Over the past decade, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a routine part of life for people across Fresno and the Central Valley. Whether you're commuting to work, heading to Fresno State, or catching a ride home from the Tower District, using a rideshare is fast, convenient—and usually safe.
But with more rideshare drivers on the road than ever, accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles are on the rise. From rear-end collisions to pedestrian incidents and serious freeway crashes, rideshare-related accidents are becoming more common throughout Fresno County.
Unfortunately, when a rideshare accident happens, the legal process is often more complicated than a typical car accident. Unlike traditional crashes involving privately-owned vehicles, rideshare accidents involve multiple insurance policies, corporate liability issues, and unclear fault lines between the driver, the company, and other motorists. This complexity often leaves victims unsure of where to turn—or whether they can even sue.
California follows a fault-based system for auto accidents. This means the person (or entity) responsible for causing the crash is also financially responsible for the damages. Whether you're a rideshare passenger, pedestrian, or the driver of another vehicle, you can file a claim against the at-fault party.
However, determining fault in a rideshare accident isn't always straightforward. You may be dealing with:
That’s where detailed investigation and legal guidance become crucial.
One important legal wrinkle is that Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This means the companies often try to shield themselves from direct liability, claiming they aren't responsible for the actions of their drivers.
However, California law has evolved—especially after the passage of AB5 and the implementation of Prop 22—to give rideshare drivers limited employee-like benefits while still maintaining their contractor status. This impacts whether and how you can sue Uber or Lyft directly, depending on the details of the crash and how the rideshare company managed its platform.
Depending on the facts of your accident, more than one party may be legally and financially responsible for your injuries:
Identifying all potential sources of liability is essential to maximizing your recovery.
Rideshare accident claims often involve shared fault—where more than one person contributed to the accident—and layered insurance policies that apply based on when the crash occurred:
These details determine which insurance coverage applies and how much compensation may be available. Uber and Lyft both carry up to $1 million in liability coverage, but only under certain conditions. In other situations, only the driver’s personal auto insurance may apply—sometimes with limited coverage.
One of the biggest hurdles in suing Uber or Lyft directly is that their drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction allows the companies to argue that they are not legally responsible for the day-to-day actions of their drivers.
As a result, if a driver causes a crash due to distraction, speeding, or simple negligence, Uber or Lyft may deny liability, saying the driver was acting independently—even if they were logged into the app.
That said, there are key situations where you can potentially sue Uber or Lyft directly, especially when the company’s own negligence contributed to the accident. These include:
If Uber or Lyft allowed a driver with a known history of reckless behavior, DUI convictions, or violent conduct to remain active on the platform, they may be held liable for negligent hiring or retention. For example, if the company ignored complaints or failed to act on background check results, they could be responsible for placing you in harm’s way.
If a malfunction within the app—such as a GPS failure or sudden app crash—contributed to the crash, Uber or Lyft could be found negligent for providing faulty technology that created unsafe driving conditions.
Other examples might include issues with rider pickup locations, driver fatigue from unrealistic driving quotas, or algorithm errors that pressure drivers to rush.
To successfully sue Uber or Lyft directly, your case must show that the company itself did something wrong—not just the driver. That’s known as corporate-level negligence, and it often requires a more in-depth investigation and legal strategy than a typical personal injury claim.
An experienced attorney can help gather internal records, examine company practices, and build a case that holds the rideshare company accountable when their business decisions lead to harm.
One of the most confusing parts of a rideshare accident is figuring out which insurance policy applies. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare cases involve tiered coverage systems that change based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft both have insurance policies in place, but the level of coverage depends on the driver's activity status in the app.
If the rideshare driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app when the accident occurs, then only their personal auto insurance applies. In this case, Uber or Lyft provides no coverage at all, and your claim would go through the driver’s personal policy just like a typical car accident.
If the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability coverage, which generally includes:
This coverage only kicks in if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply or is insufficient.
The highest level of coverage applies from the moment a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off. During this time, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability insurance, which can cover injuries to passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists—depending on who is at fault.
This phase also includes:
Rideshare insurance doesn’t always operate in a vacuum—it often overlaps or “stacks” with other policies. Depending on the situation, the following may come into play:
This layered structure can make the claims process complicated and time-consuming. Insurance companies may try to shift blame or deny responsibility based on policy loopholes or coverage gaps.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even a rideshare driver yourself.
Because Uber and Lyft cases involve layered insurance coverage, corporate policies, and legal gray areas, it’s easy for victims to feel overwhelmed or be taken advantage of by insurance companies.
That’s why acting quickly is essential. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and access critical data like app activity logs or surveillance footage. Deadlines matter—especially when your financial future is on the line.
At Tim D. Wright Law, we’re here to help you take control of your case. We offer personalized legal support, experienced negotiation with major rideshare companies, and fierce advocacy—so you don’t have to navigate this alone.
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