After an Accident · 7 min read · Published Jun 2026
Rideshare Accidents in California: Uber, Lyft, and Who Pays
Rideshare accidents are among the most legally complex personal injury cases in California. Unlike a typical car accident, a rideshare crash can involve three different insurance policies — the driver's personal policy, Uber or Lyft's commercial policy, and potentially a third party's policy. Which policy applies depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the moment of the crash. This guide explains the coverage tiers, your rights as a passenger or third party, and how to navigate the claims process.
California's Rideshare Insurance Law (AB 2293)
California Assembly Bill 2293 (effective July 2015) established mandatory insurance requirements for Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft. The law created three coverage periods based on the driver's app status at the time of the accident. Understanding which period applies to your accident is the most important first step in a rideshare injury claim.
Period 1: App On, No Ride Accepted
When the driver has the app open and is waiting for a ride request but has not yet accepted one, California law requires minimum coverage of $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage. This coverage is provided by Uber or Lyft's contingent liability policy — it only applies if the driver's personal insurance does not cover the loss. Many personal auto policies exclude coverage when the driver is using the vehicle for commercial purposes, so Uber/Lyft's contingent coverage often kicks in.
Period 2: Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup
Once the driver accepts a ride request and is driving to pick up the passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in commercial liability coverage. This is a substantial policy that covers injuries to third parties (other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists) and to the passenger once they enter the vehicle. The $1 million policy is primary — it does not require the driver's personal insurance to be exhausted first.
Period 3: Passenger in the Vehicle
From the moment a passenger enters the vehicle until they exit, Uber and Lyft maintain $1 million in commercial liability coverage plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you are a passenger injured in a rideshare accident — whether caused by the rideshare driver or another driver — you have access to this $1 million policy. If another driver caused the accident and is uninsured or underinsured, the UM/UIM coverage applies.
If You're a Third Party (Not in the Rideshare)
If you are in another vehicle, on a bicycle, or a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver, the same coverage tiers apply. In Period 1, you would pursue the contingent $50K/$100K policy. In Periods 2 and 3, you have access to the $1 million commercial policy. Identifying which period applied at the moment of impact requires obtaining the driver's trip records from Uber or Lyft — an attorney can subpoena these records.
Uber and Lyft's Arbitration Clauses (Passengers)
Uber and Lyft's terms of service contain mandatory arbitration clauses that may limit your ability to sue them in court. However, these clauses apply to your contractual relationship with the company — not necessarily to personal injury claims against the driver or the company's negligence. California courts have sometimes limited the enforceability of these clauses in personal injury contexts. An attorney can evaluate whether arbitration applies to your specific claim.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
Call 911 and report the accident. Screenshot the Uber or Lyft app showing the trip details, driver information, and timestamps — this is critical evidence of which coverage period applied. Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries. Get the driver's name, license plate, and insurance information. Report the accident through the rideshare app. Seek medical attention immediately. Do not give a recorded statement to Uber, Lyft, or their insurers without consulting an attorney.
Key Takeaways
- Rideshare coverage depends on the driver's app status at the time of the crash
- Period 1 (app on, no ride): $50K/$100K contingent coverage
- Periods 2 & 3 (ride accepted or passenger in vehicle): $1 million commercial policy
- Screenshot the app immediately — it proves which coverage period applied
- Passengers have access to UM/UIM coverage if hit by an uninsured driver
- Do not give a recorded statement to Uber/Lyft or their insurers without an attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which limits direct liability for driver negligence. However, you can still make a claim against their commercial insurance policy. In some cases — such as negligent hiring or retention of a dangerous driver — direct claims against the company may be viable. An attorney can evaluate your specific facts.
What if the rideshare driver was at fault?
If the rideshare driver caused the accident, you would make a claim against Uber or Lyft's commercial policy (if in Period 2 or 3) or their contingent policy (Period 1). The process is similar to any insurance claim, but the coverage amounts are much higher than typical personal auto policies.
What if another driver caused the accident while I was in a rideshare?
You can make a claim against the at-fault driver's liability insurance. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft's UM/UIM coverage (available in Periods 2 and 3) can cover the gap. You may also have a claim against your own UM/UIM coverage.
Does the rideshare driver's personal insurance cover accidents?
Most personal auto policies exclude coverage when the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes (like rideshare). During Period 1, Uber/Lyft's contingent policy fills this gap. During Periods 2 and 3, the commercial $1 million policy is primary. The driver's personal policy is generally not relevant in Periods 2 and 3.