Los Angeles is a city on the move, with thousands of rideshare trips every day. With so many vehicles on the road, rideshare accidents have become increasingly common. Insurance companies representing Uber and Lyft are focused on minimizing their financial exposure, not compensating you for your losses. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian, an improperly handled claim could leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term complications.
If you or a loved one were injured in an Uber or Lyft, acting quickly is essential. At Ellis Law, our rideshare accident lawyers in Los Angeles understand the strategies insurance companies use to minimize payouts, delay claims, and reduce the value of your case. We fight aggressively to protect your rights, ensure you get the care you need, and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Ellis Law After a Rideshare Injury?
Our premier team of factfinding investigators, legal talent, and medical experts works together to build the strongest case on your behalf. From getting the necessary expert witnesses for testimony to evaluating case costs, our singular motivation is your best interest.
Proven Results: Over $750 Million Recovered
With a track record of recovering more than $750 million for our clients, Ellis Law can handle even the most complex rideshare accident cases. Further, we operate on a contingency basis, which means you do not pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your losses.
Trusted Legal Advocates Across Southern California
Our firm is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Our lawyers are members of the prestigious American Board of Trial Advocates. From Los Angeles to Long Beach, Irvine, Anaheim, Riverside, and beyond, clients throughout Southern California rely on Ellis Law for compassionate, dedicated, and effective legal representation.
Available 24/7. Call to schedule a free consultation. Hablamos Español.
Rideshare Accidents Are Different — Here’s What You Need to Know
Rideshare accident cases often involve multiple parties and complex insurance coverage that differs significantly from standard auto collisions. These claims are governed by policy frameworks unique to companies like Uber and Lyft. Understanding how these rules apply is critical to protecting your right to compensation.
How Uber and Lyft Insurance Works
In California, rideshare companies are required to carry commercial liability insurance to cover incidents while drivers are working. The coverage depends on the driver’s app status:
- App off / personal use: driver’s personal insurance is primary.
- App on / waiting for a ride request (“Period 1” ): The rideshare company’s limited liability coverage becomes primary, usually with minimums of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per incident, and $30,000 for property damage
- Passenger /en route (“Period 2 & 3” ): Full commercial liability coverage, often $1 million (or more), applies while the driver is on a trip.
Understanding which coverage applies is crucial because it determines who pays for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber do not make the claims process easy.
They do not allow you to file a claim directly through the company. Instead, you must go through third-party insurance carriers, often without clear guidance. These insurers may delay communication, dispute liability, or offer low settlements, especially when multiple parties are involved.
Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents
Even minor rideshare collisions can lead to serious injuries, whether caused by sudden deceleration, side-impact crashes, or being hit while entering or exiting the vehicle, and can include the following:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Broken bones or fractures
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries or organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Consequences
Some rideshare accidents result in life-altering injuries, including spinal cord damage, paralysis, or severe head trauma. Victims may require ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, and long-term rehabilitation. These types of injuries can impact a person’s ability to work, reduce their independence, and diminish their overall quality of life.
What If You Were a Pedestrian or Cyclist Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle?
Rideshare accidents don’t only affect passengers. Pedestrians and cyclists are also at serious risk, given the size and momentum of vehicles operating in busy areas. If a rideshare driver is at fault, the same insurance coverage tiers apply—meaning the driver’s app status at the time of the crash determines which policy covers the accident.
However, establishing liability and accessing coverage can be more complex in these cases. That’s why early legal guidance is essential.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Crash?
An Uber or Lyft accident may involve several responsible parties. Understanding each potential source of liability is crucial for building a strong claim.
The Rideshare Driver
Although rideshare drivers are classified as independent contractors, companies like Uber and Lyft must still provide minimum insurance coverage and cooperate with claims investigations. These platforms are typically not held directly liable for a crash unless there is evidence of negligent hiring, inadequate driver screening, or failure to address known safety risks.
Third Parties
Depending on the circumstances, liability for a rideshare crash may also extend to third parties, such as:
- Other motorists who acted negligently, for example, by speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn
- Vehicle or parts manufacturers, if a defect contributed to the crash
- Repair shops that performed faulty maintenance or failed to identify safety issues
- City or county agencies responsible for maintaining public roads, signage, lighting, and traffic control
We investigate all potential sources of liability to maximize recovery.
What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Crash
Following these steps can make a significant difference in the success of your rideshare claim:
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine; some serious injuries have delayed onset symptoms.
- Report the crash to local law enforcement and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Preserve evidence: Take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and visible injuries, and collect contact information for witnesses.
- If possible, take screenshots showing the driver’s app status — including the time and whether a ride was in progress.
- Contact a rideshare accident lawyer before speaking at length with insurance adjusters — insurers, as noted, often try to minimize their exposure.
We handle communications with insurers, gather app and telematics data, consult medical and vocational experts, and advise you on short- and long-term options.
No matter which insurance coverage applies, accident victims may be eligible for the following types of compensation:
- Medical treatment and hospital expenses
- Surgeries, MRIs, and physical therapy
- Long-Term medical care
- Lost wages and future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Recovering full compensation often requires experienced legal guidance, especially when multiple parties or layers of insurance are involved.
Were You a Pedestrian, Cyclist, or Another Driver Hit by an Uber or Lyft?
Rideshare accidents can arise under a range of circumstances, and our firm represents clients in a broad spectrum of cases, including:
- Passengers inside a rideshare vehicle injured in crashes caused by another driver, road hazards, or the rideshare driver’s own negligence
- Pedestrians struck while crossing streets, whether at crosswalks or mid-block
- Cyclists, e-scooter riders, and motorcyclists involved in collisions with a rideshare vehicle that failed to yield or obey traffic laws.
- Drivers of other vehicles who were rear-ended, T-boned, or sideswiped by an Uber or Lyft
- Accidents in parking lots, driveways, or intersections caused by distracted driving, speeding, or improper signaling
- Multi-vehicle crashes that include a rideshare vehicle.
- Hit-and-run incidents involving an Uber or Lyft
If you were involved in any of these accidents, we are here to listen to your story, understand the accident’s impact on your life, and help you seek justice.
Benefits of Hiring a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare crashes are rarely straightforward. Between confusing insurance rules, corporate policies, and aggressive adjusters, accident victims often find themselves at a disadvantage. Hiring an experienced rideshare accident attorney levels the playing field and gives you the support you need:
- Manage all paperwork and deadlines related to your claim
- Investigate the crash and secure critical evidence
- Clearly explain your legal options
- Communicate directly with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiate for fair compensation that reflects your true losses
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be agreed on
Our Lyft and Uber accident attorneys in California are here to support you, not just with the legal process but with the challenges that arise after a crash. We make it a priority to stay connected and keep you updated, so you always know where your case stands.
Schedule A Free Consultation After A Rideshare Accident in Los Angeles
If you or a loved one were injured by a rideshare driver in Los Angeles or anywhere else in California, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and the stress of navigating a complex claims process. Trust our skilled team at Ellis Law to fight for your right to recover compensation for your losses so you can rebuild your life. Schedule a free consultation today.
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2230 E Maple Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
