Every day in California, an estimated 2.5 million rideshare trips hit the road – and with that volume comes risk. According to the California Public Utilities Commission, rideshare-related accidents have increased since 2019, making them one of the fastest-growing categories of traffic incidents in the state. If you’ve been hit by an Uber driver, you likely have pressing questions about who will pay for your damages and how insurance coverage works in these situations. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know below.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage

Uber accidents differ from regular car accidents because of the company’s specific insurance coverage, which depends on the driver’s activity at the time. Unlike typical car accidents, Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on whether the driver is offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Offline: If the Uber driver wasn’t logged into the app, Uber’s insurance doesn’t apply. The driver’s personal car insurance will cover the accident.
- Waiting for a Ride Request: Uber’s limited liability coverage kicks in:
- $100,000 per person for injuries
- $300,000 total per accident for injuries
- $50,000 for property damage
- In Route or During a Ride: Per California Public Utilities Code Section 5433, Uber is required to have $1 million in liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This also includes uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
Who Is Liable for Your Injuries?
If you got hit by an Uber driver, whether as a pedestrian or another driver, understanding who is liable for your injuries can be complicated. Liability can depend on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
- If Uber’s Insurance Applies: You can file a claim with Uber’s insurance. For example, if you were hit by a driver actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s $1 million policy may cover your damages.
- If the Driver’s Personal Liability Insurance Applies: If the driver wasn’t working for Uber, their personal auto insurance is responsible. However, personal insurers may try to deny claims, especially if the car was being used for rideshare purposes.
What If Multiple Parties Share Responsibility?
When injured from an Uber accident, determining liability can be more complex than it first appears. In some cases, more than one party might be at fault, which can affect the outcome of your claim. It’s important to understand how multiple factors, such as other drivers, road conditions, or even Uber’s actions, could play a role in determining responsibility and compensation.
Here are different parties that can potentially share liability:
- Another Driver – A third driver’s negligent actions might have contributed to the collision.
- Road Conditions – Poorly maintained road conditions or malfunctioning traffic signals could also play a role.
- Uber Themselves – Uber’s failure to properly vet or monitor their drivers might make the company partially liable.
California’s comparative negligence laws could also affect your claim. If both you and the driver share fault, your compensation could be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
If you’ve been hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Get Medical Help: Always prioritize your health. Even minor injuries can worsen over time.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage. Gather contact information from the driver and any witnesses.
- Report the Accident to Uber: Notify Uber through their safety incident reporting feature or support line within the Uber app.
- File a Police Report: Contact the local police and provide details of the accident. A police report can serve as crucial evidence when filing your claim.
- Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney: An attorney can help you navigate the accident claim process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation.
Important Legal Deadlines and Requirements
Under California law, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strict – missing it could mean losing your right to pursue compensation entirely.
However, if you’re filing a claim against a government entity (for example, if poor road maintenance contributed to the accident), you must file an administrative claim within six months of the incident.
Your Legal Duties After an Accident
California law requires accident victims to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages, known as the “duty to mitigate.” This means:
- Seeking prompt medical attention for your injuries
- Following your doctor’s treatment recommendations
- Not engaging in activities that could worsen your injuries
- Keeping detailed records of all accident-related expenses
- Maintaining documentation of your recovery process
Failing to fulfill these duties could reduce your potential compensation, even if you have a valid claim.
Preserving Evidence for Your Case
The strength of your case often depends on the evidence you preserve. Critical evidence in Uber accident cases includes:
- Screenshots of the Uber ride status (if available)
- Driver information and insurance details
- Photographs of the accident scene and damages
- Medical records and bills
- Witness contact information
- Employment and wage loss documentation
- Communication records with insurance companies
To protect your legal rights, it’s crucial to begin preserving evidence immediately after the accident. An experienced attorney can help ensure you’re gathering and maintaining all necessary documentation for your claim.
Challenges in Uber Accident Cases

Uber accident cases are often more complex than regular car accidents. In California, the increasing popularity of Uber has resulted in unique legal and insurance challenges that can catch victims off guard. Here are some common challenges:
- Insurance Claim Denials: Insurers may try to reduce payouts or deny claims outright.
- Proving Fault: Determining liability is more complicated when multiple parties are involved, such as Uber, the driver, or third-party vehicles.
- Complex Laws: Rideshare laws are constantly evolving, making it harder for individuals to handle these cases alone.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your losses. A car accident attorney can help you calculate the compensation you deserve. You may be entitled to:
- Economic Damages: medical bills, lost wages, property damage
- Non-Economic Damages: pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive Damages: In cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the driver.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
Uber accident cases often involve powerful insurance companies. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the Accident: Collect evidence like photos, dashcam footage, accident reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Determine All Responsible Parties: Identify whether the Uber driver, a third-party driver, or Uber itself shares liability for your injuries.
- Handle Insurance Negotiations: Fight lowball offers and ensure you’re treated fairly by leveraging expertise in dealing with both personal and corporate insurance policies.
- File a Lawsuit if Needed: If a settlement isn’t possible, we’ll take your case to court and advocate for your rights in front of a judge and jury.
Get Proper Compensation for Uber Accident Injuries

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Minimize Your Uber Accident Claim.
If you’ve been injured by an Uber driver as a pedestrian or another driver, let El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers help you with your claim. We’ve helped hundreds of rideshare accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our track record includes numerous six-figure settlements for Uber accident victims.
There’s no time to waste. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and important legal deadlines approach quickly. Let our experienced team protect your rights and handle the complex insurance claims while you focus on recovery. Call (213) 985-1120 now for a free, no-obligation consultation
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.