New York Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Helping You Navigate Rideshare Accident Claims in Southern California

With the explosive growth of ridesharing apps such as Uber and Lyft, “ride-hailing” vehicles are now available everywhere you look in New York and throughout Southern California. While many people now request an Uber or Lyft ride without a second thought about their safety, however, it’s still possible to sustain serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident. According to a new study from the University of Chicago and Rice University, Uber and Lyft may even be responsible for a nationwide increase in traffic deaths: Researchers found that traffic fatalities in U.S. cities increased by up to 3% after the introduction of Uber and Lyft.

At Beston International Law Firm, our New York Uber and Lyft accident lawyers are committed to helping catastrophic injury victims after an accident caused by negligence. Whether your crash was caused by a rideshare driver or another driver on the road, you could be eligible to seek compensation in the form of a personal injury lawsuit. With millions recovered for car and truck accident victims and over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys will give your case the care and attention it deserves.

Call 6463059656 or contact us online to explore your options after an Uber or Lyft vehicle collision.

California Rideshare Laws

Rideshare laws in California are designed to regulate companies like Uber and Lyft, ensuring safety for passengers and fair treatment of drivers. These laws fall under several categories: employment classification, insurance requirements, driver background checks, and accessibility.

Here are the key elements:

Employment Classification – AB5 & Prop 22

• AB5 (2019): Required companies to classify gig workers (including rideshare drivers) as employees rather than independent contractors, giving them benefits like minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and health care.
• Proposition 22 (2020): Overturned parts of AB5 for app-based transportation and delivery drivers, allowing them to remain independent contractors with some added benefits:
  • Minimum earnings (120% of minimum wage for active time)
  • Health care stipend (if they work enough hours)
  • Accident insurance and protection against discrimination

Note: As of 2024, Proposition 22 remains in effect, though it’s subject to ongoing legal challenges.

Insurance Requirements

Rideshare companies and drivers must carry specific insurance coverage:

• Period 1 (App on, waiting for a ride): $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $30,000 for property damage.
• Period 2 (Ride accepted to passenger pickup) and Period 3 (Passenger in the car): $1 million in liability insurance and additional coverage for uninsured motorists.

Driver Requirements

To legally operate, rideshare drivers in California must:

• Pass a criminal background check and driving record check
• Have a valid California driver’s license
• Use a vehicle that meets age and safety standards (usually under 15 years old, 4 doors, etc.)
• Undergo periodic vehicle inspections

Zero Emissions Mandate (Clean Miles Standard)

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) mandates that 90% of rideshare vehicle miles must be in zero-emission vehicles by 2030. Rideshare companies are required to submit emissions reduction plans and support drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).

Accessibility Requirements

Companies must ensure access for people with disabilities. California law mandates that rideshare platforms provide accommodations and may face penalties if they discriminate against passengers with service animals or mobility needs.

Who Is Liable for a Rideshare Accident?

Like any car accident in California, liability for injuries is determined based on fault. If an Uber or Lyft driver failed to meet their basic “duty of care” to passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or other drivers on the road, they could be considered liable for your losses. However, because Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, ridesharing service companies rarely accept liability for car accidents – which can make it difficult to get the full and fair compensation you need after a crash.

While Uber and Lyft do provide up to $1 million in accident insurance coverage for their drivers, the coverage limits vary depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For example, if an Uber driver was passively waiting for new rider requests at the time of the collision, they would only be eligible for $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident. This may not always be enough to cover the costs of severe, life-altering injuries.

Because of this added complexity, your rideshare accident attorney will need to answer the following questions to determine liability:

• What caused the accident to happen?
• Were you a passenger, a pedestrian, or another driver when you were involved in the Uber or Lyft crash?
• What was the driver’s exact status in the ridesharing app at the moment of the collision?
• What does Uber or Lyft’s insurance cover in the event of an accident?
• Were there any other parties involved in the crash? (i.e. government entities, property owners, car manufacturers, etc)
• Did the crash involve an uninsured or underinsured driver?

FAQs About Uber & Lyft Accident Claims in CA

What should I do immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident in California?

You should:

1. Call 911 if there are injuries.
2. Seek medical attention.
3. Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app.
4. Get contact and insurance info from all drivers involved.
5. Document the scene (photos, witness info).
6. Contact an attorney if needed.

Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?

Generally, no. Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which limits liability. However, you can file a claim against their insurance policies and, in rare cases, sue the company under certain legal theories (e.g., negligence in hiring).

What if I were a passenger during the accident?

If you were a passenger, you are likely covered under Uber or Lyft’s $1 million liability policy. You can file a claim regardless of who was at fault.

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

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). However, filing an insurance claim should be done much sooner.

What if the other driver was at fault and is uninsured?

Uber and Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can step in to cover your injuries and damages if the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance.

How are damages calculated in a rideshare accident?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical expenses

Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident claim?

While it’s not required, an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents can help navigate complex insurance policies, prove liability, and maximize your compensation.

Serious Injuries Require Serious Representation

Whether you need help negotiating with insurance providers or advocating for your needs in a personal injury lawsuit, the trusted lawyers at Beston International Law Firm will stand by your side in a rideshare accident claim. Available to represent Uber and Lyft drivers as well as passengers, our New York legal team will apply our extensive resources to your case and determine who is responsible for your injuries. If negligence played a role in the crash, we will strive to reach a positive outcome.

Do you need to speak with a New York rideshare accident attorney today? Call 6463059656 for a free consultation.