Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a popular way to get around Fresno, whether you're commuting across town, heading to the airport, or enjoying a night out in the Tower District. With convenience and accessibility on the rise, the number of rideshare vehicles on Fresno's roads has increased significantly. Unfortunately, so has the risk of serious accidents involving Uber and Lyft drivers.
Rideshare collisions present unique legal challenges. Unlike traditional car accidents, determining liability and insurance coverage in a rideshare case can be complicated. Multiple parties may be involved, including the rideshare driver, the company, and other motorists. The driver's status at the time of the crash—whether they were logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger—can also affect your ability to file a claim and the amount of compensation available.
That’s where Tim Wright Law comes in. We help injury victims throughout the Fresno area navigate the confusing legal and insurance issues that come with rideshare accidents. Our firm understands California’s personal injury laws, the inner workings of Uber and Lyft’s insurance coverage, and how to build strong claims that hold the right parties accountable. Most importantly, we provide compassionate, personalized service from start to finish—so you never feel like just another case number.
In most cases, the rideshare driver is the primary party at fault—especially if they were:
Rideshare drivers are required to operate their vehicles with the same duty of care as any other motorist. When they breach that duty and cause harm, they can be held personally liable—though their status with Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash will determine whose insurance pays.
While rideshare companies generally claim their drivers are independent contractors, there are certain scenarios where Uber or Lyft could be held directly responsible, including:
These claims can be more difficult to pursue, but when evidence points to corporate negligence, Tim Wright Law won’t hesitate to go after the rideshare platform itself.
If a third-party driver caused the crash—or contributed to it—they may be held fully or partially liable. This often happens in multi-vehicle collisions, where fault is shared among multiple drivers. In these cases, we pursue compensation from all negligent parties to maximize your recovery.
In some situations, liability may extend to additional third parties, such as:
These complex cases require detailed investigation and legal skill—both of which Tim Wright Law brings to every rideshare claim we handle.
Both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage in certain situations. However, that full coverage doesn’t apply all the time. The rideshare companies divide coverage into specific “periods,” which determine what protection is available.
Understanding the three periods of rideshare activity is essential to identifying which policy will apply:
These distinctions are often critical—and heavily contested by insurance companies looking to avoid liability. Tim Wright Law investigates app usage logs, ride status, and phone records to determine exactly which period was active and what coverage should apply.
Most personal auto insurance policies exclude coverage for commercial activities, including rideshare driving. This means if the rideshare driver was “on the clock” during the crash, their personal insurance may deny the claim outright.
That’s why rideshare coverage exists—but accessing it often requires legal advocacy. Uber or Lyft may argue that the driver was not active on the app, while the personal insurer claims the crash occurred during commercial use. Without a skilled attorney, injured victims can get caught in the middle and end up with no compensation at all.
At Tim Wright Law, we cut through the red tape, push back against these tactics, and ensure the appropriate coverage is activated to cover your injuries, lost wages, and damages.
Medical bills after a crash can add up quickly, especially if you've suffered serious injuries. Compensation may cover:
We work with medical experts to calculate not only your current costs but projected future expenses, so you’re not left covering long-term healthcare out of pocket.
If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily—or permanently—you may be able to recover:
Tim Wright Law documents all economic losses with pay stubs, tax records, and expert analysis to ensure you're fully compensated for your inability to earn.
Pain and suffering damages reflect the physical discomfort and life disruptions caused by the accident. These may include:
These “non-economic” damages are often the most substantial part of a claim, and we work hard to ensure they’re properly valued.
Many rideshare accident victims suffer from mental and emotional injuries long after their physical wounds have healed. Compensation may be available for:
At Tim Wright Law, we take your emotional well-being seriously and make sure it’s considered in any settlement or court award.
If your personal property was damaged during the accident—such as your vehicle (if you were a driver), phone, laptop, or other belongings—you may be entitled to repair or replacement costs. We help clients document and include these losses in their claims.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Fresno or the Central Valley, don’t face the legal process alone. Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you deserve experienced legal help to hold negligent parties accountable and recover the compensation you need to heal.
At Tim Wright Law, we understand the complexities of Uber and Lyft accident claims—from insurance confusion to proving liability. We’re committed to providing personalized, effective legal representation and standing by your side every step of the way.
We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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