What should I do immediately after a rideshare incident?

First, seek medical attention. Take screenshots of the ride receipt, driver name, and any messages in the app. Collect witness info and report the incident to Uber or Lyft directly. Then, contact an attorney before giving any recorded statement.

Will Uber or Lyft pay for my injuries?

It depends. Rideshare companies have complicated, layered insurance policies. If the driver was actively transporting you, the Uber or Lyft commercial insurance usually applies. A Lyft/Uber accident attorney can confirm which policy applies and help you receive full compensation.

Can I sue both the driver and the rideshare company?

In some cases, yes, if poor hiring, training, or maintenance contributed to the crash. But rideshare companies often classify drivers as independent contractors, which complicates liability. It is important to have legal guidance from an experienced rideshare accident attorney.

Published June 27, 2025

How to Protect Yourself in an Uber or Lyft this Summer

What Passengers Need to Know

With summer travel, late-night outings, and festivals rolling in, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft become a popular form of transportation. But while these services are convenient, accidents and safety risks still happen. Many passengers do not realize that their rights as victims in a rideshare accident can be complicated. If you’re injured as a rider, it may be difficult to hold the right party accountable. That’s where working with a qualified Lyft accident lawyer or Uber injury attorney can make all the difference.

Why Rideshare Risks Increase in the Summer

Longer days and warmer weather mean more people on the roads and a lot more traffic. This increase is especially prevalent near beaches, downtown areas, and popular nightlife locations. Rideshare drivers work more hours during these high-demand months, and many of them juggle apps and navigation while on the road.

Fatigue, distracted driving, and unfamiliar routes are common causes of rideshare accidents. Even experienced drivers can make dangerous decisions under pressure. When an accident happens, rideshare companies are quick to protect their liability, which can leave passengers stuck, confused, or ignored. So, what do you do if you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident in California this summer?

If You’re Hurt in an Uber or Lyft, Who’s Responsible?

Liability in rideshare crashes is not always straightforward. Depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash, different levels of insurance coverage apply. If the driver was not logged in to the rideshare app, the driver’s personal insurance may be responsible. If the driver was logged in but had no passenger, rideshare company coverage applies at a limited level. If the driver had a passenger in the vehicle, Uber or Lyft’s full commercial policy typically takes over.

Since there are so many possible outcomes, it’s essential to consult an Uber or Lyft accident attorney who understands the legal framework of rideshare liability in California. These policies can involve multiple insurers, difficult contracts, and aggressive corporate defense teams.

What an Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

After an accident in a rideshare vehicle, it’s important to remember the company is not on your side. A qualified rideshare accident lawyer can help by:

Identifying which insurance policy applies to your case
Filling claims against Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance policies and negotiating with insurers
Calculating damages for medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages
Preserving evidence from the rideshare app, driver records, and reports from the scene
Filling a lawsuit if the insurance settlement offer is too low

At BD&J, our rideshare attorneys know how to challenge insurance companies and protect the rights of Uber and Lyft passengers across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a rideshare incident?
- First, seek medical attention. Take screenshots of the ride receipt, driver name, and any messages in the app. Collect witness info and report the incident to Uber or Lyft directly. Then, contact an attorney before giving any recorded statement.
Will Uber or Lyft pay for my injuries?
- It depends. Rideshare companies have complicated, layered insurance policies. If the driver was actively transporting you, the Uber or Lyft commercial insurance usually applies. A Lyft/Uber accident attorney can confirm which policy applies and help you receive full compensation.
Can I sue both the driver and the rideshare company?
- In some cases, yes, if poor hiring, training, or maintenance contributed to the crash. But rideshare companies often classify drivers as independent contractors, which complicates liability. It is important to have legal guidance from an experienced rideshare accident attorney.