What to Do If You’re Injured in a Taxi, Uber or Lyft Accident in California: Your Legal Options Explained
*Note that rideshare companies are always updating their policies and strategies. This is why it is best to talk with our our team over the phone to see what your best option is as of the date of your accident.
In today’s world, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become a convenient part of everyday life. Whether you're using them to get home from the airport, commute to work, or enjoy a night out, they offer an easy and accessible way to travel. But what happens when that ride goes wrong? If you’ve been involved in an accident with a rideshare vehicle—either as a passenger or as the driver or passenger in another vehicle—you might be dealing with injuries, medical bills, time off work, and a lot of unanswered questions.
At Montanez Yu, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be. Accidents involving rideshare companies add an extra layer of complexity compared to a typical car accident. Between multiple insurance policies, corporate liability structures, and confusing fine print, it's easy to feel lost.
This guide will walk you through your rights, explain what steps to take after an accident, and show you how we can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
First Things First: Prioritize Your Safety
Immediately after a rideshare accident, your health and safety should be your top priority. If you're seriously injured, call 911 or ask someone else to do it. Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor—some conditions don’t show symptoms right away. Documentation of your injuries from the start can also strengthen your claim later.
If you're able to, gather as much information as possible from the scene:
Names and contact details of all drivers involved
License plate numbers and insurance information
Screenshots of your rideshare trip (if applicable)
Photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries
Names and contact details of any witnesses
Then, report the accident to Uber or Lyft through their app, and notify your own insurance company.
If You Were a Passenger in the Rideshare Vehicle
If you were riding as a paying passenger in an Uber or Lyft and were injured in an accident, the good news is that you’re very likely covered. Both companies provide up to $1 million in liability insurance for passengers injured while a ride is in progress.
However, that doesn’t mean getting compensation is simple.
Here’s where things get tricky: Uber and Lyft are not technically transportation companies—they consider their drivers “independent contractors.” That legal distinction can create complications when you’re trying to hold someone accountable. Sometimes, the driver’s personal insurance will point the finger at Uber or Lyft, while the rideshare company may argue that the driver was off the clock or not at fault.
That's where having a personal injury attorney who understands rideshare cases becomes crucial.
At Montanez Yu, we’ll:
Determine exactly when and how the accident occurred in relation to the rideshare trip status
Communicate directly with the rideshare company and their insurance carriers
Collect all relevant evidence, including app data, police reports, and medical records
Build a strong case to pursue full compensation for your injuries
If a Rideshare Driver Hit Your Vehicle
You don’t have to be inside an Uber or Lyft to be affected by one. If your car was struck by a rideshare vehicle—whether you were driving, parked, or walking across the street—you may still be entitled to compensation, but the coverage depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Here’s a breakdown:
Driver was off-duty (app off):
In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance is responsible, not Uber or Lyft.Driver was waiting for a ride request (app on, but no passenger):
Uber and Lyft offer limited liability coverage during this period:Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
Up to $100,000 per accident
Up to $25,000 for property damage
Driver was en route to pick up a passenger or had a passenger in the vehicle:
The full $1 million commercial liability coverage should apply here.
Of course, getting the rideshare company to honor that coverage isn’t automatic. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim or delay payouts while they “investigate.” That’s where we step in to advocate for you and make sure your rights are protected.
Why Rideshare Accidents Are More Complicated Than You Think
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance, including:
The rideshare driver’s personal policy
Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy
Potential uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Your own auto or health insurance
All of these entities are trying to protect their own bottom line—not your best interest. Without experienced legal help, you may be pressured into settling for less than your injuries are worth or left with mounting medical bills and no way to pay them.
We believe victims deserve better.
At Montanez Yu, we can help you with your rideshare-related injury claims and will take the time to explain all your options. From the first consultation to the final resolution, our job is to make sure you get the compensation you need to recover—physically, financially, and emotionally.
What Compensation Can You Pursue?
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible to recover:
Medical expenses (including hospital bills, rehab, and future treatment)
Lost income due to missed work
Reduced earning capacity if your injuries are long-term or permanent
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage
Every case is different, and we’ll take the time to understand exactly how the accident has impacted your life—then fight for every dollar you’re owed.
Don’t Wait—Time Is Critical
California law imposes a strict statute of limitations on personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, it’s always best to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and rideshare data can become harder to obtain the longer you wait.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start building your case and protecting your rights.
How Montanez Yu LLP Can Help
We’re more than just attorneys—we’re your advocates during one of the most stressful times of your life. When you work with us, we’ll take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
We’ll:
Conduct a thorough investigation of the crash
Determine who’s liable and which insurance policies apply
Handle all negotiations and paperwork
Take your case to trial if necessary
And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t pay anything unless we win your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger or by another driver—don’t try to navigate the system alone. Let our experienced California personal injury lawyers help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call Montanez & Yu LLP today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Your recovery starts with the right legal team by your side.