Rideshare services are part of everyday life in the Santa Clarita Valley, from trips to work and the airport to a ride home after a night out. When a rideshare trip ends in a crash, injured people may face questions about which insurance policy applies and who is responsible for their losses.
Uber and Lyft accidents can be more complicated than ordinary car crashes. The insurance available after a rideshare collision depends on whether the driver’s app was on, whether a ride had been accepted, and whether a passenger was in the car at the time. California also changed its rideshare insurance rules in 2026, significantly reducing one type of coverage that passengers have long relied on.
At Miller Wilmers APC, our Santa Clarita rideshare accident lawyers help injured passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists pursue compensation after Uber and Lyft crashes. We take a client-first approach, handle the insurance companies for you, and work on a contingency fee basis. Call (661) 310-1357 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
In a typical car accident, you usually deal with the at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance. Rideshare cases often involve additional layers of coverage provided through the rideshare company, and which layer applies depends on what the driver was doing when the crash happened.
California law requires transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft to carry specific insurance based on the driver’s status in the app. If the app was off, the driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies, just as in any other crash. Once the app is on, rideshare company coverage may apply, with higher limits during an active trip.
During this period, California requires liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per incident for bodily injury or death, plus $30,000 for property damage. The rideshare company must also maintain at least $200,000 per occurrence in excess liability coverage for liability exceeding those required underlying limits.
Once a driver accepts a ride request, California requires $1 million in primary liability coverage for death, personal injury, and property damage. This requirement continues until the ride is complete or the transaction is completed in the app, whichever occurs later.
While a passenger is in the vehicle, the $1 million liability coverage continues to apply. Rideshare companies must also provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage while a passenger is in the vehicle, which can help if another driver without enough insurance causes the crash.
Effective January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 371 reduced California’s required uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage during passenger trips from $1 million to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. The separate $1 million liability insurance requirement did not change.
For passengers hurt by an uninsured or underinsured driver, this change can create a significant gap in available coverage, making it even more important to identify every other source of recovery, such as your own auto policy.
Depending on the facts, responsible parties may include:
Insurance provided through Uber or Lyft may apply even when the company itself is not a liable party. California follows pure comparative fault, so you can recover compensation even if you share some responsibility, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Unsure which insurance policy applies to your crash? Call Miller Wilmers APC at (661) 310-1357 for a free consultation about your options.
The steps you take after a rideshare crash can help protect your health and your claim.
Seek medical attention, take photos of the scene and vehicles, and get the names and insurance information of all drivers involved. Report the crash through the rideshare app and keep a copy of your trip details.
Call the police, document the scene, and ask the driver whether they were logged into the app or carrying a passenger. Note any rideshare logos or stickers on the vehicle and get witness information.
Get medical care right away, even if your injuries seem minor. If possible, photograph the vehicle, license plate, and scene, and collect contact information from witnesses.
Trip records and other electronic data may help establish whether the driver was logged in, had accepted a ride, or was transporting a passenger when the crash happened. Take screenshots of your trip receipt and any messages, and contact an attorney quickly so steps can be taken to preserve the company’s records.
A rideshare collision can happen on a freeway, along a major road, or in a parking lot during a pickup or drop-off. In the Santa Clarita Valley, locations that may be relevant to a crash investigation include:
Rideshare passengers, drivers, and others can suffer injuries such as:
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover:
When a rideshare accident takes a loved one’s life, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the loss of love, companionship, and guidance.
Most personal injury lawsuits in California must be filed within two years of the accident. If a government entity may be responsible, a formal claim generally must be filed within six months. Because evidence such as app data and video can be lost quickly, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Miller Wilmers APC is a client-first law firm rooted in the Santa Clarita Valley and serving surrounding communities. Founding attorney Caleb A. Miller is a Marine Corps veteran who previously worked for a Southern California defense firm, giving him insight into how insurers and defense lawyers evaluate claims. Together with attorney Justin R. Wilmers, he focuses on personalized legal support that helps injured people rebuild their lives.
From our office in Stevenson Ranch, we represent clients throughout Santa Clarita, Valencia, Newhall, Canyon Country, and Saugus.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, you don’t have to sort through the insurance rules on your own. Our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact Miller Wilmers APC at (661) 310-1357 for a free consultation.
A claim against Uber or Lyft directly is different from a claim under insurance provided through the company. Whether you can sue the company depends on the facts and the legal basis for holding it responsible. Its insurance may still apply to a covered crash even when the company is not named as a defendant.
Who caused the crash and which policies apply will affect your options for recovering medical expenses. Our team can review the available insurance and explain how your treatment costs may factor into your claim.
If you were a passenger, the rideshare company’s uninsured motorist coverage may apply. California reduced the required coverage effective January 1, 2026, so reviewing other potentially applicable insurance can be especially important after a serious injury.
It may. Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage may help fill gaps, depending on your policy terms.
Possibly. If another driver caused the crash, you may have a claim against that driver. Rideshare drivers in California may also have access to certain insurance benefits through the rideshare company. An attorney can help you understand your options.
