Law for Everyone with Donya Noori
By Donya Noori
Graduate of Southwestern Law School and Legal Professional with the Law Offices of Camellia Jalilvand
Over the past decade, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have become part of everyday life for millions of Americans. Members of the Iranian-American community also rely on these services for commuting to work, traveling to airports, attending social events, and running daily errands. At the same time, many individuals now earn part of their income by driving for these companies.
Although rideshare services have made transportation more convenient, many passengers and drivers are uncertain about their legal rights if an accident occurs during an Uber or Lyft trip.
Who pays for medical bills? Does Uber or Lyft provide insurance? What happens if another driver causes the accident? And what should you do immediately after the collision?
These are some of the most common questions asked by accident victims, and understanding the answers can help protect both your health and your legal rights.
Do Uber and Lyft Provide Insurance?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Uber and Lyft drivers rely only on their personal auto insurance.
In reality, the insurance situation is often more complicated.
Depending on the circumstances, different insurance policies may apply. Which policy provides coverage depends largely on what the driver was doing at the exact moment the accident occurred.
For example, if the driver was using the vehicle for personal reasons and the rideshare application was turned off, personal auto insurance will generally play the primary role.
However, if the driver was logged into the rideshare app, waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger, different insurance coverage may become available.
Understanding these differences is one of the reasons rideshare accident claims can be more complicated than ordinary automobile accidents.
If You Are the Passenger
Imagine you request an Uber through the app and, while traveling to your destination, the vehicle is involved in a collision.
Your first concern should always be your safety and the safety of everyone involved.
If you suffer injuries, you may have the right to pursue compensation depending on how the accident occurred and who was legally responsible.
Sometimes the Uber or Lyft driver is at fault.
In other cases, another driver may have caused the collision.
Because every accident is different, determining responsibility requires a careful review of the available evidence.
What If Another Driver Caused the Crash?
Not every rideshare accident is caused by the Uber or Lyft driver.
Another motorist may run a red light, make an unsafe lane change, or drive while distracted, causing the collision.
In these situations, the insurance company for the at-fault driver may become responsible for compensating injured victims.
However, if the responsible driver has little or no insurance coverage, the claim may involve additional insurance protections depending on the circumstances.
This is why every rideshare accident should be evaluated individually.
If You Are Driving for Uber or Lyft
Many Californians—including members of the Iranian-American community—drive for Uber or Lyft either full-time or as a second source of income.
If a rideshare driver is injured during a trip, the available insurance coverage depends on several important factors, including whether the rideshare application was active and what stage of the trip the driver was in.
Drivers should carefully review their insurance policies to understand exactly what coverage is available while working.
Having the proper insurance before an accident occurs can prevent significant financial difficulties later.
Gather Important Evidence
Whether you are a passenger or a rideshare driver, collecting evidence immediately after an accident can be extremely important.
If it is safe to do so, take photographs of:
- The accident scene
- Vehicle damage
- License plates
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Any visible injuries
If witnesses observed the collision, obtain their names and contact information.
You should also keep copies of the police report, medical records, repair estimates, insurance information, and receipts related to the accident.
Good documentation often plays a major role in resolving an insurance claim.
Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Companies
After an accident, insurance representatives may contact you quickly.
Answer questions honestly, but avoid guessing about facts or minimizing your injuries before your medical condition is fully understood.
Remember that some injuries—including neck injuries, back injuries, and concussions—may not become apparent until hours or even days after the accident.
It is generally wise to understand the full extent of your injuries before making important decisions regarding your claim.
Your Health Comes First
Many accident victims focus first on repairing their vehicle.
While property damage is certainly important, your physical health should always be the top priority.
Seek appropriate medical evaluation if you experience pain, dizziness, headaches, neck stiffness, back discomfort, or any other symptoms following a collision.
Prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates medical documentation that may become important later.
Knowledge Is Your Best Protection
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple insurance policies and legal questions that differ from ordinary traffic collisions.
Understanding your rights, reporting the accident promptly, preserving evidence, and following your physician’s recommendations can make a significant difference in protecting your interests.
No one expects to be involved in an accident while using Uber or Lyft. However, knowing what to do before a problem arises can help you make informed decisions if the unexpected happens.
About the Author
Donya Noori is a graduate of Southwestern Law School and works with the Law Offices of Camellia Jalilvand in Los Angeles. Her professional experience focuses primarily on automobile accident and personal injury matters.
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.
If you have questions regarding a motor vehicle accident or personal injury claim, you may contact the Law Offices of Camellia Jalilvand and request to speak with Donya Noori.