The Rise of Ridesharing Accidents: Know Your Rights as a Passenger

Ridesharing can be a cost-effective, easy form of transportation. Many people in Fresno and throughout Central California use Uber and/or Lyft on a regular basis. Unfortunately, ridesharing accidents do happen. It is imperative that ridesharing passengers know their rights. At Nunes Law, Inc., we have the experience needed to handle Uber and Lyft accident claims. Here, our Fresno ridesharing accident attorney highlights your rights as a passenger.

Know Your Rights as an Uber/Lyft Passenger in California

• You Have a Right to Coverage Under a Minimum $1 Million Commercial Policy

Ridesharing passengers are entitled to comprehensive commercial insurance coverage as a matter of law in California. As explained by the California Department of Insurance, “ride-sharing companies are required under California law to provide drivers $1 million in liability coverage from the time a match is accepted until the passenger exits the vehicle.” The insurance policy is designed to protect passengers from financial harm—regardless of whether the rideshare driver or another motorist was at fault. The coverage includes medical expenses, lost income, and other damages resulting from the accident, including pain and suffering. As an Uber passenger or Lyft passenger, you are always covered by the company’s commercial insurance policy.

• You Have a Right to Report the Crash to the Police (Your Driver Should Do it)

In California, all motor vehicle collisions that result in physical injuries or significant property (determined as more than $1,000 as of December 16, 2024) damage must be reported to the DMV. As a rideshare passenger, you have the right to ensure this happens. While your driver is generally responsible for reporting the crash, you can take the initiative if they fail to do so. Prompt reporting can help establish an official record of the incident. To best preserve your option to get financial compensation for any injuries, make sure your crash is reported to the police. If your driver refuses to do so, call the police yourself and notify the ridesharing service.

• You Have the Right to Seek All Reasonable and Necessary Medical Care

All motor vehicle collision injuries should be evaluated by a doctor. As it is not uncommon for many common car crash injuries to arise with a delayed onset—from whiplash to concussions—you need to get yourself checked out if you see any signs of physical injury. It is your legal right under California law to see a doctor. Further, all reasonable and necessary medical care related to the crash should be covered. Remember, California law protects your right to pursue proper medical care without undue delay.

• You Have the Right to Compensation for Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Through a car accident injury claim in California, injured victims can seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including both economic losses and non-economic damages. Ridesharing crashes are no exception to the rule. As a ridesharing passenger hurt in an accident in Fresno, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Emergency room care;
• Hospital bills;
• Other medical costs;
• Loss of wages and future income loss;
• Pain and suffering; and
• Long-term disability.
• You Have the Right to Hire an Attorney to Help With Your Claim

You do not have to take on the ridesharing accident claims process alone. These can be complex legal cases. As a rideshare passenger in Fresno, you have the right to hire an experienced attorney to represent your interests. A Fresno, CA, Uber and Lyft accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, assess the full value of your claim, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Frank Nunes is a Fresno Rideshare Accident Lawyer Who Will Protect Your Rights

Navigating the aftermath of a ridesharing accident claim can be challenging. It is normal to have a lot of questions about your rights and your options. Do not take on Uber/Lyft or their commercial insurance companies alone. Fresno attorney Frank Nunes fights for justice for injured victims. We will review your case, investigate the ridesharing accident, explain your rights as a passenger, and take aggressive legal action to help you get the maximum financial compensation.

Contact Our Fresno Uber and Lyft Accident Attorney Today

At Nunes Law, Inc., our Fresno ridesharing accident lawyer, is skilled, experienced, and devoted to fighting for justice. If you were hurt in a crash as an Uber passenger or a Lyft passenger, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online to set up your no-cost, no-obligation case review. With an office in Fresno, we handle ridesharing accident claims throughout the region.