Rideshare Accident Attorney California
Injured in an Uber or Lyft crash? We’re Ready to Fight for You.
Rideshare accidents are complicated. When companies like Uber and Lyft are involved, multiple insurance policies and corporate lawyers often stand between you and fair compensation. And without strong legal representation, your claim may be delayed, denied, or undervalued. At Saeedian Law Group, our car accident lawyers with 16+ years of experience understand how rideshare accident cases work. As a trusted rideshare accident attorney in California, we deal with the insurance companies, gather the right evidence, and fight to recover the full compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Call us now for a free consultation. No fees unless we win.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in California
A rideshare accident happens when a driver for Transportation Network Companies (TNC) like Uber or Lyft is involved in a crash that causes injury or property damage. These accidents are different from regular car crashes because liability and insurance coverage depend on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
California law requires rideshare drivers to carry insurance, and the coverage can change based on the driver’s app status. For example, Uber and Lyft provide commercial liability coverage when a driver is on a ride. But if the app is off and the driver is not logged in, the driver’s personal insurance applies. Knowing which coverage applies is important to ensure your rideshare accident claim is handled correctly.
If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you have the right to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Reach out to our experienced Uber accident lawyers at Saeedian Law Group. Our legal team will help you understand your rights, navigate the complex insurance rules, and represent you in settlement negotiations or court trials to secure the compensation due to you.
How Our California Rideshare Accident Attorneys Help You
Rideshare accident claims are not handled the same way as regular car accident cases. One mistake or missed detail could affect your rights and reduce the compensation you receive. That’s why it’s always recommended to hire an experienced California rideshare accident attorney who knows how these cases work and how to protect your rights from the start. Here are various ways our lawyers can help you in rideshare accident cases.
Investigate the Accident Thoroughly
Our car accident lawyers gather police reports, app activity records, witness statements, medical records, and any available video footage. We also determine whether the Uber or Lyft driver was logged into their platform at the time of the crash. This helps our lawyers identify which insurance policy applies and who is responsible.
Identify All Available Insurance Coverage
Uber or Lyft accidents often involve multiple insurance policies. Our rideshare accident experts review the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s commercial coverage, and any other driver’s policy involved in the crash. Our goal is to make sure no source of compensation is overlooked.
Handle All Communication With Insurance Companies
Insurance adjusters may try to reduce or deny your claim. We speak with the insurers on your behalf, respond to their requests, and negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement. You won’t have to deal with stressful phone calls or confusing paperwork.
Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim
Our rideshare accident attorneys look beyond your current medical bills as we calculate your settlement. We consider future treatment, lost income, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and other long-term effects of your injuries. With that, we demand the full compensation you deserve.
Take Your Case to Court if Necessary
About If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We build a strong case and fight for you at every stage of the legal process.
Types of Rideshare Accident Cases We Handle
Rideshare accidents can happen in many different ways. Whether you were a passenger, driver, or someone else on the road, you may have the right to seek compensation. Our California rideshare accident attorneys handle a wide range of cases, including:
Injured Rideshare Passengers
If you were riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle and were hurt in a crash, you may be covered under the company’s commercial insurance policy. Our rideshare accident attorneys in California help passengers pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Injured Rideshare Drivers
For Uber and Lyft drivers, you may have a claim against another driver’s insurance if that driver caused the accident. In some cases, the rideshare company’s policy may also apply depending on your app status at the time of the accident.
Accidents Caused by Rideshare Drivers
If a rideshare driver caused the crash while logged into the app, you may be able to file a claim against the company’s insurance coverage. We work to prove liability and identify the correct insurance policy.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
Rideshare drivers sometimes strike pedestrians or cyclists while picking up or dropping off passengers. These cases often involve complex insurance issues, and our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers help injured victims seek full compensation.
Motorcycle Accidents
Rideshare drivers may collide with motorcycles, which can result in severe injuries due to the motorcyclist’s vulnerability. Our California motorcycle accident attorneys pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and long-term care needs for injured motorcyclists.
Truck Accidents
Collisions involving rideshare vehicles and large trucks often cause serious injuries and involve complex insurance rules. Our truck accident lawyers handle these cases by identifying all liable parties, including trucking companies and drivers, to ensure victims receive maximum compensation.
Multi-Vehicle Rideshare Accidents
Some rideshare accidents involve several vehicles, making it harder to determine fault and insurance coverage. You can trust our legal team to carefully investigate these accidents to identify all responsible parties and pursue every available source of compensation.
Hit-and-Run Rideshare Accidents
If a rideshare driver or another motorist flees the scene after an accident, recovering compensation can be more difficult. Our experienced lawyers investigate quickly, review available insurance coverage, and explore uninsured motorist claims to protect your rights.
Wrongful Death Claims
If a loved one lost their life in a rideshare accident, your family may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. At Saeedian Law Group, our wrongful death attorneys help families seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional impact of their loss.
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents in California
Lyft reported about 111 motor-vehicle fatalities in 2020-2022, according to their Safety Transparency Report. Within the same period, there were also about 153 fatalities in Uber accidents as revealed by the Uber’s U.S. Safety Report. These rideshare accidents occur because of various avoidable reasons, including:
- Distracted driving (using the rideshare app while driving)
- Speeding to complete trips faster
- Fatigue from long driving hours
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Inexperienced or poorly trained drivers
- Heavy traffic and congested urban roads
How Does Rideshare Insurance Coverage Work in California
Rideshare insurance coverage in California depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Unlike regular car accidents, coverage can change based on whether the driver was offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. Understanding these coverage periods is key to knowing which insurance policy applies to your claim.
Disclaimer: The labeling for the various periods may vary with different TNCs. This is just a general overview. Check your exact rideshare company to confirm how theirs work.
Period 1: App Off
If the Uber or Lyft driver was not logged into the rideshare app, their personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company’s commercial policy does not provide coverage during this time.
Period 2: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request
When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, limited liability coverage may apply through companies like Uber or Lyft. This coverage typically acts as secondary insurance if the driver’s personal policy does not fully cover the damages. For example, Ubers offers a bodily injury liability coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
Period 3: Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle
Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the car, higher commercial insurance coverage applies. This period usually includes significant liability coverage, as well as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in certain situations.
Because coverage changes based on app activity, determining the driver’s exact status at the time of the crash is critical. But you don’t need to panic; that’s why we’re for you at Saeedian Law Group. Our experienced Uber car accident attorney can help identify the correct policy and pursue the full compensation available.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a California Rideshare Accident?
UWho is liable in a California rideshare accident depends on how the accident happened and whether the driver was using the app at the time. In many cases, more than one party may be responsible. Identifying the correct party is important because it determines which insurance policy applies.
The Lyft or Uber driver can be held liable if they were careless, such as speeding or driving while distracted. Companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage when drivers are logged into the app, which may apply to your claim. If the driver was not using the app, their personal insurance may be responsible instead.
In some cases, other motorists can be held liable through their own insurance policy if they caused the crash. Moreover, if a vehicle defect or poor maintenance played a role, a manufacturer or repair company may also share responsibility. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a rideshare accident, reach out to our experienced rideshare accident lawyer to help you review your case and identify all liable parties.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a California Rideshare Accident Case?
If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses for current and future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and out-of-pocket costs related to your recovery. Our attorneys make sure all financial impacts of your injuries are considered when pursuing your claim.
In addition to economic losses, you can also recover damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. In tragic cases involving wrongful death in a fatal accident, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death compensation. Working with our experienced rideshare accident lawyer in California ensures every potential source of recovery is identified and fully pursued.
Why Choose Saeedian Law Group as Your California Rideshare Accident Attorneys
Rideshare accident claims in California can be complex, and having the right legal team makes a big difference in securing fair compensation. At Saeedian Law Group, we combine experience, knowledge, and client-focused service to guide you through every step of your case. Here’s why injured victims in California trust us:
Strong Negotiation and Litigation Skills: We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure fair settlements. If a fair offer isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
No Fees Unless We Win: Our rideshare accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for your injuries, giving you peace of mind while we handle your case.
Extensive Experience in Rideshare Accident Cases: Our expert Uber and Lyft accident lawyers have handled numerous Uber and Lyft accident claims across California. Our experience allows us to navigate insurance policies, app status rules, and corporate legal tactics efficiently.
Deep Knowledge of California Personal Injury and Insurance Law: Our car accident attorneys understand the state’s laws on negligence, liability, and insurance coverage. With this expertise, we ensure your claim is filed correctly and maximize your chances of full recovery.
Client-Focused Communication: We keep you informed at every stage of your case, answer your questions promptly, and explain complex legal issues in simple terms. You are never left in the dark about your own claim.
Let’s Help You Secure the Compensation You Deserve
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need to act right and early to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. And that’s exactly where we come in. Our rideshare accident attorneys at Saeedian Law Group has the experience, knowledge, and dedication to handle every aspect of your case. From investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties to negotiating with insurers and pursuing your claim in court if needed, you can trust us to represent and guide you throughout the process.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today for a free consultation and let our California rideshare accident attorneys fight for the maximum recovery on your behalf. No fees unless we win.
FAQs
Below, we’ve provided comprehensive answers to some of the concerns you may have about rideshare accident lawsuits in California. If you have specific questions about your case, feel free to reach out to us directly.
What Steps Should I Take After a Rideshare Accident in California?
After a rideshare accident, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if needed. Document the scene with photos, gather witness information, and report the crash to the rideshare company. Seek medical attention promptly and contact a California rideshare accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
How Long Do I Have to File a Rideshare Accident Claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California must be filed within two years of the accident. This is the statute of limitations for car accidents in California. However, claims involving a government entity or certain insurance policies may have shorter deadlines under the California Tort Claims Act. Hence, it’s important to act quickly to protect your rights.
How Can I Find a Reliable Rideshare Accident Attorney in California?
Look for attorneys with experience handling Uber and Lyft accident claims specifically in California. Check for strong client reviews, a history of successful settlements, and a team that communicates clearly. A consultation can help you determine if they understand the complexities of rideshare cases.
What Are the Common Injuries in Rideshare Accident Claims?
Rideshare accident victims suffer a variety of injuries including whiplash, broken bones, concussions, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries, head and brain injuries, emotional trauma, neck and back injuries, etc. Injuries from rideshare accidents can also result in wrongful death. No matter the type of injury, you can trust our experienced personal injury lawyer to help you seek fair compensation.
What If the Rideshare Driver Was Not Logged Into the App?
If the driver wasn’t using the app, the company’s commercial insurance typically does not apply. Your claim may rely on the driver’s personal insurance or other liable parties. A California rideshare accident attorney can help identify all potential sources of recovery.
How Much Is My Rideshare Accident Case Worth?
Just like other personal injury lawsuits, the value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and long-term effects. You can reach out to out Lyft or Uber accident attorneys to help evaluate your case and estimate potential compensation.
How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Attorney Cost?
Most California rideshare accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. You only pay if they successfully recover compensation for your injuries, making legal help accessible without financial risk.
Do I Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney to Settle a Claim with Insurance Companies in California?
While it’s possible to negotiate on your own, rideshare insurance policies are complex, and insurers often try to minimize payouts. A California rideshare accident attorney can handle communications, negotiate aggressively, and ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.