What to Do If Your Uber or Lyft Driver Is at Fault in a California Accident

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become an everyday convenience across California. With millions of rides completed every week, most passengers arrive safely. But when accidents happen — and the rideshare driver is at fault — victims often face a maze of conflicting insurance policies and unclear legal responsibilities.

Unlike a typical car accident, rideshare collisions involve multiple parties, including the driver, Uber or Lyft, and several insurance providers. Understanding what steps to take after the crash is essential to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation.

At BD&J, PC, Attorney Michael Madadi and his pre-litigation department specialize in complex rideshare injury claims. Their team has handled thousands of cases across California, guiding passengers through the legal process and holding rideshare companies accountable for unsafe practices.

Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call for Help

Your first priority after any collision should be your health and safety. Check for injuries and call 911 immediately. Even if the crash seems minor, it’s important to have law enforcement respond and create an official police report — this document will serve as critical evidence for your claim.

If you’re able, take note of whether your driver was speeding, distracted, or using their phone. These details can later help your lawyer establish negligence.

Always seek medical attention right away. Many injuries, including concussions and soft tissue damage, don’t show immediate symptoms but can worsen over time.

Step 2: Gather Information at the Scene

After ensuring everyone’s safety, start collecting important information:

• The rideshare driver’s full name, license number, and contact information.
• The make, model, and license plate of the Uber or Lyft vehicle.
• Insurance details from both the driver and the rideshare company.
• Contact information for witnesses, if available.

Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions. If another vehicle was involved, note their driver’s details as well.

These steps may seem simple, but this information can become vital when determining which insurance policy applies and who is financially responsible for your injuries.

Step 3: Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft require passengers to report accidents through their apps. You can usually find this under “Trip History” or “Help.” Provide only basic facts — time, location, and a brief description of the crash.

Avoid discussing fault or your injuries in detail. Anything you say may later be used to minimize your claim. Once you’ve reported the crash, let your attorney handle further communication with Uber or Lyft.

BD&J, PC takes over the claims process immediately, preventing corporate insurers from using delay tactics or pressuring you into low settlements.

Step 4: Understand Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

In California, Uber and Lyft are required by law to maintain high-value insurance policies for their drivers. However, coverage depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the accident:

1. Driver Not Logged Into the App

If the driver was off-duty, Uber and Lyft provide no coverage. Victims must pursue compensation through the driver’s personal auto insurance.

2. App On, No Ride Accepted

If the driver was logged in but waiting for a ride request, limited coverage applies:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

This coverage supplements the driver’s own policy if their personal insurance denies or limits payment.

3. Ride Accepted or Passenger in the Vehicle

From the moment a ride is accepted until the passenger is dropped off, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.
This applies to:

• Injured passengers
• Pedestrians or cyclists hit by the rideshare driver
• Occupants of other vehicles involved in the crash

This $1 million policy is often the primary source of recovery for injured passengers.

Step 5: Avoid Direct Communication with Insurance Adjusters

After an accident, you may be contacted by insurance representatives — either from the rideshare company or the driver’s insurer. These adjusters are not on your side.

They may sound sympathetic but are trained to:

• Ask questions that shift blame onto you.
• Downplay the severity of your injuries.
• Offer fast, low-value settlements before you know the full cost of recovery.

Never provide recorded statements or accept offers without first speaking to an attorney. At BD&J, PC, all communication with insurers is handled by your legal team, ensuring your words can’t be used against you later.

Step 6: Determining Who’s Liable

Rideshare accident liability can be complex. The responsible parties may include:

• The rideshare driver: If their negligence — speeding, distraction, or intoxication — caused the crash.
• Uber or Lyft: If their corporate policies or hiring practices contributed (e.g., poor driver screening or unrealistic delivery schedules).
• Other motorists: In multi-vehicle collisions.
• Third parties: Such as maintenance providers or road contractors.

Your lawyer’s job is to uncover every liable party to maximize your compensation.

Attorney Michael Madadi and his team use data from the Uber or Lyft app — including GPS records, trip logs, and time stamps — to confirm whether the driver was on duty and which insurance tier applies.

Step 7: Common Injuries in Uber and Lyft Crashes

Even at moderate speeds, rideshare passengers often suffer serious injuries due to the sudden impact and lack of control over the vehicle. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries
• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and internal trauma
• Lacerations and burns
• Emotional distress and PTSD

Recovery may require extensive medical care, physical therapy, and time off work — all of which should be covered in your compensation claim.

Step 8: Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims injured in rideshare accidents may recover compensation for:

• Medical bills: Past, current, and future treatment.
• Lost income: For missed work and reduced earning ability.
• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional distress.
• Property damage: Personal belongings damaged in the crash.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries limit daily activities.
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was killed in a rideshare collision.

BD&J, PC’s legal team calculates the full economic and non-economic impact of your injuries, ensuring no aspect of your recovery is undervalued.

Step 9: Why You Should Contact an Attorney Immediately

Rideshare accident cases are time-sensitive. Uber and Lyft retain trip and driver data for limited periods, and evidence such as black box records and app logs can be lost quickly.

By contacting BD&J, PC immediately after the crash, victims benefit from:

• Early evidence preservation
• Access to expert investigators and accident reconstructionists
• Protection against insurer tactics
• Comprehensive case valuation

Prompt legal action gives your attorney the leverage needed to negotiate a fair settlement or proceed confidently to trial if necessary.

How BD&J, PC Protects Rideshare Passengers

Attorney Michael Madadi leads one of California’s most experienced pre-litigation teams in rideshare injury law. BD&J, PC’s approach includes:

• Immediate case review and evidence collection.
• Collaboration with medical and financial experts to calculate long-term damages.
• Strategic negotiation with insurance carriers.
• Aggressive pursuit of full compensation, in settlement or court.

With over $1.5 billion recovered for clients statewide, BD&J, PC has earned a reputation for excellence, compassion, and relentless advocacy on behalf of accident victims.

Taking Back Control After a Rideshare Accident

Being injured in an Uber or Lyft accident can leave passengers confused, anxious, and unsure where to turn. But you don’t have to face the process alone.

If your rideshare driver was at fault, contact BD&J, PC today for a free consultation.
Let Attorney Michael Madadi and his experienced California legal team handle the investigation, insurance negotiations, and legal strategy — so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life.