Can I file a claim if I was a passenger and my rideshare driver was at fault?
Yes. As a passenger, you are covered by the rideshare company’s $1 million insurance policy regardless of which driver caused the crash. You have the right to file a claim to cover your medical expenses and other losses.
What if the rideshare driver who hit me was also working for DoorDash or another delivery app?
This creates a more layered insurance situation. An investigation would be required to determine which app the driver was actively engaged with at the time of the crash. It is possible for more than one commercial policy to be involved, making legal guidance especially important.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in California?
For most personal injury cases, California’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if a government entity was involved (for example, if a city bus hit your Uber), you may have only six months to file an initial administrative claim.
Is it possible to sue Uber or Lyft directly?
This is difficult because rideshare drivers in California are classified as independent contractors, largely due to laws like Assembly Bill 5 and Proposition 22. Most claims are therefore made against their commercial insurance policies. A direct lawsuit against the company might only be possible if there is evidence of direct negligence on the company’s part, such as hiring a driver with a known history of dangerous driving.
What happens if the at-fault driver was uninsured?
If you were a passenger on an active rideshare trip (Periods 2 or 3), the company’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies. This coverage is specifically designed to protect you when the at-fault driver either has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages.
