WHEN RIDES GO WRONG — Lyft, Uber, and the Road to Accountability in California
Rideshare platforms like Lyft and Uber have redefined transportation in California
But when accidents happen, the legal landscape can be far more complex than a typical car crash. Whether you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, understanding your rights is essential. At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys have deep experience helping victims of rideshare-related accidents secure justice and fair compensation.
Who’s Liable When a Rideshare Trip Turns Into a Collision?
Determining liability in a Lyft or Uber crash isn’t always straightforward. Unlike traditional taxi companies, rideshare drivers are independent contractors—not employees. That means the companies often try to avoid responsibility when their drivers cause harm.
But California law has evolved to hold rideshare giants accountable. Under Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) and laws regulating Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), Uber and Lyft can be held liable depending on:
Whether the driver was logged into the app
Whether a ride had been accepted or was in progress
Whether the company provided insurance coverage at the time of the crash
If you're injured while a rideshare driver is actively working, R23 Law's attorneys will investigate whether company liability or additional insurance applies to your claim.
California Rideshare Insurance Coverage: What You’re Entitled To
Lyft and Uber must provide commercial liability insurance during certain stages of a ride. Here’s how coverage typically works:
App off: The driver’s personal insurance applies.
App on, no ride accepted: Limited liability coverage (typically $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident).
Ride accepted or in progress: $1 million in commercial liability coverage applies.
Yet even with coverage in place, insurance companies often deny, delay, or underpay valid claims. R23 Law aggressively challenges bad-faith insurance practices, ensuring rideshare injury victims receive the full compensation they’re owed.
Common Lyft and Uber Accident Injuries We See
From downtown Los Angeles to San Jose freeways, high-speed collisions and distracted rideshare drivers cause serious harm. Our California injury attorneys frequently represent clients suffering from:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Bone fractures and dislocations
Whiplash and soft tissue damage
Facial trauma and dental injuries
Psychological trauma, including PTSD
Whether you were in the rideshare vehicle or another car, our legal team will evaluate your injuries thoroughly and pursue all available forms of compensation—including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What If the Rideshare Driver Was Breaking the Rules?
Uber and Lyft drivers must follow strict guidelines in California. Requirements include:
Background checks and regular driving record reviews
Annual vehicle inspections
Compliance with local and state regulations
Prohibition on using salvaged or unsafe vehicles
No use of unauthorized vehicles or unsafe modifications
When drivers violate these rules—or when the companies fail to enforce them—injured victims may have stronger claims. R23 Law conducts independent investigations into whether safety requirements were breached and whether Uber or Lyft may be directly liable.
R23 Law: Trusted Legal Help for California Rideshare Injury Victims
At R23 Law, we help victims of Uber and Lyft accidents throughout California recover compensation and clarity after a crash. Our team handles cases involving:
Rideshare passengers injured during a trip
Pedestrians or cyclists struck by Lyft or Uber drivers
Collisions caused by distracted, reckless, or unqualified drivers
Denied or delayed insurance claims involving TNCs
Unlawful business practices or coverage gaps
With extensive knowledge of both personal injury and consumer protection law, our attorneys know how to hold powerful rideshare companies accountable—and we won’t back down.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? The Clock Is Ticking.
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident, don’t wait. Evidence can disappear quickly, and insurers are already working to minimize what they pay. R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys offer aggressive representation—and compassionate service—to get your life back on track.
Schedule your free consultation today. Let our experienced legal team protect your rights, pursue maximum compensation, and navigate the legal complexities of rideshare liability.
