Attorney for Rideshare Accidents in Los Angeles

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way people get around Los Angeles. With a tap on your phone, you can summon a ride home from LAX, a night out in West Hollywood, or even let someone else handle the stress of your daily commute. But while rideshare services offer convenience, they also add another layer of risk on top of crowded city streets already known for heavy traffic and aggressive driving.

When a rideshare vehicle is involved in an accident, the aftermath can be even more confusing than a typical car crash. Who is responsible for your injuries? Does the driver’s personal insurance apply, or does Uber’s or Lyft’s policy cover you? How do you make sure you’re fully compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering?

At Kosnett Law Firm, we help people injured in rideshare accidents untangle these questions and hold the right parties accountable. If you’ve been hurt while riding in an Uber or Lyft, or if you were struck by one as a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver, our Los Angeles car accident lawyers are here to help. Here’s what you need to know about how these claims work in California.

How Rideshare Accidents Happen

Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles to transport passengers for a fee. Rideshare companies only minimally screen their drivers, and they do not train or supervise them the way taxi companies or commercial transport services often do. Many rideshare drivers put in long hours driving after completing a shift at another job. They may also find themselves navigating unfamiliar areas and neighborhoods in L.A., all while facing pressure to accept and complete rides quickly to boost their earnings. Factors like these create plenty of room for mistakes.

Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include distracted driving — drivers may be looking at their app for directions, fumbling with their phone to accept a new ride, or checking messages instead of watching the road. Fatigue is another factor, as many drivers work late nights or double shifts. And like any other driver, rideshare operators can cause crashes by speeding, failing to yield, running red lights, or driving under the influence.

Who Is Liable After a Rideshare Crash in Los Angeles?

When a rideshare vehicle is involved in a crash, figuring out who is responsible can get complicated fast. Unlike taxi companies that own the cars and directly employ drivers, rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors. This legal distinction affects how issues of liability, fault, and insurance coverage work.

In California, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must provide specific insurance coverage during different periods of a driver’s activity. The driver’s status at the moment of the crash determines what coverage applies.

Generally, rideshare insurance works like this:

1. Offline: If the driver is not logged into the app, their own personal auto insurance applies. The minimum amounts of coverage required in California are $30,000 per person up to $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 per accident for property damage. These amounts are low, but premiums are high, and 17% of California drivers are completely uninsured.

2. Available but No Passenger: If the driver is logged in to the app but has not received a ride request when the accident occurs, Uber or Lyft provides liability coverage up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.

3. En Route or With Passenger: Once the driver has accepted a ride or has a passenger in the car, the company’s full commercial policy applies, which can provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

This layered structure often leaves injured passengers and other victims wondering who to pursue for compensation. Don’t count on the insurance companies to sort it out for you; they are more likely to point fingers at each other to avoid paying out what you’re truly owed. That’s why working with an experienced rideshare accident lawyer is so important.

What If You’re a Passenger in the Rideshare?

If you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when a crash happens, your claim usually starts with the rideshare company’s commercial insurance. Whether the accident was caused by your driver or by another driver, the company’s policy should cover you. However, insurance companies, whether it’s the rideshare company’s insurer or the other driver’s, rarely hand over fair compensation without a fight. You may find yourself stuck in negotiations between multiple insurers, all trying to pay as little as possible or claim the other party is responsible.

Passengers often assume their medical bills will be automatically covered, but without a lawyer’s help, you could face delays, lowball offers, or outright denials. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case and get the full compensation you are entitled to.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Accidents

A rideshare accident can cause the same range of injuries as any other car crash, from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-altering trauma. Common serious injuries include whiplash, broken bones, spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal injuries. In some cases, passengers suffer psychological injuries such as anxiety or PTSD after a violent collision.

One complication with rideshare crashes is that many victims don’t take the time to see a doctor immediately afterward. But some injuries, especially head and neck injuries, can take days to show serious symptoms. Getting prompt medical care protects your health and creates documentation that strengthens your claim.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in LA

The steps you take after a rideshare crash can make a big difference in your recovery and the strength of your claim. If you’re hurt in a rideshare accident in Los Angeles, follow these steps if you are able:

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt. A police report will help clarify what happened.
• Get the rideshare driver’s information as well as details for any other drivers involved.
• Take screenshots of your rideshare app showing the trip and driver information.
• Document the scene with photos of vehicles, license plates, injuries, and road conditions.
• Get medical care immediately, even for minor aches or pains.
• Report the accident to the rideshare company through the app, but don’t rely on them to handle it fairly.
• Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney before dealing with insurance adjusters.

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly?

One question victims often ask is whether they can sue Uber or Lyft directly if they’re injured in a rideshare crash. The answer depends on the circumstances. Because drivers are classified as independent contractors, rideshare companies usually argue that they aren’t legally responsible beyond the insurance coverage they provide. However, there are exceptions.

In some cases, a rideshare company may be held liable if it failed to properly screen a driver who had a dangerous history behind the wheel, or if its policies encourage unsafe driving. For example, a driver who speeds to complete more rides per shift could be evidence of a broader negligence claim. An experienced lawyer can help determine whether the company itself can be held accountable in addition to pursuing available insurance coverage.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If you’re hurt in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible to recover compensation for a wide range of legal damages, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the insurance policies available, and how clearly fault can be proven.

Unfortunately, multiple insurers will likely work hard to protect their own interests. This is where having a skilled lawyer makes a real difference by investigating the crash, gathering evidence, negotiating aggressively, and, if needed, taking your case to court.

How Kosnett Law Firm Can Help

At Kosnett Law Firm, we know that rideshare accidents can leave injured passengers and bystanders stuck between large corporations and uncooperative insurers. Our Los Angeles rideshare accident lawyers have the experience to stand up to rideshare companies and their insurers, protect your rights, and fight for the full compensation you need to heal and move forward.

When you work with us, we’ll handle the calls, paperwork, negotiations, and legal strategy, so you can focus on your health and recovery. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis — you don’t pay us unless we win money for you.

Talk to a Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you shouldn’t try to navigate the insurance maze alone. Our team at Kosnett Law Firm is here to help you understand your rights, build a strong claim, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Reach out today for a free consultation. Let us take on the fight so you can focus on getting back to your life.