report, proof of missed work — every document can affect your compensation.
Talk to a lawyer as early as you can
The earlier a lawyer gets involved, the more completely the evidence is preserved. The consultation is free.
Your call is answered directly by the named member-attorney team — never sold to third parties.
Frequently asked questions
I was hurt in an Uber/Lyft — whose insurance pays?
During a trip (from ride acceptance through drop-off), the platform provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. As a passenger you're almost always covered — whether the rideshare driver or the other driver was at fault.
A working Uber/Lyft driver hit me — what applies?
It depends on the driver's app status: on a trip or en route to pick up = the platform's $1M liability coverage; app on and waiting = the platform's contingent coverage ($50k/$100k/$30k); app off = only the driver's personal auto policy. Pinning down the app status is step one.
Can rideshare drivers themselves recover after a crash?
Yes — against the at-fault driver, and platforms typically provide contingent collision coverage during trips (with a deductible). As independent contractors, drivers usually lack workers' comp, so the other driver's liability coverage and your own UM/UIM are the main sources.
Should I report the crash in the app?
Yes — the platforms have in-app accident reporting that creates a record; also call 911, get medical care, and take photos. The trip log plus the police report are the key evidence for the app status and which insurance tier applies.
General information, not legal advice.
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