Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyer
Compensation for Rideshare Passengers, Drivers, and Others in California
Rideshare crashes raise a complicated question: whose insurance pays? Whether you were a passenger, the rideshare driver, another motorist, or a pedestrian, the answer depends on what the Uber or Lyft driver was doing at the moment of the crash.
These cases turn on the rideshare company’s tiered insurance and often involve multiple insurers pointing fingers. With over $1 billion recovered, Frank Penney Injury Law knows how to pin down the right coverage and pursue the full amount you are owed.
How Rideshare Insurance Works
Coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app when the crash occurred.
App Off
When the driver isn’t logged in, only their personal auto insurance applies.
App On, Waiting
Waiting for a request triggers limited contingent liability coverage.
En Route & During Trips
Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is aboard, up to $1 million in liability coverage typically applies.
Passenger Injuries
Passengers are generally covered by the rideshare policy during the trip.
Uninsured Motorist
Rideshare policies often include UM/UIM coverage during rides.
Other Drivers & Pedestrians
You may claim against the rideshare policy if their driver was at fault.
Untangling Who Pays
Because coverage shifts with the driver’s app status, rideshare insurers and the driver’s personal insurer frequently dispute who is responsible — and that delay can stall your treatment and recovery. We establish the driver’s exact status at impact, identify every applicable policy, and hold the right insurer accountable, whether you were a passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian.
A rideshare crash is still a car accident claim, and uninsured-driver coverage can matter — see UM/UIM claims and what your case is worth. We serve Sacramento, Roseville, and Oakland.
Who We Represent
- Rideshare passengers
- Uber and Lyft drivers
- Occupants of other vehicles
- Pedestrians and cyclists
- Families in fatal crashes
- Drivers hit by an uninsured motorist
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft) Accidents FAQs
Who pays if I am hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident?
It depends on what the rideshare driver was doing. With the app off, only their personal insurance applies. While waiting for a ride request, limited contingent coverage applies. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is on board, the rideshare company’s policy of up to $1 million typically applies. Passengers are generally covered during the trip.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Usually your claim is made against the applicable insurance policy rather than the company itself, because drivers are treated as independent contractors. The key is identifying the driver’s app status and the right policy. An attorney can pursue every available source of coverage on your behalf.
What if the at-fault driver in my rideshare crash was uninsured?
Rideshare policies often include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage that applies during trips, which can pay when another driver caused the crash and lacked enough insurance. We determine which UM/UIM coverage applies to your situation.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim?
Generally two years from the date of the crash under California Code of Civil Procedure 335.1. Because multiple insurers are often involved and disputes take time, it is best to start the process quickly.