CALIFORNIA RIDESHARE ACCIDENT LAWYER
Uber, Lyft, and Waymo have insurance teams whose job is to pay you as little as possible. Our job is to make sure they don't. We handle the investigation, the coverage mapping, and the legal claim — so you can focus on getting better.
- ✓ No Fee Unless We Win
- ✓ Direct Attorney Access
- ✓ Free Same-Day Case Review
The Rideshare Company's Insurance Team Is Already Working Against You.
The accident happened in seconds. What comes after takes months — the ER visit, the follow-up appointments, the missed work, and the calls from an adjuster who sounds helpful but is documenting everything you say to minimize your claim. The difference with a rideshare accident is that you are not dealing with one insurance company. You are dealing with a corporation — Uber, Lyft, or Waymo — that has spent years building legal and insurance structures specifically designed to limit what injured people recover.
California is a fault-based state. When a rideshare driver’s negligence caused your injuries, the company’s insurance is legally required to cover your damages. But coverage does not mean fair payment. Rideshare insurers make lowball initial offers knowing that most people do not understand which coverage tier applies, how much is actually available, or that the company’s own policy layers on top of the driver’s personal insurance depending on exactly what the driver was doing at the moment of impact.
Rideshare accidents are among the most complex personal injury claims in California. The coverage that applies depends on whether the driver had the app on, whether they had accepted a ride, and whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian. Getting the wrong answer to any of those questions means leaving significant money on the table — or pursuing the wrong insurer entirely.
In June 2026, Governor Newsom signed SB 623 into law, establishing new background check requirements for rideshare drivers and new standards governing medical liens in rideshare accident cases. The law changes how medical cost recoveries are structured in these claims. George is current on these developments and applies them to every case from day one.
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim (CCP §335.1). The clock starts the moment the crash happens.
California Rideshare Accident Law: What You Need to Know
01
Coverage Depends on the Driver’s App Status at the Time of the Crash
This is the single most important legal fact in any Uber or Lyft accident case. California law and the rideshare companies’ own insurance policies divide coverage into three periods. App off — the driver’s personal auto insurance applies and the company provides nothing. App on, waiting for a ride request — limited contingent liability coverage from the company applies. App on, ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle — the company’s full commercial liability policy applies. Identifying which period was active at the moment of impact determines which coverage you can access and how much is available.
02
Uber and Lyft Carry $1,000,000 in Liability Coverage During Active Rides
When a driver has accepted a trip or has a passenger in the vehicle, both Uber and Lyft maintain $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage. This is the coverage that applies when you are a passenger who is injured, when another driver is hit by a rideshare vehicle during a trip, or when a pedestrian is struck. During the app-on, waiting period, coverage drops significantly — $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury under Lyft; similar limits under Uber. Knowing which tier applies and how to access it requires an attorney who has done this before.
03
Waymo Carries $5,000,000 Per Incident
Waymo, which operates autonomous vehicles in parts of Southern California, maintains $5,000,000 in third-party liability coverage per incident — covering passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. Waymo cases involve a different liability structure than Uber and Lyft because there is no human driver to pursue. Liability runs directly to the operating company and potentially the vehicle manufacturer.
04
California’s Pure Comparative Fault System
California applies pure comparative fault in rideshare accident cases. Even if you were partially at fault — as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian — you can still recover. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, not eliminated. Rideshare insurers aggressively assign partial fault to injured parties to reduce payouts. An attorney prevents this.
SB 623: What Changed in 2026
Signed into law on June 25, 2026, SB 623 establishes enhanced driver background check requirements for rideshare companies, expands the criminal offenses that disqualify a driver, and introduces new standards governing medical liens in rideshare accident cases. These changes affect how medical cost recoveries are structured at settlement. George reviews SB 623’s application in every rideshare case he takes.
Statute of Limitations:
2
years
Private party / rideshare company defendants
from date of the accident
CCP §335.1
6
months
Government entity involved
to file a government tort claim
* These are general deadlines. Always confirm your specific circumstances with an experienced attorney.
You May Have a Rideshare Accident Case If:
- You were a passenger in an Uber, Lyft, or Waymo when the vehicle crashed
- An Uber or Lyft driver struck your vehicle while transporting a passenger or driving to a pickup
- A Waymo autonomous vehicle hit your car, bicycle, or you as a pedestrian
- You were hit by a rideshare driver who was logged into the app but waiting for a ride request
- A rideshare driver ran a red light, made an unsafe turn, or caused a collision through distracted driving
- You were a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle operated through a rideshare platform
- The rideshare company denied your claim or told you the driver's personal insurance should cover it
- You received an initial settlement offer that did not reflect the full extent of your injuries
- You were a driver hit by a rideshare vehicle and are unsure which policy applies to your claim
- You were injured as a result of a rideshare driver's conduct and the company is disputing liability
Types of Rideshare Accidents We Handle
Every rideshare accident has its own coverage structure, liable parties, and insurance dynamics. We handle all of them.
🚗 Passenger Injuries in Uber and Lyft Vehicles
As a passenger, you are entitled to the full $1,000,000 liability coverage that Uber and Lyft maintain during active trips. You do not need to prove fault — you were in the vehicle. What matters is the full scope of your injuries, the medical documentation supporting them, and whether the company's initial offer reflects what the case is actually worth. They routinely start low. We push back with documentation and trial preparation.
🚕 Other Drivers Hit by a Rideshare Vehicle
When a rideshare driver causes a collision with your vehicle, the coverage that applies depends on what the driver was doing at the moment of impact. If the driver was on an active trip, the company's $1,000,000 policy is available. If the driver was logged in but waiting, significantly lower limits apply. If the driver was off the app entirely, only their personal policy — often California's minimum limits — applies. Identifying the right coverage tier from the start is critical.
🚶 Pedestrians and Cyclists Struck by Rideshare Vehicles
Pedestrians and cyclists struck by a rideshare vehicle during an active trip are covered under the company's full commercial liability policy. These cases frequently involve disputed fault — rideshare insurers will argue the pedestrian stepped into traffic or the cyclist was not visible. We build these cases with the same documentation we use for any liability dispute: surveillance footage, witness statements, police reports, and expert analysis where needed.
🤖 Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Accidents
Waymo accidents operate under a different liability framework than Uber and Lyft because there is no human driver to pursue. Liability runs directly to Waymo and potentially to the vehicle's manufacturer. Waymo maintains $5,000,000 in liability coverage per incident. These cases require immediate preservation demands for the vehicle's sensor data, camera footage, and software event logs — evidence that exists in Waymo accidents and not in conventional rideshare crashes.
🚘 Rideshare Driver as a Third Party (You Were Driving)
If you were driving your own vehicle and a rideshare driver caused the crash, you have a third-party claim against the driver and potentially against the rideshare company's commercial policy depending on the driver's app status. If the at-fault rideshare driver's coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, your own underinsured motorist coverage fills the gap.
🏃 Hit-and-Run by a Rideshare Driver
If a rideshare driver caused the crash and fled the scene, your own uninsured motorist coverage applies. California law requires insurers to offer UM coverage; it pays your damages — including pain and suffering — when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or has no insurance. If the driver is later identified through the rideshare company's trip records, a direct claim against their policy becomes available.
Why Choose Court House Lawyers After a Rideshare Accident
The adjuster who contacts you after an Uber or Lyft accident is not working for you. Their job is to resolve your claim for as little as possible, as fast as possible — before you understand how much the company’s policy actually covers and before the full extent of your injuries is documented. We change that dynamic from the first call.
You focus on your recovery. We handle everything else.
Direct Attorney Access
You speak with the attorney handling your case at every stage — not a case manager, not a paralegal. George works directly with every client from the first call through resolution.
Free Same-Day Case Review
Free, no-obligation evaluation usually within hours. We tell you which coverage tier applies to your accident, what the case is worth across every available policy, and what to do next — even if you decide not to hire us.
No Fee Unless We Win
If we don't recover for you, you owe us nothing. Zero out-of-pocket cost to start. Our goals are completely aligned with yours.
What We Recover for California Rideshare Accident Victims
California law recognizes both economic and non-economic damages. We build claims that account for every category — including future costs that rideshare insurers never voluntarily include in their initial offers.
Economic Damages
(Bills & Lost Income)
- Emergency room, hospital, and urgent care costs
- Surgery, specialist care, and follow-up treatment
- Physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation
- Ongoing medical care and future treatment costs
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Reduced future earning capacity if injuries are permanent
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Rental car costs during repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket costs related to the injury
Non-Economic Damages
(What It Really Cost You)
- Pain and suffering during treatment and recovery
- Permanent disability, disfigurement, or scarring
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for spouses
The Coverage Layers You May Not Know You Have
After a rideshare accident, multiple insurance policies may apply to your claim. Most people know there is a rideshare company involved — but understanding exactly which policy applies, in what amount, and how to access it is where most claims go wrong without an attorney.
- The rideshare company's commercial liability policy: Uber and Lyft both maintain $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage when a driver is on an active trip. This is the primary coverage for passengers and for other parties injured during a trip. It applies the moment a ride is accepted and continues until the passenger is dropped off.
- The driver's contingent liability coverage: When a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride, the company's full policy does not apply. Uber and Lyft instead provide contingent liability coverage — $50,000 per person / $100,000 per accident under most circumstances. This coverage only activates if the driver's personal insurance does not cover the claim.
- The driver's personal auto insurance: When the driver's app is off entirely, the rideshare company provides no coverage. The driver's personal auto policy is the only source of recovery — and many personal auto policies exclude commercial activity. This gap is one of the most common points of dispute in rideshare accident claims.
- Your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: If the at-fault rideshare driver's coverage is insufficient to cover your full damages — or if the driver was off the app and uninsured — your own UM/UIM policy fills the gap. California insurers are required to offer this coverage; you must have explicitly waived it in writing to not have it.
- Your MedPay coverage: An optional California coverage that pays your medical bills regardless of fault — typically $5,000 to $25,000. It pays immediately, without waiting for the liability claim to resolve. If you settle a third-party claim, your insurer may seek reimbursement; an attorney negotiates this down.
- Waymo's $5,000,000 liability policy: Waymo maintains a single-limit $5,000,000 commercial auto liability policy per incident covering passengers, pedestrians, and occupants of other vehicles. This coverage is available regardless of fault on the injured party's part as a passenger.
We identify every applicable policy in every case to make sure no available coverage is left on the table.
Court House Lawyers vs. A Typical PI Firm
| Court House Lawyers | Typical PI Firm | |
|---|---|---|
|
Case Review |
Same day, often within hours |
2–3 business days |
|
Attorney Access |
You speak directly with the attorney on your case |
Routed through a case manager or paralegal |
|
Coverage Mapping |
We identify every applicable policy layer — company, driver, UM/UIM, MedPay — from day one |
Many firms pursue only the most obvious coverage and stop there |
|
App Status Investigation |
We confirm the driver’s app status at the time of impact immediately — it determines which policy applies |
Often overlooked or resolved by accepting what the company reports |
|
Evidence Preservation |
Same-day requests for trip records, dashcam footage, driver history, and app data |
Often delayed — rideshare trip data can be difficult to obtain without prompt legal action |
|
Trial Readiness |
Every case prepared for trial; rideshare insurers know it |
Settlement-only firms get lower offers |
|
SB 623 Compliance |
Current on 2026 law changes affecting rideshare medical lien structure |
Many firms are not yet updated on SB 623’s impact |
|
Fees |
No win, no fees. Period. |
Can say the same, but watch for hidden costs at settlement |
George Mkrtchyan
Managing Attorney
- 🏆 Insider Weekly 2025: Awarded Best Personal Injury Lawyer in Los Angeles
- ⭐ 5.0 Average · 45+ Google Reviews
- 💼 10+ Years in California Courts
- ⚖️ State Bar of California #339099
Thorough Preparation.
Willingness to Go to Trial.
Every Client Speaks Directly With Him.
George Mkrtchyan is the Managing Attorney of Court House Lawyers, a Glendale-based personal injury firm. Over the past decade, George has recovered millions for clients in car accident, rideshare, pedestrian, and other personal injury cases across California — including cases where the at-fault party was a major corporation, a government entity, or an insurer that initially denied all liability and refused to negotiate.
Rideshare accident cases are personal injury cases with a more complicated insurance structure on the other side. The same fundamentals apply — document everything immediately, build the medical picture completely, identify every coverage layer, and be prepared to file if the offer does not reflect what the case is actually worth. George has applied that approach in rideshare cases from the very first Uber accident he handled, which went from a zero-dollar offer to a $35,000 settlement within 30 days of filing.
“Rideshare companies have built their insurance structures to make it as complicated as possible for injured people to understand what they’re actually owed. Our job is to cut through that and get you what the case is worth.“
Real Results for California Rideshare and Personal Injury Clients
Every case is different. These results illustrate what focused, thorough representation delivers.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
85% Fault Reversed to 0%
Client was initially assigned 85% fault in a left-turn collision. After George and case manager Grant Abadzhyan took over, the fault assignment was reversed to zero and the client recovered full compensation.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
Largest Share in 3-Party Collision
Three people were injured in the same accident, each with separate representation. George Mkrtchyan and Grant Abadzhyan secured the largest individual recovery of the three — the result of thorough early documentation and a faster demand strategy.
Personal Injury · Rideshare
$0 → $35,000 in 30 Days
Client injured in an Uber accident initially received nothing from the insurer. Court House Lawyers secured a $35,000 settlement within 30 days of filing a lawsuit.
Personal Injury · UIM Arbitration
Full Policy Limits Won
Out-of-state underinsured motorist policy. The insurer refused to pay fairly. Court House Lawyers demanded arbitration and secured the full policy limits for the client.
Personal Injury · Government Entity
Metro Denied the Claim. We Settled for $35,000
A wheelchair-bound client was thrown forward when a Metro conductor slammed on the brakes. Metro denied the claim outright. Court House Lawyers filed, obtained the conductor’s own footage — including a statement caught on Metro’s camera — and settled for $35,000.
Personal Injury · Car Accident
$500 Offer → $50,000 Recovery
Client was offered $500 after a school bus accident. Court House Lawyers filed suit and recovered $50,000 — 100x the original offer.
Past results are specific to the facts of each case and do not guarantee future outcomes. Every matter is evaluated on its own merits.
What Our Clients Say
Don't hesitate to reach out to George. He's a true lifesaver.
What Working With Us Looks Like
A free, same-day case review
Tell us what happened, which rideshare platform was involved, what your injuries are, and what information you have. We will tell you which coverage tier applies, what the case is worth across every available policy, and exactly what to do next — even if you decide not to hire us.
Direct attorney representation
You will not be passed to a junior associate or a case manager. George handles your case from the first call through resolution.
App status confirmed immediately
The driver's app status at the moment of impact determines which policy applies and how much is available. We confirm this from the trip records on day one and do not accept the company's characterization as the final word.
Every coverage layer identified
We identify the rideshare company's liability policy, the driver's contingent coverage, your own UM/UIM policy, MedPay, and any other applicable coverage. Missing a layer is leaving money on the table.
Evidence preserved immediately
Dashcam footage, trip records, driver history, and app data can be lost or become difficult to access without prompt legal action. We send preservation requests the same day you retain us.
Thorough insurance negotiation
We treat the rideshare company's insurer as the opposing party from day one — because that is exactly what they are. Initial offers are documented, challenged, and pushed back against with full medical records, applicable coverage analysis, and a clear willingness to file suit.
Medical referrals if you need them
If you need specialist care and cannot afford it upfront, we connect you with experienced providers who treat accident victims on a lien basis — no cost until the case resolves.
Trial preparation as the default
Rideshare insurers settle higher when they know a case is prepared for trial. Most cases resolve before it gets there — but at significantly better numbers because of the preparation.
No money out of your pocket
No upfront costs of any kind. No hourly billing. If we don't recover for you, you owe us nothing.
How a California Rideshare Accident Case Works
1. Free Case Review
We talk through what happened, which platform was involved, the driver's app status, your injuries, and every piece of insurance information available. You walk away knowing which coverage tiers apply and what every available option is worth.
2. App Status and Coverage Investigation
We confirm the driver's status in the rideshare platform's trip records at the exact moment of impact. This single determination controls which policy applies and how much is available — and we do not accept what the company tells us without independent verification.
3. Evidence Preservation
We send same-day requests for dashcam footage, trip records, driver history, any available surveillance footage of the crash, and the police report. In Waymo cases, we also request sensor data, camera footage, and software event logs immediately.
4. Full Insurance Mapping
We identify every applicable coverage layer: the company's commercial liability policy, the driver's personal insurance, your own UM/UIM coverage, MedPay, and any other applicable policy. We document exactly which tiers are available and in what amounts.
5. Demand Package and Negotiation
We document your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future impact. We send a comprehensive demand to every applicable insurer and push back against lowball responses with documentation and a clear willingness to file suit.
6. Litigation If Needed
If the rideshare company or its insurer refuses to pay what the case is worth, we file. Every case is prepared from the first meeting as if it will be presented to a jury — and that preparation is exactly why most cases settle for significantly more before they ever get there.
California Rideshare Accident Deadlines
- Standard deadline: Two years from the date of the accident (CCP §335.1)
- Government entity involved: If a government-operated vehicle or government-maintained roadway contributed to the crash, a government tort claim must generally be filed within six months (Gov. Code §911.2). Missing this deadline permanently bars the claim.
- Wrongful death: Two years from the date of death (CCP §335.1). The six-month government claim rule applies if a public entity is involved.
- Minors: For private-party claims, the statute is tolled until the minor's 18th birthday. The six-month government claim rule is not tolled for minors.
- Do not assume you have two years. Call before assuming you have more time than you do.
* These are general deadlines. Always confirm your specific circumstances with an experienced attorney.
UM / UIM
Even as a pedestrian, your own auto policy may cover you in a rideshare accident.
Common Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims in California
Who pays when an Uber or Lyft driver causes an accident?
It depends on what the driver was doing at the moment of impact. If the driver had an active trip or a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft’s $1,000,000 commercial liability policy applies. If the driver was logged in but waiting for a request, significantly lower contingent coverage applies. If the driver was off the app, only their personal auto insurance applies — and many personal policies exclude commercial driving activity. Identifying which tier applies is the first step in any rideshare accident claim.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
In most rideshare accident cases, the claim is made against the company’s commercial insurance policy rather than through a direct lawsuit against Uber or Lyft. However, when the company’s conduct — such as retaining a driver with a known disqualifying history — contributed to the accident, direct liability claims against the company are available. SB 623’s enhanced background check requirements create a clearer negligent retention standard going forward.
What if I was a passenger and the driver wasn't at fault?
If another driver caused the crash while you were a passenger, you have a claim against that driver’s insurance. You may also have a claim against your own underinsured motorist coverage if that driver’s limits are insufficient. Uber and Lyft also maintain uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for passengers during active trips. There is almost always coverage available — the question is finding and accessing all of it.
Does it matter whether I was using the app when the accident happened?
Your status as a passenger or user of the app is relevant to which coverage tier applies, but being in the vehicle as a passenger during an active trip means the full $1,000,000 liability policy is available regardless. If you were hit as a pedestrian or other driver, the rideshare driver’s app status at the moment of impact — not yours — is what controls which coverage applies.
What if Waymo denies the accident was the vehicle's fault?
Waymo will present their own vehicle’s data as evidence that the system performed correctly. That position deserves the same scrutiny as any other defendant’s self-serving account. Independent expert analysis of the sensor logs, camera footage, and pre-crash data frequently tells a different story. We do not accept the company’s interpretation of their own records as the final answer.
What does this cost me?
Nothing upfront and nothing unless we win. We work on a contingency fee — our fee comes from the recovery at the end of the case. If we do not recover for you, you owe nothing.
What to Do Right After a Rideshare Accident in California
Call 911
Report the accident immediately. Make sure the responding officer documents that a rideshare vehicle was involved and records the driver's name and the platform they were driving for. This is the first official record of the incident.
Capture the driver's app status
If possible, photograph the driver's phone showing the rideshare app and whether a trip was active. This is the single most important piece of evidence for determining which coverage applies. Do it before you discuss anything else.
Photograph everything
The vehicles, the damage, the rideshare vehicle's markings, skid marks, traffic signals, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Do this before vehicles are moved.
Get the driver's information
Name, driver's license number, license plate, insurance information, and the rideshare platform they were driving for. Also screenshot your own app showing your trip details if you were a passenger.
Report Through the App
If you were a passenger, report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app immediately after calling 911. This creates a timestamped record with the platform before the company's own claims team begins building their version of what happened. Screenshot the confirmation.
Do not give a recorded statement
The rideshare company's claims team will contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement to anyone representing the company or their insurer. Tell them you have retained an attorney.
Seek medical attention immediately
Go to the emergency room or urgent care even if pain is not immediately severe. Adrenaline masks injury. A documented on-scene or same-day medical assessment is critical evidence. Follow every follow-up recommendation your doctor makes.
Call Us First
Call (818) 293-8293 Free, same-day review. We tell you which coverage applies, what the case is worth, and what to do next.
10
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND SUCCESS
Trusted California rideshare accident attorney holding Uber, Lyft, and Waymo accountable — recovering full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and everything the crash took from you.
Injured in an Uber, Lyft, or Waymo Accident or Anywhere in California?
You didn’t cause this. You shouldn’t be the one paying for it. Uber, Lyft, and Waymo have legal teams working on your case before you’ve left the scene.
From our Glendale office, we represent rideshare accident victims across California — including Glendale, Los Angeles, Burbank, Pasadena, the San Fernando Valley, and statewide. The earlier we get involved, the stronger your case.
Call today. The review is free and there is no obligation.