Rideshare Accident Lawyer California | HellaHurt
Potentially relevant categories of loss and legal issues depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and coverage. A lawyer can assess a specific matter.
California Rideshare Accident Law: TNC Insurance Tiers
California requires transportation network companies to carry insurance that changes with the driver's app status (Pub. Util. Code § 5433).
Period 0 — app off: the driver's personal auto policy applies. Since January 1, 2025 the state minimum is 30/60/15 (Veh. Code § 16056).
Period 1 — app on, no ride accepted: fifty thousand dollars per person / one hundred thousand dollars per incident for death and bodily injury and thirty thousand dollars for property damage, plus two hundred thousand dollars in excess coverage.
Periods 2 and 3 — ride accepted, en route, or passenger aboard: $1,000,000 in third-party liability.
Changed January 1, 2026: under SB 371, TNC uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is now $60,000 per person / $300,000 per incident — reduced from $1,000,000 — and it applies only while a passenger is physically in the vehicle. If you were hit by an uninsured driver while your Uber was en route to collect you, that coverage no longer reaches you. Your own UM policy may be the only source of recovery.
Issues for Attorney Review
Potentially relevant categories of loss and legal issues depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and coverage. A lawyer can assess a specific matter.
What to Do After a rideshare accident in California
The steps you take immediately after a rideshare accident in California can affect the information available for a later legal review. Consider these practical steps:
- Document the incident: Get police and emergency medical services to the scene. The police report is foundational evidence for your claim.
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated. Many serious injuries — including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding — have delayed symptoms. Gaps in medical treatment hurt your claim.
- Document everything: Take photos and video of the scene, all parties involved, road or property conditions, your visible injuries, and any damage. Surveillance footage is often overwritten within 24–72 hours — act fast.
- Get witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident. Witnesses become harder to locate over time.
- Do not give a recorded statement: Do not give a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Adjusters use recorded statements to find inconsistencies that reduce your settlement.
- Contact HellaHurt: Call 888-693-5777 or start your free AI case check to understand your rights before speaking with any insurance company.
Why Choose HellaHurt for Your California Rideshare Accident Case
- Licensed California attorneys: Morgan D. Ross (CA Bar #270650) and Robert B. Salgado (CA Bar #297391)
- Contingency fee: No fees or case costs unless there's a recovery.
- Free AI case check: Get an instant analysis of your claim online
- Statewide representation: We handle cases throughout all of California
- Free consultation: No pressure, no obligation
Frequently Asked Questions
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 date of injury (CCP § 335.1). For claims against government entities, you have only 6 months to file a government tort claim. Contact HellaHurt immediately if you are approaching a deadline.
What issues may be relevant to a rideshare accident in California?
Potentially relevant categories of loss and legal issues depend on the facts, evidence, applicable law, and coverage. A lawyer can assess a specific matter.
What if my Uber or Lyft driver caused the accident?
Rideshare coverage may depend on the trip status, policy terms, and applicable law. A licensed attorney can review the available information.
What if another driver hit my Uber or Lyft?
If another driver caused the accident, that driver's insurance is the primary source of recovery. Uber/Lyft's uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may apply if the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient.
Does HellaHurt handle rideshare accident cases throughout California?
Yes. HellaHurt handles rideshare accident cases throughout all of California — San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and every city in between. We are a statewide firm. Call 888-693-5777 for a free consultation.
What if I was partially at fault for my rideshare accident in California?
California follows pure comparative negligence — you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance adjusters often try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce their payout. HellaHurt fights back.
Free Case Evaluation
- Start your free AI case check — instant analysis online →
- Call 888-693-5777
- No fees or case costs unless there's a recovery.