A rideshare crash can leave you hurt, overwhelmed, and staring at an app with no phone number to call. Yes, you may be able to bring a claim against Uber itself in California, but the path depends on the facts of the crash, what the driver was doing in the app, and which insurance policy applied at the time.
Setareh Law is a personal injury firm serving injured people throughout California, and our attorneys handle rideshare accident claims for riders, drivers, and pedestrians. We work to explain who may be responsible, which policies may apply, and what a fair recovery could look like for you.
How California Law Treats Uber and Its Drivers
Uber is a transportation network company, or TNC, which means it connects passengers with drivers who use personal vehicles through an app. California law requires these companies to carry insurance, and a state legislative analysis explains that TNC insurance must be primary and provide $1 million for death, personal injury, and property damage for the duration of a ride. For a serious crash, this coverage can make a real difference.
Voters approved Proposition 22 in 2020, which kept rideshare drivers classified as independent contractors under state law. Because of this classification, an injured person may not be able to rely on the usual rule holding employers responsible for employees. Other legal paths may still exist, and our rideshare accident attorneys in California review each one when we evaluate a claim. Those paths may include claims based on a company’s own conduct, depending on the evidence.
Who May Be Responsible After a Rideshare Crash
Every crash is different, and more than one party may share responsibility. We typically look at the following three possible sources of recovery:
- The rideshare driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or ran a red light, the driver’s negligence may be the starting point of a claim.
- Uber: A claim may involve Uber or its insurance coverage, depending on what the driver was doing in the app when the crash happened.
- Another motorist: When a different driver caused the collision, that driver and their insurer may be responsible instead.
Finding every responsible party early matters because each one may carry a different policy with different limits, and the right target can change the value of your claim.
How Insurance and Timing Affect Your Claim
The coverage available often depends on what the app showed at the moment of impact. A driver waiting for a request, heading to pick up a rider, or carrying a passenger may fall under different policies. Because Uber is the company behind the app, its records may show when a ride was accepted, where the vehicle traveled, and how long the driver was logged in. Insurance carriers review these claims closely, and early statements may affect the outcome of your case.
Timing matters, too. California generally gives injured people two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, and waiting can make trip records and witness statements harder to gather. Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord and brain injuries, can take months to evaluate. If a crash caused a death, our wrongful death attorneys can explain the options available to your family.
What Compensation May Be Available After an Uber Accident
A serious rideshare crash can change daily life quickly. Depending on the facts, you may be able to seek payment for medical bills, lost income, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our personal injury attorneys collect documents such as trip details, treatment summaries, and pay stubs so the full impact of the injury is documented. We also consider how the injury affects your ability to work, care for your family, and enjoy everyday activities.
The same questions often arise in Lyft accident claims, and our approach is similar. We communicate with insurance carriers and prepare each claim so you can focus on medical care and recovery. Every case is different, and we cannot promise any result, but we work to pursue the compensation you may deserve.
Talk With Setareh Law About Your Rideshare Accident Claim
A rideshare crash raises hard questions about who answers for your injuries, and the answers depend on details only a careful review can uncover. At Setareh Law, we bring 60 years of combined experience to injured individuals across California, and we meet one-on-one with every client so you receive personal attention from a seasoned attorney.
We handle each case on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay a fee only if we get you results, and home visits are available if you cannot travel. When you are ready to talk about your crash, contact us to schedule a free consultation and let us review your options.