Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have transformed transportation in San Francisco and throughout California. However, when accidents involving these vehicles occur, the legal landscape becomes significantly more complex than a typical auto accident.

The central challenge in rideshare accident cases is determining which insurance policy applies. Coverage depends on the rideshare driver's status at the time of the crash: whether they were logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger. Each status triggers different insurance coverage levels and different potentially responsible parties.

Uber and Lyft maintain commercial insurance policies that can provide up to $1 million in coverage, but accessing these policies requires navigating complex insurance frameworks. The rideshare company, the driver's personal insurance company, and the rideshare company's commercial insurer may all be involved, each potentially trying to avoid responsibility.

The Brandi Law Firm helps injured passengers, drivers, pedestrians, and other motorists involved in rideshare accidents navigate these complexities. Whether you were a passenger in the Uber or Lyft, struck by a rideshare vehicle, or a rideshare driver injured by another party, we can help you understand your options and pursue fair compensation.

California was the first state to create a regulatory framework for rideshare companies (known as Transportation Network Companies or TNCs). The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires TNCs to maintain insurance coverage, but the amount of coverage depends on the driver's status at the time of the accident.

When a rideshare driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride, the company's contingent liability coverage typically provides at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. Once the driver accepts a ride and until the passenger exits the vehicle, the company must maintain at least $1 million in commercial liability coverage.

California's statute of limitations for rideshare accident claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, the complex insurance landscape means that prompt action is important to identify and preserve all potential sources of recovery.