We Win Rideshare Accident Cases.

What to Do if You’re in an Uber or Lyft Accident

Even a minor crash can leave you overwhelmed, especially when a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft is involved. Here’s what to do to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Call 911 and Stay at the Scene

Report the accident and request medical help if needed. A police report documents how the crash occurred, who was involved, and any citations issued. Request a copy for your records.

2. Get Medical Help Immediately

Whether you feel hurt or not, get checked out. Even minor symptoms can be signs of serious injury. Medical records also support your injury claim.

3. Document Everything

Take notes or record yourself explaining in detail how the accident occurred and the injuries you sustained. If you are able to, take photographs and videos of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Exchange the following information with all the parties involved:

• Full name and address
• Insurance information
• Driver’s license
• License plate number
• The make, model, and color of the vehicle involved

4. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Use the in-app feature to report the accident to Uber or Lyft immediately. If you receive a call, be brief — avoid discussing fault or injuries until you speak to a lawyer.

5. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters Alone

Rideshare insurers are trained to minimize payouts. Let us handle all communication so you don’t say something they can use against you.

6. Contact a Lawyer

We know how to deal with Uber and Lyft’s layered insurance policies and corporate red tape. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your case.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me in a Rideshare Accident?

Being injured in an Uber or Lyft crash is overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, and pain on top of confusing insurance claims. That’s where an experienced rideshare accident lawyer can make all the difference.

At DK Law, we’re here to fight for maximum compensation and ensure you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance companies.

Here’s how we help:

1. Explain the Legal Process

• Negotiate with the insurance company 
• Litigate your case in trial if negotiations falter 
• Maximize compensation for your out-of-pocket expenses
• Expedite the entire case process so you get paid faster 

Many of our clients have never filed a personal injury claim before. We’ll break down every step of the case process so you’re informed and confident in the decisions you make along the way.

2. Calculate the Full Value of Your Claim

Insurance companies are not on your side — they often downplay injuries or pressure victims into lowball settlements. We’ll work with medical experts and financial professionals to determine the true value of your damages. 

3. Handle the Insurance Company

We know how insurance companies operate — and we don’t let them push our clients around. From day one, we take over all communication and negotiations, so you can focus on healing while we protect your rights.

4. Represent You in Court (If Needed)

Most rideshare cases settle out of court — but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re ready to go to trial. As seasoned litigators, we’ll aggressively advocate for you in front of a judge and jury if necessary.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Uber and Lyft drivers are held to the same safety standards as all other drivers, but accidents still happen, often because of negligence. Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you can suffer serious injuries when a rideshare driver makes a careless decision behind the wheel. 

Here are some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents:

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of crashes nationwide — and it’s especially dangerous for rideshare passengers. In 2023, speeding led to 11,775 traffic fatalities. Uber and Lyft drivers may be tempted to speed to meet tight pick-up times, drop-offs, or chase higher ratings, putting everyone at risk.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind off the road, including:

• Checking or using the Uber/Lyft app
• Looking at GPS
• Texting or taking calls
• Eating or drinking

Rideshare drivers are especially prone to distraction because they rely heavily on their smartphones to accept rides and navigate. Just a few seconds of inattention can cause a devastating crash.

Running Red Lights & Ignoring Signs

Failure to obey traffic signals is a major cause of intersection collisions. In fact, more than 50% of serious crashes occur at or near intersections, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. An Uber or Lyft driver might try to beat a red light or roll through a stop sign to keep their trip fast, but these choices can have deadly consequences. 

Drowsy Driving

Fatigue behind the wheel is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Rideshare drivers often work long hours, sometimes with little rest between shifts. This kind of chronic exhaustion slows reaction time, reduces focus, and increases the likelihood of an accident.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving while intoxicated is never acceptable — and it’s a contributing factor in far too many rideshare-related crashes. Every day, 34 people in the U.S. are killed in drunk driving accidents. According to Uber’s own Safety Report, 23% of Uber platform traffic deaths involved a third-party drunk driver.

Who Pays After an Uber or Lyft Accident?

If you were involved in an accident with Uber or Lyft, you are likely wondering who will pay for your expenses: the driver or the company? And while Uber and Lyft both have generous insurance policies, it depends on what the rideshare driver was doing at the time of the crash. 

Here’s an easy breakdown.

Insurance Coverage Depends on Driver Status: 

1. Driver Not Logged In to the App

• Uber/Lyft won’t pay.
• You’ll need to file a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance.

2. Driver Logged In, Waiting for a Ride Request 

Limited coverage applies:

• Up to $50,000 per person for injuries
• Up to $100,000 per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

3. Driver En Route or Transporting a Passenger

• Full $1 Million policy kicks in.
• Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance will likely cover your injuries, regardless of who caused the crash.

Is Uber or Lyft Liable for Their Drivers’ Negligence?

Uber and Lyft label their drivers as independent contractors, which can limit the company’s direct liability. However, California law still offers protection. Depending on the driver’s status during the crash, Uber and Lyft’s $1 million insurance policies may apply.

Additionally, California’s pure comparative negligence rule means multiple parties — including the company — can share fault. For example, if a Lyft driver is 80% at fault and Lyft is 20% responsible for failing to vet the driver, both can be held accountable for your injuries.

Can I Recover Compensation for a Rideshare Accident?

 If you’ve been hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident because of negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for more than just your medical bills. Depending on the details of your case, you may be entitled to:

Economic Damages (Financial Losses)

• Medical expenses – ER visits, surgery, rehab, prescriptions, and future care
• Lost wages – Time missed from work due to your injury
• Loss of future earnings – If you’re unable to return to your job or career
• Property damage – Repairs or replacement for your vehicle or belongings

Non-Economic Damages (Personal Impact)

• Pain and suffering – For physical pain and emotional distress
• Emotional trauma – Anxiety, PTSD, depression caused by the crash
• Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries affect your daily activities
• Loss of consortium – If the injury impacts your relationship with a spouse