Rideshare Accidents
Khashayar Law Group is widely recognized as one of the top San Diego rideshare accident attorneys, representing Uber and Lyft passengers, drivers, and third-party victims of rideshare crashes across San Diego County and California. Our personal injury attorneys handle the complex layered insurance coverage that uniquely applies to rideshare cases — combining the rideshare company's $1 million liability policy with the driver's personal insurance and any third-party coverage — to maximize compensation for our injured clients. With over 20 years of trial experience and more than $165 million recovered for clients, our firm secures full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care.
Understanding Rideshare Accidents in California
Rideshare accidents — collisions involving Uber, Lyft, and similar transportation network companies (TNCs) — present unique legal challenges that ordinary auto accidents do not. The driver typically operates as an independent contractor in a personal vehicle, and insurance coverage depends entirely on which "period" the driver was in at the moment of the crash. Untangling this requires an attorney familiar with California Public Utilities Code section 5430 and the related TNC regulations enforced by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Khashayar Law Group represents three categories of rideshare accident victims:
- Passengers injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft
- Rideshare drivers injured while logged into the app or transporting a passenger
- Third parties — other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, or pedestrians — struck by a rideshare vehicle
Who Is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Accident in California?
California law governs rideshare insurance through three distinct coverage periods. The period determines which insurance applies and how much coverage is available.
Period 0 — App Off
The rideshare driver is offline. Only the driver's personal auto insurance applies. Many personal policies exclude commercial use, which can leave significant coverage gaps for anyone the driver injures while not actively on the app.
Period 1 — App On, No Ride Requested
The driver is logged in and waiting for a ride request. California requires the TNC to provide contingent liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $30,000 for property damage, when the driver's own policy denies coverage.
Period 2 — Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup
The driver has accepted a ride request and is driving to pick up the passenger. Uber and Lyft are required to maintain $1 million in third-party liability coverage during this period.
Period 3 — Passenger in Vehicle
From the moment the passenger enters the vehicle until they exit. The full $1 million third-party liability coverage applies, plus $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as required in California.
Statute of Limitations for a Rideshare Accident in California
California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including rideshare accidents. Wrongful death claims arising from a fatal rideshare collision are also subject to the two-year limit. Claims against a government entity (such as a transit authority or municipality involved in the crash) carry a much shorter six-month notice requirement under California Government Code section 911.2. Missing either deadline can permanently bar your claim, which is why we recommend contacting a San Diego rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
What to Do After a San Diego Rideshare Accident
- Get medical attention immediately. Even if you feel fine, head and back injuries from rear-end and T-bone impacts often present hours or days later. A documented medical record from the date of the crash is critical for your claim.
- Call 911. A police report establishes an official record of the crash, the involved parties, and witness statements.
- Document everything. Photograph the vehicles, the scene, your injuries, the driver's license and insurance card, the rideshare app screen showing the active trip, and any witnesses present.
- Report the crash to Uber or Lyft. Inside the app: Help → Trip Issues and Refunds → I Was in an Accident. Keep the confirmation.
- Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Adjusters for Uber, Lyft, the driver's carrier, or your own insurance will try to get you to minimize your injuries or accept fault. Politely decline until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Do not sign any settlement documents. Early offers from rideshare insurance carriers are routinely below the value of the case.
- Contact Khashayar Law Group. The earlier we are engaged, the stronger your case — surveillance video, witness recollection, and physical evidence all degrade quickly.
Common Rideshare Accident Injuries
Our San Diego rideshare accident attorneys have represented clients with the full range of crash injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), concussions, and post-concussion syndrome
- Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine injuries requiring Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) or other surgical intervention
- Soft-tissue whiplash and chronic neck and back pain
- Broken bones — particularly common in pedestrians and motorcyclists struck by rideshare vehicles
- Internal injuries from seatbelt impact and steering-wheel trauma
- Knee and shoulder injuries from passenger-side and side-impact collisions
- Psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders
Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents
Through investigating hundreds of California rideshare cases, our attorneys see the same negligence patterns repeatedly:
- Distracted driving — rideshare drivers are constantly checking the app, navigation, and passenger requests
- Drowsy and fatigued driving — many drivers work long shifts across multiple platforms
- Speeding to complete more trips and increase earnings
- Inexperience with the route in an unfamiliar San Diego neighborhood
- Aggressive lane changes at pickup and drop-off locations
- Improper pickup or drop-off in active traffic lanes, bike lanes, or crosswalks
- Vehicle maintenance failures — tires, brakes, and lights are the driver's responsibility
Compensation Available in a California Rideshare Accident Claim
If you were injured in a rideshare accident in San Diego or anywhere in California, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses (including surgery, physical therapy, and long-term care)
- Lost wages and lost future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
- In wrongful death cases, funeral and burial costs and loss of financial support, companionship, and guidance for surviving family members
California is a "pure comparative negligence" state, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced San Diego rideshare accident attorney can defend against unfair fault allocation by the insurance carriers.
About Khashayar Law Group and Attorney Daryoosh Khashayar
Daryoosh Khashayar leads Khashayar Law Group. With more than 20 years of trial experience, Mr. Khashayar is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) and is recognized for securing record-breaking verdicts including a $61.5 million jury verdict in a complex California legal malpractice case. His trial-tested approach is why insurance carriers know which San Diego personal injury firms settle for the first offer and which firms will try a case — and why our clients consistently secure better outcomes than industry averages.
Our firm has recovered more than $165 million for clients across personal injury, business litigation, and real estate matters. Notable results that demonstrate our trial readiness include:
- $61.5 million jury verdict in a legal malpractice and patent negligence case after a four-week trial
- $5 million truck-accident policy-limits settlement recovered after the police report initially placed 100% of fault on our client
- $4.9 million automobile accident settlement for a client who underwent two back surgeries
- $4.5 million jury verdict against the City of San Diego in a sidewalk trip-and-fall case
- $4 million wrongful death settlement for the family of a motorcyclist killed in National City
- View all case results recovered by Khashayar Law Group
Why Choose Khashayar Law Group for Your San Diego Rideshare Accident Case
- Free consultations. No fee to speak with our attorneys about your case.
- Contingency fee representation. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
- Trial-tested attorneys. Insurance carriers know our firm will take a case to trial, which consistently produces better settlements.
- Multi-million dollar results. Over $165 million recovered for clients across California.
- Four offices serving San Diego and California. Including Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, Carmel Valley, and San Francisco.
- Bilingual representation. Services available in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Rideshare Accidents
Who is liable in an Uber or Lyft accident in California?
Liability depends on which "period" the rideshare driver was in at the time of the crash. If the driver was offline (Period 0), their personal insurance applies. If they were logged in but had no ride request (Period 1), the TNC's contingent liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident applies if the driver's personal policy denies. If they had accepted a ride or were transporting a passenger (Periods 2 and 3), Uber's or Lyft's $1 million third-party liability policy applies. An experienced San Diego rideshare accident attorney can identify all responsible parties and available coverage layers.
What is the statute of limitations for a rideshare accident in California?
California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1 sets a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a rideshare accident. Wrongful death claims are also subject to the two-year limit. Claims against a government entity have a much shorter six-month notice requirement under California Government Code section 911.2. Missing either deadline can permanently bar your claim, so contact a San Diego rideshare accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash.
How much insurance does Uber or Lyft carry?
While a rideshare driver is en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber and Lyft each maintain a $1 million third-party liability policy in California, plus $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. While the driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride request, contingent coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident applies if the driver's personal insurance denies coverage. While the driver is offline, only the driver's personal policy applies.
Should I accept Uber's or Lyft's first settlement offer?
Almost never. Rideshare insurance carriers routinely make early lowball offers — often within days of the crash and before your full medical picture is known. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot reopen the claim, even if your injuries turn out to require surgery, ongoing therapy, or result in permanent impairment. Always have a San Diego rideshare accident attorney review any offer before signing anything.
Do I need a lawyer for a rideshare accident in San Diego?
If your injuries required emergency room treatment, surgery, ongoing physical therapy, or any missed work, yes. Rideshare cases involve multiple insurance policies, contested fault under complex California TNC regulations, and adjusters trained to minimize payouts. Khashayar Law Group offers free consultations and works on a contingency basis — no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
How much does a San Diego rideshare accident lawyer cost?
Khashayar Law Group represents rideshare accident clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket while your case is pending. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you, and the fee is taken as a percentage of the recovery. All initial consultations are free of charge.
Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly?
You typically file a claim against the rideshare company's insurance policy rather than the company itself, because Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. However, in cases involving negligent driver hiring, app design defects that contributed to the crash, or specific patterns of corporate conduct, direct claims against Uber or Lyft may be viable. A San Diego rideshare accident attorney can evaluate whether your case supports a direct corporate claim.
What if I was the rideshare driver and got into an accident?
Rideshare drivers injured while driving for Uber or Lyft can pursue claims against the at-fault third party's insurance, and in many cases also against the TNC's uninsured or underinsured motorist policy when applicable. Khashayar Law Group represents rideshare drivers as well as passengers and third parties injured in rideshare crashes.
What if the rideshare driver did not have a passenger when they hit me?
You can still recover under the TNC's Period 1 contingent coverage or, if a ride was accepted, the Period 2 $1 million policy. The key is determining the exact moment of the crash relative to the driver's app status. Our attorneys obtain rideshare records to establish this with precision.
San Diego Rideshare Accident Attorney Service Area
Khashayar Law Group serves rideshare accident victims throughout San Diego County and across California, including Downtown San Diego, Little Italy, Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, North Park, Hillcrest, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Escondido, Encinitas, Poway, San Marcos, and San Francisco. Our offices are conveniently located at:
- Little Italy (Main Office): 1350 Colombia St. Ste. 303, San Diego, CA 92101 — (858) 509-1550
- Downtown San Diego: 501 W Broadway, Suite 800, San Diego, CA 92101 — (760) 806-4388
- Carmel Valley: 12636 High Bluff Dr. Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92130 — (760) 806-4388
- San Francisco Financial District: 1 Sansome Street Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA 94104 — (415) 632-3363
Contact a San Diego Rideshare Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident in San Diego or anywhere in California, contact Khashayar Law Group for a free, confidential consultation. Call 1-858-509-1550 or visit our contact page to schedule. All consultations are free of charge and we work on a contingency basis — no fees unless we win for you.
