As Uber and Lyft continue to dominate the streets of North Hollywood and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods, more people are relying on rideshare services for quick, affordable transportation. But with this rise in usage comes a troubling increase in rideshare-related accidents, involving passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers.
Rideshare crashes are not like typical car accidents. These incidents often involve complex insurance policies, multiple parties, and corporate legal teams working to reduce liability. Whether you were injured as a passenger in a Lyft, struck by an Uber driver while walking, or hit by a rideshare vehicle while driving your own car, your path to recovery can be legally confusing—and financially overwhelming.
Because of these variables, immediate legal representation is critical. Insurance companies often move quickly to minimize claims, and rideshare companies may deny responsibility altogether. You need an attorney who knows how to navigate the system and advocate for your full compensation.
If the rideshare driver caused the accident—by speeding, texting, driving recklessly, or failing to yield—they can be held personally responsible. However, whether their personal auto insurance or Uber/Lyft’s commercial policy applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time.
If a third-party driver caused the crash—such as someone running a red light or driving under the influence—they can be held liable. In this case, your claim may go through the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. However, Uber and Lyft may still provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the third party lacks sufficient insurance.
While Uber and Lyft typically classify their drivers as independent contractors, there are rare cases where the company itself may bear direct liability. Examples include:
In some cases, the driver may have been on duty for another employer—like a food delivery service or a local courier company—at the time of the crash. If so, the employer’s commercial insurance and policies may come into play.
This can also apply in situations where drivers are dually contracted or moonlighting for multiple platforms.
If the accident was caused or worsened by hazardous road conditions, defective traffic signals, or poor roadway design, a city or state agency—such as the City of Los Angeles or Caltrans—may be liable. These cases involve special procedures under the California Government Claims Act, and require filing a notice of claim within six months of the incident.
If the rideshare driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they are considered off duty. If an accident occurs during this time, only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies. Uber and Lyft provide no coverage during this phase.
This matters because some personal auto insurance policies specifically exclude commercial or rideshare activity, which could lead to denied claims.
When the driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, Uber and Lyft provide limited third-party liability insurance:
This coverage is secondary, meaning it may only apply if the driver’s personal policy does not fully cover the damages.
Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This phase includes:
This is the strongest phase of coverage and typically applies to the majority of serious rideshare accidents involving injury or death.
The type of insurance coverage available affects how much compensation you can recover, and who is responsible for paying. For example:
There are situations where rideshare insurance doesn’t apply or overlaps with other policies, including:
Your health and safety come first. Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency medical help if needed. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by a doctor—some conditions (like concussions or internal injuries) may not show symptoms right away but can become serious.
A prompt medical evaluation also creates an official record of your injuries, which is essential for any future insurance claim or lawsuit.
Both companies have in-app reporting systems. If you were a passenger, log into the app and report the crash through the trip history section. If you were hit by a rideshare driver, you can also file a third-party claim on the Uber or Lyft website.
Be factual, but avoid giving too much detail until you speak with an attorney. These reports go to corporate teams trained to protect the company’s liability—not yours.
If possible, collect the following information:
Use your phone to document everything:
Before you speak to Uber, Lyft, or any insurance adjusters, talk to a qualified attorney. Insurance companies may pressure you to make a statement, accept a low settlement, or even shift blame.
At Tim Wright Law, we’ll protect your rights, handle all communications with insurers, and ensure you don’t get taken advantage of during this stressful time.
Injuries from rideshare crashes can range from soft tissue damage and whiplash to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and more. You can seek compensation for:
If your injuries force you to miss work—or prevent you from returning to your previous job—you may be compensated for:
Pain and suffering damages cover the physical pain and emotional hardship caused by your injuries. This includes:
If your personal vehicle, phone, bike, or other property was damaged in the crash, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement. This includes:
Many rideshare accident victims suffer psychological effects, such as:
If you lost a loved one in a fatal Uber or Lyft accident, you may be eligible for wrongful death damages, including:
Uber and Lyft accidents are rarely simple. With multiple insurance layers, corporate legal teams, and uncertain liability, rideshare crash victims often face delays, denied claims, and lowball settlement offers. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands how to hold rideshare companies and drivers accountable.
At Tim Wright Law, we know how to investigate the details, fight back against insurance loopholes, and deliver the compensation you need to heal—physically, emotionally, and financially.
Let us take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery. We serve clients throughout North Hollywood and surrounding areas with no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we win.
📍 Office Address:
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 Call: (323) 379-9995
📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com
