At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we represent injured passengers, drivers, and pedestrians in all types of rideshare crashes, including passenger injuries, multi-vehicle collisions, unsafe drop-offs, and wrongful death cases.
According to Lyft’s California disclosure, Lyft carries at least $1,000,000 in third-party auto liability coverage. Even so, rideshare accidents are rising across California as Uber and Lyft vehicles fill congested freeways like the I-5, I-405, and Wilshire Boulevard.
Collisions often happen in heavy pickup zones such as LAX-it, where Uber and Lyft pickups are funneled into a single area to reduce curbside congestion, and fender-benders are common.
Our firm is known for strategic investigation, insurance negotiation, and 24/7 accessibility, making sure clients get the coverage they deserve, not the low settlement insurers offer.
Understanding Are Rideshare Accidents in California
A rideshare accident occurs when an Uber, Lyft, or other app-based vehicle is involved in a crash that causes injury or property damage. These accidents can involve passengers, other drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians.
They are legally difficult because liability depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash.
According to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), Uber and Lyft drivers must follow strict insurance and safety requirements while using the app. However, if the driver is offline, only personal auto insurance is in effect.
Types of Rideshare Accident We Handle
- Uber passenger injury claims
- Lyft passenger injury claims
- Crashes involving rideshare drivers
- Accidents caused by Uber or Lyft vehicles
- Pedestrian or cyclist rideshare collisions
- Multi-vehicle freeway pileups
- Unsafe pickup or drop-off accidents
- Drunk or distracted rideshare driver crashes
- Insurance dispute and bad-faith claims
- Wrongful death cases involving rideshare vehicles
Why Choose Crown & Stone Law for Your Rideshare Case In California
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we bring the strategy that makes the difference when you’re up against billion-dollar corporations like Uber and Lyft.
- Proven Results – Our preparation and persistence consistently deliver stronger outcomes.
- 24/7 Availability – We’re always reachable. Clients say we’re “responsive and diligent… easy to reach, even late at night.”
- Experience with Rideshare Litigation – We know how to uncover hidden liability and hold both drivers and companies accountable.
- Compassionate Advocacy – Many clients describe us as “not just a great lawyer, but a good heart.” We make sure you’re heard, informed, and supported every step of the way.
- Statewide Focus – Based in Beverly Hills, we represent clients across Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and the Central Valley, wherever Uber and Lyft operate.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in California
The steps you take after a rideshare crash can affect both your recovery and your case outcome.
1. Get Medical Care Immediately
Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get checked by a doctor right away. Internal injuries and concussions can take time to appear. Visit a nearby trauma center such as Cedars-Sinai, UCLA Medical Center, or UC Davis Health for a full evaluation.
2. Call the Police and File a Report
Under California law, injury crashes must be reported to the police. Contact the California Highway Patrol (CHP) or local authorities to file a report. The officer’s documentation will become key evidence when insurers determine liability.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of the scene, your rideshare app screen, driver information, license plates, and any visible injuries. If your crash happened in a high-traffic pickup area like Downtown Los Angeles, capture traffic signs and road layout.
4. Avoid Speaking With Insurers Alone
Uber and Lyft drivers operate under a layered insurance system. Their insurers often act fast to minimize payouts. Do not give recorded statements or accept settlement offers without consulting an attorney first.
5. Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer Immediately
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we preserve app data, trip records, GPS logs, and driver histories before they can be altered or deleted. Our team handles communication with all parties, making sure that every insurance phase and policy is used to your advantage.
Crown & Stone: Trusted Beverly Hills Attorneys
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., our Beverly Hills firm is committed to guiding personal injury victims as they recover and rebuild. We focus on delivering strong legal representation paired with genuine compassion.
We’re available around the clock, so that clients can reach us whenever they need support. With local knowledge, proven legal skill, and a client-centered approach, we work tirelessly to achieve the justice and compensation our clients are entitled to.
How Crown & Stone Handles Uber and Lyft Accident Cases In California
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we make the process as smooth as possible. We’ve developed a clear, step-by-step approach that supports you from your first call to the final resolution of your case.
Step 1. Complimentary Consultation
It all starts with a conversation. You’ll speak directly with one of our attorneys, who will review the details of your accident, answer your questions, and outline your legal options.
Step 2. Rapid Investigation
Our team immediately begins collecting evidence, including rideshare app data, dashcam footage, and eyewitness statements.
Step 3. Medical and Financial Assessment
We partner with top medical professionals in Beverly Hills, like those at Cedars-Sinai, to ascertain your injuries are fully documented.
Step 4. Insurance Negotiations
Companies like Uber and Lyft often try to minimize payouts. Our lawyers build a compelling demand backed by solid evidence and local knowledge, allowing us to negotiate effectively for the compensation you deserve.
Step 5. Mediation or Trial Readiness
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we prepare to take your case to cour. Our litigation strategies are informed by years of experience handling rideshare claims.
Step 6. Settlement or Court Verdict
Most cases conclude through settlement, but we’re always ready to go to trial when necessary. If it’s through a negotiated agreement or a court verdict, we pursue the maximum recovery available for our clients.
Who May Be Liable In A Rideshare Accident In California
Rideshare crashes can involve multiple responsible parties, each protected by different insurance policies. Determining who is liable is key to recovering full compensation.
Rideshare Driver
A driver may be liable for negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or running red lights. Their personal insurance or Uber/Lyft’s contingent coverage applies depending on app status.
Uber or Lyft
Rideshare companies are still required under California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rules to provide liability coverage for active trips. The company’s policy applies if the app was on and a ride was accepted or in progress.
Other Motorists
Many Uber and Lyft crashes involve other negligent drivers, such as those who cut off rideshare vehicles, rear-end them, or cause multi-car pileups. These third parties can share or carry the majority of the fault.
Passengers and Pedestrians
If a pedestrian or passenger contributes to a crash (for example, by exiting the vehicle into traffic), California’s comparative negligence law allows liability to be split by percentage of fault.
Municipalities or Contractors
Cities or state agencies may be responsible for unsafe road design, broken signals, or poor lighting, common components in high-traffic pickup zones.
Insurance Companies
Each insurer, personal, commercial, or corporate, will try to minimize payout responsibility. Our firm handles communication across all carriers to prevent blame-shifting and underpayment.
What Is Prop 22 and How Does It Affect Uber or Lyft Accident Claims in California?
Proposition 22 (Prop 22) is a California law passed in 2020 that classifies Uber and Lyft drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This distinction limits the companies’ direct liability when accidents occur and changes how victims pursue compensation.
Under Prop 22, Uber and Lyft must provide tiered insurance coverage depending on the driver’s activity in the app. When the driver is transporting a passenger, up to $1 million in liability coverage applies. When waiting for a ride request, coverage is much lower, and when the driver is off the app, only personal insurance applies.
Because of these rules, determining who pays after a crash depends on when the accident happened. Courts across California, including Sacramento County, Santa Clara County, and Orange County, have seen cases hinge on this timing issue.
Prop 22 also affects drivers, who receive limited medical and income protection through the Driver Injury Protection Program instead of full workers’ compensation. For injured passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers, a local California rideshare accident lawyer can help identify coverage, file claims, and confirm fair compensation under these state-specific laws.
Local Resources We Work With Across California
- California Highway Patrol (CHP)
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Los Angeles World Airports (LAX-it operations)
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- UCLA Medical Center
- UC Davis Health
- Los Angeles Superior Court
- California State Courts
- Uber and Lyft Claims Departments
- Insurance adjusters and app data analysts
Start Your Journey With Crown & Stone
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash anywhere in California, you don’t have to face corporate insurers alone. These companies move fast to protect their profits. We move faster to protect your rights.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we’re available 24/7 to take your call, review your case, and begin fighting for the compensation you deserve. You pay no fees unless we win.
Relentless. Responsive. Results-driven.
