Fresno Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer

Fighting for the Fair Compensation You Deserve After an Uber & Lyft Accident in California

Being involved in any motor vehicle accident is a frightening experience. After an accident with an Uber, Lyft, or another type of rideshare vehicle, you are likely to have a number of questions regarding your rights and legal options. Some questions you will likely ask include:

• Who is liable for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages?
• Can you sue Uber or Lyft after the accident?
• Will you need an attorney?

Here at Fowler | Helsel | Vogt, we can help our Fresno Uber and Lyft accident attorneys understand the complex and relatively new laws governing rideshare accident claims, and we can help you navigate this process. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, whether you yourself have been injured or have lost a loved one, and other factors, you could be entitled to financial compensation through the rideshare driver’s insurance provider, the rideshare company itself, a third party, or some combination of these. To learn more, reach out to our team today and request a free initial consultation at no obligation to you. Should you choose to work with our firm, we do not charge any attorneys’ fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.

Do Uber & Lyft Offer Insurance Coverage for Accidents Caused by Their Drivers?

In short, yes, both Uber and Lyft offer insurance coverage for collisions and accidents caused by their drivers. However, this coverage only comes into play when the at-fault driver’s own insurance policy has been exhausted. Additionally, the specific details of the accident will determine what type and amount of coverage is available to injured victims. It is also important to note that because neither Uber nor Lyft classifies their drivers as “employees” but, rather, as “independent contractors,” they have considerable legal ability to deny liability after an accident and may dispute your claim. However, under California’s relatively new AB-5 law, this could become more difficult for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies to do.

That being said, if you were involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, you could be entitled to the following compensation:

• Up to $50,000 in bodily injury per person and up to $100,000 in bodily injury per accident when the driver has the app turned on but has not accepted a ride
• Up to $30,000 in property damage per accident when the driver has the app turned on but has not yet accepted a ride
• Up to $1 million in bodily injury, death, and property damage when the driver has the app turned on and has accepted a ride (with or without a passenger)

When an Uber or Lyft driver does not have the app turned on, he or she is not covered by the rideshare company’s insurance. If you were involved in an accident with a rideshare driver who was not actively driving for his or her company, you can still seek compensation by filing a claim against the driver’s private auto insurance provider.

Common Causes of Uber & Lyft Accidents

Common causes could include the following:

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers frequently rely on apps for navigation, trip updates, and communication with passengers. Diverting attention from the road to manage these tasks increases the likelihood of accidents.
• Fatigue: Long shifts and the pursuit of additional fares can leave drivers exhausted, impairing their reaction times and decision-making abilities. Fatigued driving is a significant factor in many rideshare accidents.
• Speeding or reckless driving: To complete more rides within a given period, some drivers may speed or drive aggressively, putting passengers and others on the road at risk.
• Inexperienced drivers: Not all rideshare drivers have extensive experience or training. Inadequate driving skills could lead to mishandling hazardous situations.
• Third-party negligence: Sometimes, another driver, pedestrian, or cyclist is at fault for the accident. Regardless of who is responsible, determining liability in rideshare collisions can be more complex than in traditional car accidents.

Common Injuries in Uber & Lyft Accidents

Some of the most common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries: Sudden stops or collisions can cause the head and neck to jerk violently, leading to soft tissue injuries. Whiplash is especially common in rear-end collisions.
• Head and brain injuries: Passengers or drivers may suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or skull fractures from impact on the interior of the vehicle or external objects. These injuries can have long-term effects, which include cognitive and emotional challenges.
• Spinal cord injuries: Severe collisions may result in damage to the spinal cord, resulting in partial or full paralysis. Even less severe back injuries, such as herniated discs, can cause chronic discomfort and mobility problems.
• Broken bones: Fractures commonly occur in the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis due to the force of a crash. Some fractures demand extensive medical treatment, including surgery and physical therapy.
• Internal injuries: The effect of a collision can cause damage to internal organs, resulting in potentially life-threatening conditions. Internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and other injuries often require emergency medical attention.
• Cuts and lacerations: Broken glass, sharp metal, or loose objects in the vehicle can result in cuts and lacerations. While some are superficial, others could cause nerve damage or leave lasting scars.
• Psychological trauma: In addition to physical injuries, rideshare accident victims often experience anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and emotional distress following the crash. These injuries can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

What To Do After A Rideshare Accident

What you do in the minutes and days after a rideshare crash can affect both your health and your future claim. Your safety should be the first priority, so move to a secure location if you can and call 911 to request medical help and law enforcement. In Fresno, responding officers from agencies such as the Fresno Police Department or the California Highway Patrol can document the scene and prepare a collision report that may be important evidence later.

When it is safe, gather basic information from everyone involved, including the rideshare driver’s name, contact details, insurance information, and screenshots from the Uber or Lyft app showing the trip status. If there are witnesses, try to obtain their names and phone numbers, and take photos or video of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and your visible injuries. After you have received medical attention, consider contacting an Uber accident attorney to discuss your options before giving a detailed statement to any insurance company.

If you are treated at a local hospital or clinic, such as Community Regional Medical Center or another Fresno medical facility, keep copies of discharge paperwork, bills, and any doctor’s notes about work restrictions. Rideshare insurers often dispute the severity of injuries or argue that medical care was unnecessary or delayed, so having a clear record helps connect your treatment to the collision. Our team can review this documentation, help you avoid common mistakes in dealing with claims adjusters, and explain how California law applies to your situation so you can make informed decisions about the next steps.