This article explains how liability works in California rideshare accidents and how you can protect your claim. The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings, available at https://www.ourclientswin.com/, helps victims of rideshare accidents understand their legal rights and pursue compensation. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash—whether as a passenger, driver, pedestrian, or another motorist—determining who is liable can be confusing. These cases involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate protections, and multiple potentially at-fault parties.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Crash?
In general, liability in a rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash and what the rideshare driver was doing at the time. The potentially responsible parties may include:
- The rideshare driver (if their actions caused the crash)
- Uber or Lyft (through their commercial insurance policies)
- Another driver (if they caused the accident)
- The rideshare company’s insurance or the driver’s personal insurance
- A third party, such as a pedestrian, cyclist, or defective vehicle part manufacturer
- Each case requires a detailed investigation to determine fault and insurance coverage.
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft are required by California law to carry specific insurance coverage that applies based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Period 0: App is off. If the driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance applies. Uber/Lyft provide no coverage.
- Period 1: App is on, no ride accepted. Uber/Lyft provide contingent liability insurance: $50,000 per person for bodily injury; $100,000 per accident; $25,000 for property damage. This coverage applies only if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the full cost.
- Period 2: Ride accepted, en route to pickup. Uber/Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage. Also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and collision coverage (with a deductible).
- Period 3: Passenger in vehicle. Same as Period 2: $1 million liability and other protections apply.
In accidents that occur while the driver is actively transporting a rider, Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy is the primary coverage source.
What If You’re a Passenger?
As a passenger, you’re rarely at fault, and you’re almost always covered by insurance—either from Uber/Lyft’s $1 million policy or another at-fault driver’s insurance. Still, rideshare companies won’t automatically hand over a settlement. You may need legal representation to:
- Prove the severity of your injuries
- Gather medical records and evidence
- Negotiate with multiple insurers
- Avoid delays or lowball offers
If the other vehicle’s driver (not the Uber or Lyft driver) is at fault, your claim will be filed against that person’s auto liability insurance. However, if they’re uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s UM/UIM policy may still help cover your losses if you were in a rideshare vehicle.
These policies protect you when the responsible party can’t pay.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?
Generally, no. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This limits the rideshare company’s direct liability for driver actions. However, exceptions may apply if:
- The company failed to conduct proper background checks
- They allowed a dangerous or unqualified driver to operate
- Their app or platform malfunctioned in a way that caused harm
- A knowledgeable attorney can evaluate whether a direct lawsuit is possible in your case.
Types of Compensation You May Be Eligible For
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical care
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Disability or disfigurement
Calculating the full value of your claim takes experience, especially when multiple insurance policies are involved.
Rideshare accident cases involve more than just filing an insurance claim—they involve understanding liability layers, coordinating between parties, and dealing with insurers that don’t always act in good faith.
The Law Office of Brent D. Rawlings helps victims by:
- Investigating who is truly at fault
- Identifying all available insurance policies
- Handling all paperwork and communications
- Fighting for a fair settlement or taking the case to trial if needed
Uber and Lyft offer convenience, but when something goes wrong, the legal process is anything but simple. Liability depends on the exact timing, insurance coverage varies by driving period, and both drivers and passengers often face frustrating claim delays.