Uber & Lyft Accidents: Who Covers Your Injuries in California?

011. The Basics of TNC Insurance Coverage

The coverage that applies to an Uber or Lyft crash depends on what the driver was doing at that moment — California’s TNC insurance framework (Public Utilities Code § 5433) divides the trip into periods. With the app off, only the driver’s personal policy applies. From app-on to ride-accepted (Period 1), the law requires TNC coverage of $50,000 per person and 1. The Basics of TNC Insurance Coverage 00,000 per accident, and that coverage is primary — the company’s insurer cannot point at the driver’s personal policy first. From acceptance through drop-off (Periods 2–3), 1. The Basics of TNC Insurance Coverage ,000,000 in liability coverage applies. One 2026 change matters for serious cases: effective January 1, 2026, SB 371 reduced the required uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage during trips to $60,000/$300,000, with the date of the collision controlling which limits apply — and that UM protection applies while a passenger is in the vehicle.

Both Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance for their drivers, but the level of coverage depends on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident:

This tiered insurance structure makes determining coverage tricky, especially if multiple parties are involved.

• —App Off: When the driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage.
• —App On, No Ride Accepted: When the driver is logged in but hasn’t accepted a ride request, Uber/Lyft provides limited liability coverage: Up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• —$100,000 per accident
• —$25,000 for property damage

022. Who Can File a Rideshare Injury Claim?

A variety of people may be eligible to file a rideshare injury claim in California:

The key is establishing what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. This determines which insurance policy applies.

• —Passengers injured during a ride
• —Drivers of other vehicles hit by a rideshare car
• —Pedestrians or cyclists struck by a rideshare driver
• —Uber or Lyft drivers injured while working

033. The Role of Third-Party Liability

Not all rideshare accidents are caused by the Uber or Lyft driver. In some cases, a third-party driver may be fully or partially responsible. When that happens:

Navigating these claims requires careful coordination between multiple insurers. Having a knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer in California is crucial to avoid delays and denials.

• —The at-fault driver’s insurance is the primary source of compensation.
• —If their policy limits are too low, Uber or Lyft’s uninsured/underinsured coverage may kick in—if the rideshare driver was on the app and engaged in a ride.

044. The Statute That Actually Decides Who Pays

Rideshare coverage in California is set by statute, not by negotiation: Public Utilities Code §§ 5430–5443 govern what insurance a Transportation Network Company must carry, and the answer turns entirely on what the app was doing at the moment of the crash.

One recent change matters a great deal. Uninsured and underinsured motorist cover under § 5433 was reduced with effect from 1 January 2026. The date of your collision controls which limits apply, so a crash before that date may carry substantially more UM/UIM cover than one after it. If you were hurt in a rideshare vehicle, confirm the applicable limits for your specific date of loss rather than relying on a general figure.

• —App off. The driver is a private motorist. Only their personal auto policy responds — and many personal policies contain a livery exclusion.
• —App on, no ride accepted. A lower tier of TNC coverage applies. Importantly, § 5433 makes this cover primary — it does not depend on the personal insurer denying the claim first.
• —En route to pickup, or passenger aboard. The $1,000,000 commercial liability policy applies.

055. Special Considerations for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Drivers injured while working for a rideshare platform may have access to TNC insurance, but they are generally not covered by traditional workers’ compensation. However, both Uber and Lyft offer limited driver injury protection plans that may cover:

Enrollment in these programs is optional, and many drivers aren’t even aware of them. If you’re a driver injured in a crash, consult with a personal injury attorney to explore all available recovery options.

• —Medical bills
• —Disability payments
• —Survivor benefits

066. What Damages Can Victims Recover?

Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, you may be eligible for compensation for:

In cases involving permanent injury or death, additional damages may be pursued. The presence of commercial insurance often increases the potential value of the claim.

• —Medical expenses
• —Lost income
• —Property damage
• —Pain and suffering
• —Emotional distress

077. What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

To protect your health and legal rights:

Then, contact a personal injury attorney with experience in rideshare cases.

• —Call 911 and report the accident
• —Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
• —Get contact info for all drivers and witnesses
• —Make note of the rideshare driver’s app status (screenshot if possible)
• —Seek medical attention immediately
• —Avoid making recorded statements to insurers

088. Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Uber and Lyft have teams of lawyers and insurers trained to limit payouts. Don’t expect them to prioritize your well-being.

An experienced rideshare attorney can:

At Black Diamond Law, we know how to hold transportation network companies (TNCs) and negligent drivers accountable. We work to secure full compensation while you focus on healing.

• —Determine the correct insurance coverage
• —Gather evidence and driver data from the TNC
• —Handle complex multi-party negotiations
• —Maximize your settlement or take the case to trial if necessary

09Conclusion: Don’t Let Insurance Confusion Delay Your Recovery

Rideshare accidents are complicated, but your path to compensation doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a passenger, pedestrian, or other driver, you have rights—and options.

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, contact Black Diamond Law for a free case review. We’ll help you understand your legal options and build a strategy to recover what you deserve.

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. If you have been injured, speak with a licensed attorney about your specific situation.

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