Can I Sue Uber or Lyft If I Was Injured as a Passenger?
Your rights, the insurance coverage available, and how to get compensated after a rideshare accident in California.
Rideshare accidents are increasingly common in Los Angeles. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver, or another driver struck by one, you have legal options. Here is what you need to know.
How Rideshare Insurance Works in California
Uber and Lyft are required by California law to carry commercial insurance for their drivers. The amount of coverage available depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
Period 1: App On, No Ride Accepted
The driver has the app open but hasn’t accepted a ride yet. Coverage:
- \$50,000 per person for bodily injury
- \$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- \$25,000 for property damage
Period 2: Ride Accepted, En Route to Pick Up
The driver has accepted a ride and is driving to pick up the passenger. Coverage:
- \$1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
The passenger is in the car. This is where maximum coverage applies:
- \$1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
If you were a passenger when the accident occurred, up to \$1 million in coverage is available to compensate you for your injuries — regardless of who was at fault.
Who Can I Sue After a Rideshare Accident?
Depending on the circumstances, you may have claims against:
- The rideshare driver — if their negligence caused the accident
- Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy — the company’s commercial policy covers injuries to passengers
- Another driver — if a third party caused the collision
- The vehicle manufacturer — if a mechanical defect contributed to the crash
- The city or county — if a dangerous road condition was a factor
What if I Was a Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit by an Uber or Lyft?
You are still covered under the rideshare company’s insurance policy. If the driver was actively using the app at the time, the \$1 million policy applies. Even if the driver only had the app open (Period 1), the minimum liability coverage is available to you.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare passengers are particularly vulnerable because they are often sitting in the back seat without wearing a seatbelt. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Concussions
What Should I Do After a Rideshare Accident?
- Call 911 and get a police report
- Take a screenshot of your Uber or Lyft trip details (driver name, trip route, time)
- Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to Uber’s or Lyft’s insurance company
- Contact a personal injury attorney experienced with rideshare cases
Why Choose Call Big Ike for Your Rideshare Case?
Attorney Ike Orjiakor has specific experience handling Uber, Lyft, Wingz, HopSkipDrive, LimeBike, and Bird scooter accident cases. He understands the complex insurance structures these companies use and knows how to navigate their claims processes to maximize your recovery.
As a TopVerdict Top 100 attorney, Ike has a proven track record of securing significant settlements and jury verdicts for accident victims across Los Angeles.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
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