Sacramento Uber & Lyft Accident Attorneys

Injured in a Rideshare Accident in SAC?

Car accidents involving ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft certainly fall into the category of “complicated and confusing.” There are typically passengers, drivers, and rideshare service providers involved, all with their various insurance policies and levels of coverage. Because Uber and Lyft are corporations and drivers work for the companies themselves, the issues of fault and liability can become murky.

Our team at Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. cares for you and wants to be there for you, even in the most complicated and confusing cases. No matter your injury or accident, our attorneys are here to serve you and help you move toward the result you want and the compensation you deserve.

California Rideshare Laws

California treats transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft as regulated carriers with specific insurance obligations. Under California law, when a rideshare driver is carrying a passenger or driving a passenger to their destination, the TNC’s commercial insurance is primary and can provide up to $1,000,000 for death, personal injury, and property damage in many circumstances. State licensing and TNC rules also require driver and company cooperation during claims investigations.

Who is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Liability in a rideshare crash depends largely on the driver’s app status at the time of the collision. Here’s how responsibility and insurance coverage typically break down in California:

Driver logged off (not using the app)

If the driver was not logged into Uber or Lyft at the time of the crash, the ride-share company’s commercial policy generally does not apply. The driver’s personal auto insurance is the first source of recovery. 

If the driver’s personal policy is insufficient (or denies the claim), other options may include suing the driver personally or pursuing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) benefits through your own policy. (Always preserve evidence showing the app status and timestamp.)

Driver logged on but hasn’t accepted a request (app available/“waiting for requests”)

When a driver is logged in and available to receive ride requests but has not accepted a trip, state rules treat coverage differently. During this time, Uber or Lyft’s insurance provides limited coverage, which typically includes:

• Liability Coverage: Up to $50,000 per person for injury, $100,000 per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance or none at all, the driver’s Uber/Lyft insurance may cover the damages.

Driver accepted a ride or is transporting a passenger (en route/passenger onboard)

Once the driver accepts a ride request and until the passenger is dropped off, the rideshare company’s commercial insurance typically becomes the primary coverage. During these periods, Uber or Lyft's insurance provides comprehensive coverage, which typically includes:

• $1 Million in Liability Insurance: Covers damages to others (third parties) in case of an accident, including injuries and property damage. This is the most significant coverage, and it applies whether the driver is at fault or not.
• Comprehensive and Collision Coverage: If the driver’s own car is damaged in an accident, this can cover repairs (minus any deductible), but the driver must also maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on their own policy for this to apply.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: In the case of an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, this coverage helps pay for da

Aside from insurance, liability can also arise from other drivers, vehicle defects, or dangerous road conditions. A Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer will investigate police reports, app data, vehicle telematics (if available), witness statements, and medical records to build a strong claim.

What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in Sacramento

1. Get medical attention — your health and medical record are top priorities.
2. Call 911 and get a police report.
3. Preserve evidence — photos, contact info for witnesses, and screenshots of the rideshare app state if possible.
4. Report the crash to your insurer (tell them the facts; a lawyer can help manage communications).
5. Contact Del Rio & Caraway, P.C. — we can immediately preserve app data, subpoena company records, and protect your right to full compensation.

Recovering Compensation

Victims may recover for medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Because rideshare insurance coverage can change based on app status, early preservation of digital evidence and quick legal intervention can make the difference in whether you can access higher policy limits.

Call (916) 229-6755 to get a free review of your claim!