The rise of rideshare services has transformed how San Jose residents and visitors get around the Bay Area. But with more Uber and Lyft vehicles on the road, accidents involving these companies have become increasingly common.
Passengers, pedestrians, and even rideshare drivers themselves can suffer life-altering injuries when a crash occurs—yet the legal process for recovering compensation is often more complicated than a standard car accident.
At Shea & Shea, we provide trusted legal help for those injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare-related crash. Our San Jose Uber accident law firm understands the unique insurance rules and liability issues that apply to rideshare companies.
If you were struck as a pedestrian, hurt while riding as a passenger, or a driver involved in a collision, we can help you pursue the rideshare injury compensation you deserve.
Overview of Uber & Lyft Accidents in San Jose
Rideshare-related crashes can happen in many ways. Some of the most common include rear-end collisions caused by sudden stops, intersection accidents involving distracted drivers, sideswipes while merging or picking up passengers, and pedestrian strikes during drop-offs or pickups. Others involve third-party drivers who hit an Uber or Lyft vehicle while the rideshare driver is actively transporting someone.
No matter how the crash occurred, if you were injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in San Jose, you may be entitled to compensation under California rideshare injury law.
Serious injuries can happen in any type of rideshare crash. Victims commonly suffer from:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
- Emotional trauma
We work closely with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and investigators to build strong claims—especially in cases involving long-term care, disability, or wrongful death. If you’ve been injured in a Lyft or Uber collision, you don’t have to face the legal system alone. Shea & Shea is ready to help.
Liability in Rideshare Accidents: Who Is Responsible?
Rideshare accident lawsuits present a complex web of potential liability. Unlike traditional car crashes where fault typically lies with one or two drivers, Uber and Lyft accidents often raise questions about corporate responsibility, insurance coverage, and third-party negligence. Understanding how liability works is a critical step toward securing full compensation.
Potentially Liable Parties
Depending on the facts of your case, responsibility may fall on:
- The rideshare driver – If the driver caused the crash due to speeding, distracted driving, or impairment, they may be personally liable.
- Uber or Lyft – While these companies classify drivers as independent contractors, they may still bear responsibility in certain cases—especially if the driver was logged into the app or actively picking up a passenger.
- Another driver – In many rideshare collisions, a third-party driver is at fault and their insurance coverage becomes the primary source of recovery.
- A government entity or road contractor – If a defective road design, lack of signage, or construction negligence contributed to the crash, the city or another agency may be liable.
- The vehicle manufacturer or mechanic – A vehicle defect or improper repair could place legal responsibility on a third party.
The timing of the accident matters significantly. Was the Uber or Lyft driver logged into the app? Were they on the way to a pickup, or transporting a passenger? These details determine the level of insurance coverage available and whether Uber or Lyft can be directly pursued in a rideshare accident lawsuit.
At Shea & Shea, we conduct thorough liability investigations using various tools, such as digital trip data, police reports, app records, and eyewitness accounts. Our personal injury lawyers in San Jose, CA understand how to take advantage of California rideshare injury law and identify every responsible party—ensuring no source of compensation is left on the table.
Uber & Lyft Insurance Policy Breakdowns
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate under a tiered insurance structure that varies depending on the specific activity of the driver at the time of the crash. This system can be confusing for victims unfamiliar with how coverage shifts between personal and corporate policies, but it is key to pursuing a successful Uber or Lyft accident claim.
California Rideshare Insurance Coverage Overview
Both Uber and Lyft maintain commercial insurance policies that activate when a driver is using the app. Here’s how the coverage typically works in California:
- Driver is offline (not using the app)
Only the driver’s personal auto insurance applies—Uber and Lyft provide no coverage during this period. - Driver is online and waiting for a ride request
Both companies provide contingent liability coverage:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 total per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the accident or is insufficient.
- Driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle
Full commercial coverage applies:
- Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (if the driver has this on their personal policy)
This coverage can help victims file an Uber passenger injury claim, a Lyft crash claim, or even an Uber pedestrian accident lawsuit if they were struck while walking or cycling. However, determining the precise timing and trip phase can be difficult without legal support. Rideshare companies sometimes resist releasing app data unless compelled through formal legal action.
At Shea & Shea, we fight to secure access to all digital records, trip logs, and driver app status at the time of the collision. We also work with insurance experts to interpret policy language and maximize available compensation. If you need legal help for a Lyft injury or want to file an Uber accident claim in California, our firm is ready to help you.
What to Do After a Rideshare Crash
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in your recovery—both physical and financial. From preserving evidence to reporting the crash properly, every action counts when preparing a rideshare accident lawsuit.
Immediate Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Crash
- Call 911 and seek medical attention
Even if your injuries seem minor or insignificant, you should be examined by a medical professional. Many injuries—especially to the brain, spine, or soft tissue—may not be immediately apparent, or seem less serious than they are. - Report the crash to law enforcement
A police report will serve as the official record of what occurred. If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft, make sure officers note that it was a rideshare-related incident. - Take photos and gather contact info
Document the accident scene, damage to the vehicle, personal injuries, license plates, and road conditions. Get names and contact details for the driver(s), witnesses, and responding officers. - Report the incident to the rideshare company
Use the app to notify Uber or Lyft of the crash. Keep a record of all communications. - Do not accept early settlement offers
You may be contacted by insurance adjusters. Don’t sign anything or make recorded statements without consulting an attorney—especially if you’re pursuing a Lyft injury lawsuit or Uber settlement. - Speak with a rideshare accident lawyer as soon as possible
Early legal guidance ensures your rights are protected. Our team at Shea & Shea can help gather evidence, handle communications, and begin building your claim right away.
California’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury claim—but some cases have shorter deadlines. Contact Shea & Shea right away to avoid missing your chance to recover compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a Lyft or Uber crash in San Jose, don’t delay. Talk to our experienced Lyft accident attorneys in San Jose to get the legal support you need from day one.
Injured as a Passenger vs. Pedestrian
Injuries from rideshare accidents don’t only affect those inside the vehicle. At Shea & Shea, we represent both passengers and pedestrians harmed in Uber or Lyft crashes—and while the injuries may be equally severe, the legal pathway to compensation can vary significantly depending on how the accident occurred.
Uber & Lyft Passenger Injuries
If you were injured as a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, you are almost never considered at fault. As a result, your Uber passenger injury claim or Lyft injury lawsuit will typically involve the rideshare company’s $1 million liability policy—assuming the driver was actively transporting you at the time of the crash.
However, compensation can be delayed or denied if the rideshare company disputes liability, if a third-party driver was involved, or if the driver’s app status at the time is unclear. Our rideshare lawyers near San Jose, CA help passengers cut through these complications and pursue full damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Injuries
If you were a pedestrian or cyclist hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle, your legal case may be more complicated. Liability depends on the rideshare driver’s app status at the moment of impact:
- If the driver was offline, their personal insurance applies.
- If the driver was online, waiting for a request, limited third-party coverage applies.
- If the driver was actively on a trip, you may be eligible for up to $1 million in compensation through the company’s commercial policy.
We understand how traumatic pedestrian accidents can be. Shea & Shea works with medical experts, life care planners, and vocational specialists to ensure your Uber pedestrian accident claim reflects the full scope of your losses.
No matter how you were harmed, you deserve accountability. Our team of Lyft and Uber settlement attorneys provides compassionate yet aggressive representation for all types of California rideshare injury victims.
How Shea & Shea Investigates Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance carriers, evolving digital evidence, and aggressive corporate legal teams. Our Lyft and Uber accident lawyers in San Jose understand how these cases unfold—and we know what it takes to win.
A Detail-Oriented Investigation Process
Each rideshare injury case begins with a thorough fact-finding investigation, led by our legal team and supported by outside experts when needed. Investigative steps include:
- Obtaining trip and app data
We subpoena Uber or Lyft records to determine whether the driver was logged in, accepting rides, or actively transporting a passenger. This establishes the level of insurance coverage available. - Reviewing crash reports and dashcam footage
We obtain official police reports and request any available vehicle footage, including from dashcams or surveillance systems in the area. - Reconstructing the accident
We collaborate with accident reconstructionists to analyze speed, braking distance, point of impact, and vehicle movement—very important in rideshare accident lawsuits where fault is disputed. - Interviewing witnesses and first responders
Eyewitness testimony and statements from emergency personnel help confirm timelines and behaviors, including distracted driving or signs of impairment. - Documenting your injuries and prognosis
Medical records and physician testimony help us calculate the full value of your rideshare injury compensation, including projected future care.
Whether you’re filing an Uber driver accident claim, a pedestrian injury suit, or a Lyft crash lawsuit, our San Jose team will build the strongest case possible using every available resource. We leave no detail unexamined, because we know how much is at stake for our clients.
Rideshare Driver Injury Claims
Rideshare drivers face unique risks behind the wheel—driving through unfamiliar neighborhoods, dealing with high-pressure pickup times, and sharing the road with distracted or aggressive drivers. When an Uber or Lyft driver is injured in a crash they didn’t cause, they have the right to pursue compensation, just like any other accident victim.
Legal Support for Injured Rideshare Drivers
If you’re a driver who was logged into the app and injured during a ride or while waiting for a request, you may be covered by Uber or Lyft’s insurance policies. This is especially important if the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured. Available benefits may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missed rides
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repair or replacement (if collision coverage applies)
Drivers may also qualify for additional compensation if they were injured on the job but denied support by the rideshare company due to their independent contractor status. Seeking compensation with help from a Lyft crash lawyer in San Jose can help preserve your rights and recover what you’re owed.
At Shea & Shea, our car accident lawyers understand the legal gray area that rideshare drivers occupy. You’re not a traditional employee, but that doesn’t mean you’re without legal recourse. Our team provides trusted rideshare collision legal help for drivers across San Jose and the Bay Area, guiding you through liability investigations and settlement negotiations.
Don’t assume you have to bear the cost of your injuries alone. If you’ve been hurt while driving for Uber or Lyft, contact our San Jose Uber accident law firm at (408) 292-2434 for a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your case and determine the best path forward for recovering full compensation.
FAQs
Can I sue Uber or Lyft after an accident?
You may be able to sue Uber or Lyft depending on the facts of your case. If the driver was actively using the app and transporting a passenger, or if company negligence played a role in the crash (such as failing to screen a dangerous driver), legal action may be possible. However, because Uber and Lyft classify drivers as independent contractors, direct lawsuits against the companies can be difficult. Shea & Shea’s Uber accident lawyers in San Jose, CA can evaluate your case and determine all viable legal options.
How long do I have to file a rideshare accident claim in California?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim under California law. However, shorter deadlines may apply if a government vehicle was involved or if you’re filing an uninsured motorist claim. It’s critical to act quickly to preserve evidence and secure witness statements. If you’re uncertain about your deadline, contact a Lyft accident attorney in San Jose as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What if multiple vehicles were involved in the rideshare accident?
Multi-vehicle crashes are common in dense areas like San Jose, especially during peak rideshare hours. If more than one driver contributed to the accident, liability may be shared among several parties. This can complicate your case, especially when multiple insurance carriers are involved.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means each party is responsible for their share of the fault, including partial fault. Shea & Shea works to determine liability percentages and pursue compensation from all responsible parties, ensuring your rideshare injury compensation reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Can I still file a claim if the rideshare driver wasn’t logged into the app?
Yes, but it changes who you can hold accountable. If the driver was not logged into the Uber or Lyft app at the time of the crash, they are considered “off-duty” and the rideshare company’s insurance will not apply. In this case, the driver’s personal auto insurance becomes the primary source of compensation. Many drivers carry only the minimum liability limits, which may not cover the full extent of your losses.
If you’re in this situation, a Shea & Shea rideshare lawyer near San Jose can help you explore additional recovery options, including underinsured motorist coverage or third-party liability.
What kind of compensation can I recover?
Rideshare accident victims may be entitled to a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our Uber settlement attorneys work to maximize your recovery and hold negligent parties accountable.
Does Prop. 22 affect my ability to sue Uber or Lyft?
No. Proposition 22—originally passed by California voters in November 2020 and upheld by the California Supreme Court in July 2024—classifies rideshare drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, this does not take away your right to pursue compensation if you were injured in a rideshare accident.
Uber and Lyft are still required to carry substantial insurance coverage when a driver is logged into the app, especially during an active ride or en route to a pickup. You can still file a rideshare accident lawsuit.
Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident?
Rideshare cases involve very complex insurance policies, liability disputes, and corporate legal teams. Without legal representation, you may receive a low settlement or have your claim unfairly denied. A rideshare accident lawyer from Shea & Shea can handle every aspect of your claim, including negotiating with insurance companies, while you focus on healing.