Every day tens of thousands of Californians use Uber and Lyft to get to work, school, or a night out. In Los Angeles alone, over a million rides are made each month. Unfortunately, with so many vehicles on the streets, accidents are inevitable. These situations can be legally complex, and one of the most common questions we hear from clients is: ‘Can I sue both Uber (or Lyft) and the driver after an accident?’ If you have been the victim of a rideshare accident, it is important that you understand your rights and options for compensation.
Rising Number of Uber and Lyft Accidents in California
According to a report by the University of Chicago rideshare vehicles have increased the number of traffic accidents by about 3% in urban areas, including Los Angeles. This increase is necessary given the growing demand for Uber and Lyft services especially in large cities where rideshare vehicles are being used as the primary mode of transport.
California is particularly affected because of its dense population and heavy traffic load, with Los Angeles being among the cities with the highest number of rideshare vehicles. If you have been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, your situation calls for a detailed liability analysis.
Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident
In the event of a traffic accident with a rideshare vehicle, liability may fall on more than one party, depending on the circumstances:
Uber or Lyft Driver
If a driver caused an accident by carelessness or reckless driving, they may be directly responsible for your injuries.
Uber or Lyft
Under vicarious liability California laws, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft can be held responsible for their drivers’ actions, even if they classify drivers as independent contractors. This legal doctrine applies when the driver is acting within the scope of their employment—such as being logged into the app, awaiting a ride request, or actively transporting passengers. While Uber and Lyft often argue they are not liable for driver negligence, California’s vicarious liability rules allow injured victims to pursue claims against both the driver and the company in many cases.
Other Drivers
If the accident was caused by another driver, your attorney can claim compensation from their insurance company.
Can You Sue Both Uber and the Driver? Rideshare Accident Liability in California 2 When Can You Sue Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft, under California Vehicle Code Section 5430, are required to provide special insurance policies that are activated depending on whether the driver is active in the app, waiting for passengers, or transporting passengers.
- If the driver was not logged in to the app: Uber or Lyft are not responsible. In that case, you can rely on the driver’s personal insurance.
- If the driver was registered, but did not receive a ride: Uber and Lyft have $50,000 per person coverage for bodily injuries.
- If the driver was driving or had a passenger: A $1 million accident policy offered by Uber and Lyft is activated.
These policies provide considerable protection, but insurance companies often try to minimize your loss. Hence, the involvement Los Angeles Lyft accident lawyer is crucial.
Statistics That Highlight the Severity of Rideshare Accidents
According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of traffic fatalities increased by 2.5% since 2021. These figures include accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles.
Also, according to a Berkeley University study, more than 90 percent of Uber and Lyft drivers do not have a proper insurance policy, making it difficult to obtain fair compensation.
Can You Sue Both Uber and The Driver
The answer is yes, but it depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Given the complexity of rideshare accidents and the varying levels of liability, engaging an experienced attorney is key to ensuring fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, don’t wait! Call Bojat Law Group today and book a free consultation. Our team will fight for your rights and provide you with the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now at (818) 877-4878 or visit our website!
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