According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Santa Clara County recorded 8,648 fatal and injury crashes in 2022, including hundreds involving rideshare vehicles along US-101 and I-880. In the city of Santa Clara, an estimated 150 Uber-related crashes occur each year, many near Levi’s Stadium, El Camino Real, and the Great America Parkway corridor.
At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we represent Uber and Lyft passengers, drivers, and pedestrians throughout the South Bay. Whether your crash happened in Downtown Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, or near the 101 interchange, we work to uncover fault, preserve trip data, and pursue maximum compensation under California’s evolving rideshare laws.
Clients describe us as “responsive and diligent… easy to reach, even late at night.” With results like a $965,000 settlement after a $45,000 insurance offer, our firm combines deep investigation, empathy, and relentless representation.
What Are Rideshare Accidents?
Rideshare accidents happen when an Uber, Lyft, or other app-based driver is involved in a collision that causes injury or property damage. These crashes are legally complex because liability depends on the driver’s app status at the time of the crash, whether they were offline, waiting for a ride, or transporting a passenger.
Under California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulations, Uber and Lyft must maintain up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage during active trips. Our job is to determine exactly which coverage phase applies and ensure you’re compensated fairly.
Who May Be Liable After an Uber Crash in Santa Clara
- The Rideshare Driver – for negligence or distracted driving.
- Uber or Lyft – for coverage while the app is active or a passenger is onboard.
- Another Driver – for causing or contributing to the crash.
- Vehicle Manufacturer or Municipality – for mechanical defects or unsafe road design.
- Insurance Companies – when they delay, deny, or minimize valid claims.
What We Do
- Uber and Lyft accident claims
- Passenger injury cases
- Rideshare driver accident representation
- Crashes caused by rideshare vehicles
- Multi-vehicle freeway collisions
- Pedestrian and cyclist rideshare accidents
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
- Wrongful death claims from rideshare crashes
- Insurance dispute and bad-faith claims
- Catastrophic injury cases (burns, amputations, spinal injuries, TBI)
- Car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases
What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Santa Clara
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Visit Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara, or O’Connor Hospital for evaluation, even if symptoms seem minor.
2. Report the Crash
File an official report with the Santa Clara Police Department or California Highway Patrol (CHP). This record is key evidence for your claim.
3. Document the Scene
Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, the Uber/Lyft app screen, and nearby landmarks like El Camino Real or Levi’s Stadium.
4. Contact a Lawyer Before Insurers
Uber and Lyft’s adjusters act quickly to limit payouts. At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we preserve your trip data, GPS records, and driver history before it disappears.
How Uber & Lyft Insurance Coverage Works in California
- App Off: Only the driver’s personal policy applies.
- App On, Waiting for Ride Request: Limited third-party coverage ($50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage).
- Passenger Onboard or En Route: Up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage through Uber or Lyft.
Starting January 2026, according to Uber’s California policy update, each passenger trip will include UM/UIM coverage of $60,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, additional protection for injured riders.
Common Causes of Rideshare Crashes in Santa Clara
- Distracted driving due to navigation or texting
- Unsafe pickups near Levi’s Stadium or The Mercado
- Fatigued or overworked drivers
- Speeding and tailgating on US-101 or I-880
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Poor road conditions or low visibility
Common Injuries from Rideshare Accidents
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back and spinal cord trauma
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones and fractures
- Severe burns and lacerations
- Amputations from high-impact collisions
- Internal bleeding or organ injuries
Our team works with local specialists and life-care planners to document injuries accurately and calculate long-term costs.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Rideshare Accident
- Medical expenses
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages (for reckless conduct)
Santa Clara Rideshare Crash Statistics & Local Hotspots
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, Santa Clara County recorded 8,648 fatal and injury crashes in 2022, ranking among the highest in the state.
Local rideshare crash data estimates around 150 Uber-related accidents annually in Santa Clara, averaging more than one per week.
High-Risk Corridors & Intersections
- US-101 – congestion and rear-end crashes near Great America Parkway
- I-880 – frequent rideshare collisions in heavy commuter traffic
- El Camino Real & Lafayette Street – dense retail corridor with unsafe left turns
- Levi’s Stadium & Tasman Drive area – high rideshare volume during events
These areas see the most frequent rideshare collisions due to traffic density, frequent stops, and distracted driving.
Why Choose Crown & Stone Law
- Proven Results: $965,000 settlement after insurer’s $45,000 offer.
- Accessible 24/7: Clients say we’re “easy to reach, even late at night.”
- Deep Experience: 15+ years handling rideshare and auto accident claims.
- Compassionate Advocacy: “Not just a great lawyer, but a good heart.”
- Local Knowledge: Serving clients across Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and the South Bay.
What Our Clients Say
“He really cares. Not just a great lawyer, but a good heart.” — John C.
“Responsive and diligent. Easy to reach, even late at night.” — Mario R.
“I felt supported the whole way. He explained everything clearly.” — Hunter C.
Local Resources We Work With
- Santa Clara Police Department
- California Highway Patrol (CHP – San Jose Office)
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
- O’Connor Hospital
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Santa Clara County Superior Court
- Uber and Lyft claims departments
Call for Your Free Uber Accident Consultation
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Santa Clara or the South Bay, you don’t have to navigate complex insurance systems alone. At Crown & Stone Law, P.C., we fight to hold negligent drivers and corporations accountable, and we don’t stop until you’re compensated in full.
We’re available 24/7 to review your case. You pay no fees unless we win.
Call (310) 421-4664 or request your free consultation online.
Relentless. Responsive. Results-driven.
