Uber & Lyft Accidents: Legal Steps for Injured Passengers in Los Angeles

August 25, 2025

Los Angeles is one of the busiest rideshare markets in the country. With thousands of Uber and Lyft drivers on the road at any given time, accidents involving rideshare vehicles have become increasingly common.

For passengers, the experience can be jarring; one second, you’re just along for the ride – the next one, you’re thrust into the chaos of injuries, medical bills, and a complicated claims process.

While enlisting the help of an experienced car accident attorney in Los Angeles definitely helps overcome legal complexities, understanding how Uber and Lyft insurance coverage works and knowing the right steps to take after an accident can make a major difference.

Is rideshare insurance required in California?

Both Uber and Lyft are required by California law to carry $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is actively engaged in a trip with a passenger. This means that if you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and the driver causes a crash (or another driver without sufficient insurance hits your rideshare), this policy can cover your injuries and damages.

Here’s a breakdown of typical coverage phases:

1. App off: If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, only their personal auto insurance applies.
2. App on, no passenger: When the driver is waiting for a ride request, limited liability coverage from Uber/Lyft may apply (usually $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for injuries).
3. Passenger in vehicle or en route to pickup: Once a ride is accepted and until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in most cases.

For injured passengers, this high-limit policy is often the primary source of compensation. However, insurance companies still investigate claims carefully and may dispute liability or damages.

What are the six correct steps to take after you have a rideshare accident?

If you’re injured as an Uber or Lyft passenger, or as another motorist hit by a rideshare driver, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal claim:

1. Call 911: Get medical help for any injuries and ensure a police report is filed.
2. Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries.
3. Gather information: Get the Uber/Lyft driver’s name, contact info, and insurance details, as well as information from any other drivers involved.
4. Report through the app: Use the Uber or Lyft app to report the accident. This creates a record and initiates the insurance process.
5. Seek medical evaluation: Even if you feel fine, some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms. A prompt medical evaluation documents your condition.
6. Avoid giving statements to insurers without advice: Insurance companies may try to limit payouts. Consulting a lawyer before making detailed statements can help protect your claim.

Common challenges in rideshare accident claims

While the $1 million policy sounds straightforward, rideshare accident cases can still be complex:

• Multiple parties involved: Liability may be shared between the rideshare driver, another driver, or both.
• Coverage disputes: Insurers may argue over which phase of coverage applies.
• Injuries exceeding policy limits: In serious accidents, damages can surpass available coverage, requiring the pursuit of other liable parties.

Because of these issues, many victims work with an experienced Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney to handle the investigation, negotiate with insurers, and pursue full compensation.

Why legal representation matters

An attorney can help you:

• Identify all sources of insurance coverage
• Prove liability with evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, and police reports
• Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
• Handle negotiations and file a lawsuit if necessary

Which car accident attorney near me in Los Angeles is qualified to handle rideshare cases?

If you’re injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles, you have the right to seek compensation through the rideshare company’s insurance as well as other potentially responsible parties. Acting quickly and hiring LA Accident Pros can help you protect your claim and recover the compensation you deserve. 

Our long-term experience enables us to address any aspect of California’s Work Comp process. From helping you discern whether you can still get compensation if you’re partly at fault to understanding permanent disability ratings to choosing the right settlement option, you can trust us to provide mindful guidance and legal options that align with your interests. Schedule the consultation at our Central City West headquarters, and ensure you have a team dedicated to your better tomorrow!