BLOG

Uber Car Accident in California: Who Is Liable?

uber car accident in california

In California, ridesharing has become a common part of daily life, with Uber leading the charge in providing convenient transportation options. However, this rise in ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft has also led to an increase in collisions. When you are involved, knowing who is responsible for compensating victims in an Uber car accident in California can be critical for securing the right medical treatment and pursuing financial compensation.

Do you need compassionate support and effective representation?

No fees until we win. Available 24/7.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage in California

Rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees, which affects how liability is determined in accidents. Uber provides insurance coverage for its drivers, but the level of coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. There are three stages that determine insurance coverage:

The Driver is Offline

If the Uber driver is not logged into the app when an accident occurs, Uber App insurance does not apply. In this situation, only the driver’s personal insurance is available for compensation.

The Driver is Available or Waiting for a Ride Request

During this period, Uber offers third-party liability coverage up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. However, this coverage is secondary, meaning the driver’s personal insurance must first be used.

The Driver is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or is Transporting a Passenger

When the driver is actively transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up, Uber provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, along with limited coverage for damages caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists.

These insurance policies are vital for victims in an Uber car accident in California, but determining which policy applies can sometimes be challenging. Working with a legal team familiar with Uber vehicle accident guidelines is critical to getting full compensation.

Determining Fault in an Uber Accident

Fault in a collision involving Uber may be difficult to establish, as multiple parties could be involved. Here are some potential parties who may bear responsibility in the event of an Uber-related accident:

The Uber Driver

If the Uber driver is at fault (such as speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light), they could be held responsible. In such cases, Uber’s insurance policies may be triggered depending on the driver’s status.

Another Driver

If another motorist caused the accident, their insurance would typically cover the damages. However, if they are uninsured or underinsured, Uber’s $1 million coverage may apply if the at-fault driver was actively transporting a passenger.

Uber as a Company

Although Uber’s classification of drivers as independent contractors usually protects the company from direct liability, there are rare instances where the company could face responsibility, such as in cases where they failed to vet drivers properly or maintain safe operational standards.

Fault in an Uber accident is crucial to determining who is liable for medical expenses and other damages. Insurance companies may try to shift responsibility, which is why clear evidence, including police reports and witness statements, is vital in such cases.

Uber’s Liability and Compensation for Rideshare Accidents

If you’re injured in a California Uber accident, the compensation process follows a similar path to other car accidents, but with additional complexities due to the rideshare’s involvement. The compensation you may be entitled to includes:

  • Medical Expenses: Money for all related medical treatment, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation costs. 
  • Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for the income you lost during your recovery. 
  • Pain and Suffering: Victims of Uber car accidents may also be compensated for emotional distress, psychological trauma, and physical pain resulting from the accident.

In cases involving severe injuries, it’s crucial to pursue the full amount of damages to cover long-term medical needs. Uber’s insurance provides substantial coverage, but knowing how to access these funds requires in-depth knowledge of the legal and insurance systems.

Rideshare-Specific Guidelines in California

California has specific laws governing fault in an Uber accident or other rideshare companies. These regulations are aimed at ensuring Uber passenger safety and clarifying the insurance landscape for victims of car accidents. Some important guidelines include:

  1. Background Checks for Drivers: Uber is required to perform background checks on all drivers, checking for criminal histories and driving records. This is intended to reduce the likelihood of an accident involving negligent drivers. 
  2. Insurance Requirements: The state mandates that Uber provides the three-tier insurance coverage discussed earlier, ensuring that both passengers and other motorists are protected in the event of an accident. 
  3. Driver Fatigue Limits: To prevent collisions caused by fatigued drivers, Uber drivers in California are not allowed to work more than 12 hours in a single day. This rule is designed to protect passengers and other drivers on the road.

These guidelines can impact a claim if it is discovered that the company failed to follow state regulations, such as allowing an unsafe driver to work or not maintaining adequate insurance coverage. The legal implications in such a case for an Uber car accident in California can be significant.

Uber’s Responsibility in Passenger and Driver Safety

As a rideshare giant, Uber is often at the center of discussions on this topic. While Uber has made strides in improving safety protocols, there are still gaps in protection that can affect victims of accidents.

For example, Uber’s status as a technology platform rather than a transportation company shields it from certain legal responsibilities. As a result, victims may face challenges when seeking compensation.

However, its substantial insurance policies provide a vital source of financial support in accident cases. These policies ensure that, whether a victim is a passenger or another driver, compensation can be sought from the company’s coverage.

Filing a Claim After an Uber Car Accident in California

Claim filing requires thorough documentation and a clear understanding of the legal process. Steps may include gathering police reports, obtaining medical records, and determining fault through evidence and witness testimony. Insurance companies will likely attempt to minimize payouts, making it important for victims to present a strong case.

Filing an Uber Accident Claim?

Call Our Rideshare Accident Lawyer.

Free Consultation.

Understanding rideshare insurance policies and fault in an Uber accident is key to ensuring that victims get the compensation they deserve.

The unique structure of Uber’s coverage — split between when drivers are offline, waiting for rides, or actively transporting passengers — can complicate the claims process. However, Uber’s $1 million insurance policy provides substantial coverage for victims injured during a ride, giving peace of mind to those affected by the negligence of others.

If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft and are seeking medical treatment or financial compensation, working with the experienced accident and injury lawyers at RTM Law Firm is your best path forward. Our Uber accident attorney will guide you through the legal process to ensure you receive the medical care and money you need.

Call our rideshare accident lawyer today. No fees until we win.

We are available anytime for an initial consultation

Free consultation. No fees unless we win.

Recommended Blogs

Get a Free Consultation

Get a Free Consultation

Fill out the form below and tell us more about your case.

We have time for your call.

We can help you

No Fees Unless We Win

Available 24/7

We Help Accident Victims File
a Personal Injury Claim in Santa Ana, California

Our Santa Ana personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of personal injury claims
in several areas, including:

  • Artesia Pilar
  • Bella Vista
  • Bristol Memory Coalition
  • Bristol-Warner
  • Cabrillo Park
  • Casa Bonita
  • Casa De Santiago
  • Cornerstone Village
  • Delhi
  • Downtown Santa  
  • Edna Park
  • Fairhaven
  • Fairview Village
  • Floral Park
  • Flower Park
  • French Court
  • Heninger Park
  • Laurelhurst
  • Logan
  • Lyon Street
  • Mabury Park
  • Madison Park
  • Mar-Les
  • Metro Classic
  • Mid-City
  • Morning Sunwood
  • New Horizons
  • Pacific Park
  • Panorama Heights
  • Park Santiago
  • Pico-Lowell
  • Portola Park 
  • Republic Homes
  • Riverview West
  • Saddleback View
  • Sandpointe
  • Santa Anita
  • Shadow Run
  • South Coast Metro
  • Sunwood Central
  • Thornton Park
  • Valley Adams
  • West Floral Park
  • West Grove Valley
  • Willard
  • Wilshire Square
  • Windsor Village
  • Young Square

Our Location

RTM Law, APC | Personal Injury Attorney

1327 N Broadway, Santa Ana,
CA 92706
(949) 287-4342

Our Service Areas in Santa Ana, CA