What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Los Angeles (Attorney Article)

Original source: Our Legal Team — Los Angeles Rideshare Accident Lawyers

Quick Answer

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in Los Angeles, document the scene immediately, report the trip through the rideshare app, and seek medical care within 24 hours. California gives you 2 years to file a personal injury claim under CCP § 335.1. California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rules require rideshare companies to carry $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is on an active trip — the highest TNC coverage requirement in the country.

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Key Takeaways

1.Screenshot the Uber or Lyft app showing your active trip immediately — this is proof of which coverage phase applies. If the app closes or the trip is cancelled, the coverage phase becomes disputed.
2.Photograph both vehicles, all visible injuries, the accident scene, road conditions, and any traffic signals. Take a photo of the rideshare driver's vehicle plate and the app screen showing driver name and vehicle.
3.Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft in-app safety feature. This timestamps the incident and triggers the platform's insurance review within their system.

1. Why Rideshare Accident Claims Are So Complicated

Rideshare crashes aren't like regular car accidents. The biggest challenge is figuring out if the Uber or Lyft driver was technically "on the clock" when the crash happened — because that determines which insurance policy pays. Uber and Lyft also have complicated insurance policies that provide different levels of coverage depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick someone up, or actively carrying a passenger. On top of that, these companies are notorious for protecting their own interests over yours after an accident.

2. What an Attorney Actually Does for You

When you hire an attorney after a rideshare accident, they handle the whole mess so you can focus on healing. That means investigating the crash, collecting evidence like GPS data and ride acceptance records from the platform, handling all communication with Uber or Lyft's insurance teams, and negotiating aggressively to get you real compensation — not a lowball offer. If the insurance company won't play fair, your attorney can file a lawsuit.

3. How Rideshare Insurance Works in California

California law requires rideshare companies to carry $1 million in liability coverage when a driver is on an active trip. But here's the catch: if the driver was just waiting for a ride request with the app open, the coverage drops dramatically to about $50,000 per person. If the app was off, only the driver's personal insurance applies — which often has rideshare exclusions. Knowing exactly which coverage phase applies is the single most important factor in your claim.

4. Steps to Take Right After a Rideshare Accident

First, check if anyone is hurt and call 911. Then, screenshot the ride details in the Uber or Lyft app — this proves the driver was logged in. Take photos of everything: the vehicles, the damage, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Report the accident through the rideshare app. And most importantly: don't give a recorded statement to any insurance company before talking to a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who pays if I'm injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft in Los Angeles?

If your trip was active (Phase 3), Uber and Lyft are each required by California law to carry $1 million in primary liability coverage. As a passenger, your fault is typically zero. You file directly against the rideshare company's insurer — not the driver personally. An attorney confirms coverage and files the correct claim.

What is California's rideshare insurance law?

California Public Utilities Code § 5431, enforced by the CPUC, requires rideshare companies to carry $1 million in primary liability coverage during an active trip and $200,000 in contingent coverage when the driver's app is on but no passenger is in the vehicle. California was the first state to enact TNC insurance laws and has the highest coverage requirements in the US.

How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in California?

California's statute of limitations for personal injury is 2 years from the accident date under CCP § 335.1. However, rideshare companies preserve trip data for a limited window. Contact an attorney within 30 days to ensure GPS records, driver logs, and in-app safety reports are preserved before they are deleted.

What if the Uber driver was off-duty and caused the accident?

If the app was completely off (Phase 1), only the driver's personal auto insurance applies — not Uber's or Lyft's policy. California now requires a minimum of $30,000/$60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage under AB 1107. If your damages exceed those limits, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may apply.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly in California?

You can pursue a claim against the platform's insurer directly. Suing Uber or Lyft as a corporate entity is more complex — California courts have generally treated TNC drivers as independent contractors, which limits direct corporate liability. However, if the driver was negligent and the platform failed to screen them properly, additional claims may be viable. An attorney assesses this on a case-by-case basis.