Hurt in an Uber crash? California’s rideshare laws are more complex than standard auto insurance, and getting it wrong can cost you thousands in compensation you’re owed. As a Los Angeles Uber accident attorney, Shegerian Conniff LLP has spent years untangling rideshare liability for passengers, drivers, and anyone hit by a rideshare vehicle. If you need a lawyer for an Uber accident, our team can walk you through your options with a free, no-obligation consultation.
Whether you were riding as a passenger, driving your own car when an Uber driver caused a collision, or crossing the street as a pedestrian, an Uber accident case works differently than a typical fender bender. The insurer that responds to your claim, and how much coverage applies, depends entirely on what the driver was doing the moment of impact.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage in California
Uber’s insurance coverage is broken into three periods based on the driver’s app status.
Offline: If the driver’s app was off, only their personal auto insurance applies.
Period 1 (app on, no ride accepted): Uber provides up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, plus $30,000 for property damage.
Periods 2 and 3 (en route to pickup or transporting a passenger): Uber’s commercial policy kicks in with up to $1 million in liability coverage and $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Figuring out which period applied, and which insurer is actually on the hook, is often the difference between a lowball offer and full compensation. This is where an experienced rideshare accident attorney makes the biggest impact on your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
California law allows Uber accident victims to pursue both economic and non-economic damages, including medical bills and future treatment costs, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
California places no cap on personal injury compensation, so the value of your claim depends on the strength of your evidence, not an artificial ceiling.
How Long Do You Have to File?
California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of your Uber accident to file a personal injury claim. If a government vehicle was involved, that window shrinks to six months. Uber claims are also frequently subject to mandatory arbitration, which carries its own filing deadlines, so it’s best to talk to an Uber accident law firm as soon as possible after your crash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer for an Uber accident?
Uber and its insurers have teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. An attorney levels the playing field by identifying every liable party, gathering evidence, and negotiating on your behalf so you don’t have to accept a lowball settlement.
How much does it cost to hire an Uber accident attorney?
Shegerian Conniff works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and owe nothing unless we win your case. Consultations are always free.
Can I sue Uber directly after an accident?
It depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash and the specifics of your case. Many claims against Uber go through arbitration rather than a traditional lawsuit. An attorney can walk you through which path applies to you.
What if I was hit by an Uber driver as a pedestrian?
You have the same right to compensation as a passenger or another driver. Which policy applies (the driver’s personal insurance or Uber’s commercial coverage) depends on whether the driver was logged into the app and their assigned period at the time of the crash.
Why You Need an Uber Accident Attorney
Navigating the legal complexities of an Uber accident case requires expertise in both personal injury and rideshare laws. Unlike a standard car accident claim, Uber accident cases often involve multiple potentially liable parties, including the Uber driver, other negligent drivers, Uber’s insurance policies and more. Sorting through layers of liability and insurance coverage is rarely straightforward and Uber’s own insurers are often quick to attempt to minimize payouts or shift blame elsewhere.
An experienced Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles will be able to assess your case, gather sufficient evidence, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and advocate for your rights. An experienced attorney will be able to understand the legal nuances of pursuing compensation from Uber’s insurance policies and can help you seek the maximum recovery for any damages or injuries you may have sustained in an accident.
