Rideshare services have become part of everyday transportation.

People use Uber and Lyft to travel to airports, attend events, get home from restaurants, and move around Southern California without driving themselves.

But what happens if you are injured in a rideshare accident while riding as a passenger?

Who is responsible?

Does the driver’s personal insurance apply?

Does the rideshare company provide coverage?

What if another driver caused the collision?

These questions can become complicated quickly.

Your Safety Comes First

After a rideshare accident, the first priority is determining whether anyone needs emergency assistance.

Seek appropriate medical attention if you are injured.

Do not assume that you are fine simply because you were a passenger rather than the driver.

A passenger may experience neck, back, head, shoulder, or other injuries depending on the collision.

Preserve Your Trip Information

One of the most important steps after a rideshare accident is preserving information from the app.

If possible, save:

  • Trip date and time
  • Driver’s name
  • Vehicle information
  • Pickup and destination details
  • Trip receipt
  • Relevant app notifications
  • Accident-related communications

Take screenshots before information becomes difficult to locate.

Who May Be Responsible for a Rideshare Accident?

Responsibility depends on how the collision happened.

For example, the rideshare driver may have caused the accident.

Another motorist may have caused the collision.

More than one driver may share responsibility.

The applicable insurance coverage can also depend on the driver’s status within the rideshare platform at the time of the accident.

California law spells this out. Under California Public Utilities Code section 5433, from the moment a driver accepts a ride request in the app until the ride is complete, the rideshare insurance must be primary and at least $1,000,000 for death, personal injury, and property damage. Lower minimums apply while a driver is logged in and waiting for a request, which is one reason the timing of the crash matters.

That is why it is important not to assume every rideshare collision is handled the same way.

Document the Accident

When safe, gather photographs of the vehicles, accident scene, roadway, and any visible damage.

Preserve witness information and police report details.

If another vehicle was involved, obtain available driver and insurance information.

Report the incident through appropriate channels and preserve communications.

Be Careful About Early Settlement Offers

After an accident, someone may contact you about resolving your claim.

Before accepting a settlement or signing a release, make sure you understand your injuries and the rights you may be giving up.

Some injuries require ongoing treatment, and the full extent of their effects may not be immediately apparent.

Passengers Have Questions Too

You do not have to be behind the wheel to suffer a serious motor vehicle injury.

At Khashan Law Firm, our personal injury team can review rideshare accident circumstances, potential responsibility, and applicable insurance questions.

If you were injured while riding in an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, contact Khashan Law Firm for a FREE personal injury consultation.

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