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At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, we have obtained Billions in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients since our firm was established over 50 years ago

Los Angeles Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Helping You Navigate Rideshare Accident Claims in Southern California

With the explosive growth of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, “ride-hailing” vehicles are now available everywhere you look in Los Angeles and throughout Southern California. While many people now request an Uber or Lyft ride without a second thought about their safety, however, it’s still possible to sustain serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident. According to a new study from the University of Chicago and Rice University, Uber and Lyft may even be responsible for a nationwide increase in traffic deaths: Researchers found that traffic fatalities in U.S. cities increased by up to 3% after the introduction of Uber and Lyft.

At Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, our Los Angeles Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are committed to helping catastrophic injury victims after an accident caused by negligence. Whether your crash was caused by a rideshare driver or another driver on the road, you could be eligible to seek compensation in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. With millions recovered for car and truck accident victims and over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

Call (866) 634-4525 or contact us online to explore your options after an Uber or Lyft vehicle collision.

California Rideshare Laws

Rideshare laws in California are designed to regulate companies like Uber and Lyft, ensuring safety for passengers and fair treatment of drivers. These laws fall under several categories: employment classification, insurance requirements, driver background checks, and accessibility. 

Here are the key elements:

Employment Classification – AB5 & Prop 22

  • AB5 (2019): Required companies to classify gig workers (including rideshare drivers) as employees rather than independent contractors, giving them benefits like minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and health care.
  • Proposition 22 (2020): Overturned parts of AB5 for app-based transportation and delivery drivers, allowing them to remain independent contractors with some added benefits:
    • Minimum earnings (120% of minimum wage for active time)
    • Health care stipend (if they work enough hours)
    • Accident insurance and protection against discrimination

Note: As of 2024, Proposition 22 remains in effect, though it's subject to ongoing legal challenges.

Insurance Requirements

Rideshare companies and drivers must carry specific insurance coverage:

  • Period 1 (App on, waiting for a ride): $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage.
  • Period 2 (Ride accepted to passenger pickup) and Period 3 (Passenger in the car): $1 million in liability insurance and additional coverage for uninsured motorists.

Driver Requirements

To legally operate, rideshare drivers in California must:

  • Pass a criminal background check and driving record check
  • Have a valid California driver’s license
  • Use a vehicle that meets age and safety standards (usually under 15 years old, 4 doors, etc.)
  • Undergo periodic vehicle inspections

Zero Emissions Mandate (Clean Miles Standard)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates that 90% of rideshare vehicle miles must be in zero-emission vehicles by 2030. Rideshare companies are required to submit emissions reduction plans and support drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).

Accessibility Requirements

Companies must ensure access for people with disabilities. California law mandates that rideshare platforms provide accommodations and may face penalties if they discriminate against passengers with service animals or mobility needs.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Like any car accident in California, liability for injuries is determined based on fault. If an Uber or Lyft driver failed to meet their basic “duty of care” to passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or other drivers on the road, they could be considered liable for your losses. However, because Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, ridesharing service companies rarely accept liability for car accidents – which can make it difficult to get the full and fair compensation you need after a crash.

While Uber and Lyft do provide up to $1 million in accident insurance coverage for their drivers, the coverage limits vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For example, if an Uber driver was passively waiting for new rider requests at the time of the collision, they would only be eligible for $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident. This may not always be enough to cover the costs of severe, life-altering injuries.

Because of this added complexity, your rideshare accident attorney will need to answer the following questions to determine liability:

  • What caused the accident to happen?
  • Were you a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver when you were involved in the Uber or Lyft crash?
  • What was the driver’s exact status in the ridesharing app at the moment of the collision?
  • What does Uber or Lyft’s insurance cover in the event of an accident?
  • Were there any other parties involved in the crash? (i.e. government entities, property owners, car manufacturers, etc)
  • Did the crash involve an uninsured or underinsured driver?

FAQs About Uber & Lyft Accident Claims in CA

What should I do immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident in California?

You should:

  1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
  2. Seek medical attention.
  3. Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app.
  4. Get contact and insurance info from all drivers involved.
  5. Document the scene (photos, witness info).
  6. Contact an attorney if needed.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Generally, no. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which limits liability. However, you can file a claim against their insurance policies and, in rare cases, sue the company under certain legal theories (e.g., negligence in hiring).

What if I were a passenger during the accident?

If you were a passenger, you are likely covered under Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy. You can file a claim regardless of who was at fault.

How long do I have to file an accident claim in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, filing an insurance claim should be done much sooner.

What if the other driver was at fault and is uninsured?

Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can step in to cover your injuries and damages if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.

How are damages calculated in a rideshare accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Future medical expenses

Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident claim?

While it's not required, an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents can help navigate complex insurance policies, prove liability, and maximize your compensation.

Serious Injuries Require Serious Representation

Whether you need help negotiating with insurance providers or advocating for your needs in a personal injury lawsuit, the trusted lawyers at Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP will stand by your side in a rideshare accident claim. Available to represent Uber and Lyft drivers as well as passengers, our Los Angeles legal team will apply our extensive resources to your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. If negligence played a role in the crash, we will strive to reach a positive outcome.

Do you need to speak with a Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney today? Call (866) 634-4525 for a free consultation.

Helping Our Clients Tell Their Story & Get the Compensation They Deserve

Awards & Associations

  • Best Law Firms by US News
    Named in Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms,” Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP ranks as Tier 1 Personal Injury Litigation- Plaintiffs in Los Angeles.
  • The Inner Circle of Advocates
    Founding partners Browne Greene and Bruce A. Broillet are both members of the exclusive invite-only Inner Circle of Advocates, as two of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in America.
  • LACBA
    All of our attorneys are proud to be active members of the Los Angeles County Bar Association or LACBA.
  • Consumer Attorneys of California
    Many firm members have been honored by the Consumer Attorneys of California, including Browne Greene, Christine Spagnoli, and Bruce Broillet, recipients of the Marvin E. Lewis Award. In addition, attorneys Bruce Broillet, Scott Carr, Molly McKibben, and Tobin Lanzetta has been honored with the Consumer Attorney of the Year Award.
  • Best Lawyers
    All 15 of our attorneys have been selected to Best Lawyers® after an extensive peer review process.
  • Top 10 Wrongful Death Verdicts in California in 2019
    Our attorneys were featured in TopVerdict for having one of the Top 10 Wrongful Death Verdicts in California in 2019, with $15 million won for the plaintiff in Keck v. Bel-Air Bay Club.
  • Super Lawyers®
    Our firm has more attorneys on the Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists than any other law firm in Southern California, with 15 members selected.
  • CAALA
    Several partners are active members in the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, with attorneys Browne Greene, Bruce Broillet, and Christine Spagnoli named “Trial Lawyer of the Year."
  • WLALA
    Firm partners Christine D. Spagnoli and Molly McKibben have both been honored by the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles and are active members.
  • Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2019
    After winning $2.6 million for the plaintiff’s side in a head-on collision case, our victory was named in the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2019 by TopVerdict.
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
    Recipients of this recognition are held up to the same standards as for The Best Lawyers in America, but only legal professionals in the first ten years of their careers qualify. Four attorneys at GBW have been recognized with this award in 2021.
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
    Several of our partners are members in the American Board of Trial Advocates, a national invite-only association consisting of the most experienced trial lawyers.
  • Top 100 Settlements in California in 2019
    Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP, was featured by TopVerdict in the Top 100 Settlements across all practice areas in California for 2019.
  • International Society of Barristers
    Our team includes several Fellows and Associates with the invite-only International Society of Barristers in recognition of their trial advocacy.
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers
    Bruce A. Broillet and Christine D. Spagnoli are Fellows with the invite-only International Academy of Trial Lawyers, a group of elite trial lawyers from over 30 countries.
  • American College of Trial Lawyers
    A preeminent trial lawyers’ organization in North America, the American College of Trial Lawyers have elected firm partners Bruce Broillet, Mark Quigley, and Geoffrey Wells as Fellows.

Why Choose Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP?

  • We Have Decades of Legal Experience
  • We've Recovered Billions For Our Clients
  • We're Always Available For Our Clients & Offer Free Consultations
  • We've Taken On Some of The Largest Corporations & Insurance Agencies

BILLIONS RECOVERED

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