How to Get a Settlement for an Uber or Lyft Rideshare Accident in the San Francisco Bay Area
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a daily convenience for many Bay Area residents. But what happens when convenience turns into chaos — and you’re injured in a rideshare accident?
Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even a cyclist, getting compensation after an Uber or Lyft accident in California can be tricky. The claims process involves multiple layers of insurance, unique legal considerations, and aggressive defense lawyers working for these billion-dollar companies.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself — and how to get the settlement you deserve.
Why Rideshare Accident Cases Are Different
Uber and Lyft accidents are more complex than regular car accidents. That’s because multiple insurance policies may apply depending on:
- Whether the driver was actively using the app
- If the driver had accepted a ride
- If a passenger was in the car at the time
- Whether you were inside or outside of the rideshare vehicle
Navigating the complexity of these cases isn’t something you want to do alone. These cases often require an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney who understands California law and the rideshare industry.
How Rideshare Insurance Coverage Works
Both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, but only under certain conditions. Here’s how coverage typically breaks down:
Driver Not Using the App
- Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
- Uber/Lyft provides no coverage in this scenario.
App On, But No Ride Accepted
- Limited liability coverage provided by Uber/Lyft:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Ride Accepted or Passenger in Car
- Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage.
- May also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and contingent collision coverage.
The biggest question becomes: Was the driver “in service” at the time of the accident? That determines whether the rideshare platform’s commercial policy kicks in — or whether you’ll be stuck dealing with the driver’s personal insurance.
What If You Were in Another Vehicle?
If you were in a different vehicle and hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, the same rules apply. Your ability to collect compensation will depend on whether the rideshare driver was working at the time of the crash.
If they weren’t in service, your claim may go through the driver’s personal policy. But if they were enroute or had a passenger, you may be able to pursue compensation through the $1 million rideshare policy coverage.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
- Call 911 and report the crash – always get a police report.
- Seek medical attention, immediately-even for minor injuries.
- Gather evidence: take photos, note the driver’s name, vehicle info, app screenshots, and get witness statements.
- Avoid speaking to Uber/Lyft’s insurance adjusters or rideshare accident hotlines — what you say can be used against you.
- Contact a San Francisco rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and build a strong case.
Should You Call the Uber/Lyft Accident Hotline?
No — and here’s why. While both companies offer accident hotlines, you’re really speaking with their insurance representatives, whose job is to minimize payouts. Even a casual statement can be twisted and used to weaken your claim.
Instead, let a lawyer handle all communication on your behalf.
How to File a Claim After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Filing a claim against Uber or Lyft isn’t as simple as reporting a typical fender bender. You’ll need to:
- Determine which insurance policy and coverage applies
- Submit documentation of your injuries and damages
- Deal with multiple parties: Uber/Lyft, the driver’s insurer, and possibly your own
- Avoid common pitfalls that can reduce or delay your compensation
An experienced attorney will handle all of this for you – including investigations, insurance negotiations, and if needed, litigation.
How Much Does a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most personal injury attorneys — including those at The Hassell Law Group — work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- No upfront costs
- You only pay if we win your case
- Fees are a percentage of your final settlement or verdict
So, you get skilled legal representation without any financial risk to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accidents
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
It’s possible, but rare. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, which usually shields the companies from direct lawsuits. However, their insurance policy is still on the hook when drivers are working under the app.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In California, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Don’t wait – evidence fades, and deadlines matter.
What damages can I recover?
You may be entitled to:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Your attorney will help calculate and prove your damages.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident in the Bay Area? We Can Help.
At The Hassell Law Group, we’ve helped countless Bay Area residents recover compensation after rideshare accidents. With over 100 years of combined legal experience and a consistent track record of successful case outcomes, we know how to hold Uber, Lyft, and their insurers accountable.
We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win.
If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, don’t go up against billion-dollar companies alone. Contact us today – and let us fight for the settlement you deserve.
We offer Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Victims a Free Consultation, and there are No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Recover Compensation for You
At The Hassell Law Group, our legal team are experts in car accident law and personal injury law with 85 years of combined legal experience. We stand up to aggressive insurance companies and have a history of obtaining award-winning results for our clients. We fight every step of the way to achieve the best possible outcome for our Uber and Lyft Rideshare accident clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no risk in hiring our law firm. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation. We welcome your questions, and our legal team looks forward to helping you obtain just and proper compensation for your personal injury claim.
The general information provided on this website should not be considered legal advice and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, you should consult directly with an attorney. If you contact us by telephone, email, letter, or by contact form submission through this website, please note that such communication does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship. We cannot act as your attorney until we are hired as your attorney by a formal written agreement.
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