A rideshare trip is supposed to be convenient and straightforward, not the start of a long recovery. Whether heading to work, meeting friends downtown, or just trying to get home, an unexpected Uber or Lyft accident can turn everything upside down.
If you’re left dealing with medical bills, missed work, or injuries that don’t go away, know that you don’t have to face this process alone. A Long Beach Uber accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Steers & Associates can help you understand your rights, navigate the insurance system, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We’ve helped our clients in Southern California regain control after serious rideshare injuries. Let us do the same for you.
Can I Sue After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Long Beach?
Yes. If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare driver, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim. Whether you were in the rideshare vehicle, another car, or on foot, California law allows injury victims to seek compensation when someone else’s negligence caused their injuries.
To understand your legal options, a Long Beach Uber crash lawyer can investigate the circumstances and help identify the liable party.
What Are the Insurance Policy Limits for Rideshare Accidents in California?
In California, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft must provide specific insurance coverage, which kicks in at different times. Three key periods determine which insurance policy applies and who may be responsible for covering your injuries and losses.
When the Driver Is Offline
If the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged in to the app at the time of the accident, they are considered “offline.” At this stage, the rideshare company’s insurance does not apply. Instead, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is responsible for covering any injuries or property damage caused in the crash.
App On, No Ride Accepted
During this period, Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers have the app on and are available to accept rides, but they haven’t matched with passengers yet. If the driver causes an accident during this window, the rideshare company’s insurance provides limited coverage.
Under California law, rideshare companies must provide a minimum of:
- $50,000 for death and bodily injury per person,
- $100,000 for death and bodily injury per accident, and
- $30,000 for property damage.
Working with a Long Beach Uber accident attorney is especially important because coverage during this period is more limited and often disputed. We can help determine the driver’s rideshare status and ensure you’re pursuing every available source of compensation.
Passenger in the Vehicle
$1 million in liability coverage for death, personal injury, and property damage is in effect from the moment a passenger enters the rideshare vehicle until the moment they exit. This period offers the highest level of protection for passengers.
In addition to liability coverage, California law requires $1 million in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM coverage) to be effective during this period.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Long Beach
The steps you take immediately after a crash involving Uber or Lyft can make a big difference in your physical recovery and legal case. It’s important to stay calm, prioritize your safety, and take action to protect your rights.
Step 1: Get Medical Care Right Away
Even if you feel okay, don’t assume you’re uninjured. Some injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal trauma, can take hours or days to show symptoms. Getting medical attention helps ensure your well-being and creates a medical record that supports your injury claim.
Step 2: Report the Crash
Law enforcement will arrive at the accident scene once emergency services are called. Ensure the accident is reported to the law enforcement agency that responds to the scene. If you were a passenger, also report the crash through the Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare app. These reports can help establish what happened and who was involved.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
If it’s safe, collect as much information as possible:
- Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any visible injuries;
- Ask for contact details from witnesses;
- Save receipts or ride confirmations from the Uber or Lyft app; and
- Write down what you remember as soon as you can.
Even small details may help strengthen your case later.
Step 4: Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers
Soon after the crash, you may be contacted by an insurance company. Be cautious about what you say. You’re not required to give a recorded statement, and doing so without legal guidance can hurt your claim.
Step 5: Contact a Long Beach Lyft Accident Lawyer
Before you negotiate with insurance adjusters, reach out to an attorney who understands the complexities of rideshare cases. At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we can handle communications, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Why You Need a Long Beach Uber Accident Attorney
Rideshare accident claims can quickly become complicated. Between overlapping insurance policies, app-based driver statuses, and conflicting accounts of what happened, figuring out who’s responsible and getting a fair settlement is rarely simple.
You may be dealing with:
- A driver who won’t admit fault,
- An insurance adjuster pushing a low settlement offer, or
- Confusing paperwork from Uber or Lyft’s legal team.
Handling that alone, especially while recovering from an injury, can be overwhelming.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we’ve spent over four decades helping injury victims navigate personal injury claims. We know how rideshare insurance works and how to hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
When you hire us, you’re getting:
- Trial-prepared advocates. We’re not afraid to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get justice.
- Personalized attention. We take time to understand your situation, injuries, and goals.
- Clear communication. You’ll always know where your case stands and what comes next.
- No fee unless you win. You don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
If you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident, our firm can help you move forward and regain your life.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In California, the deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit, including rideshare accidents, is two years from the date of the crash. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
If you miss this two-year window, you likely lose your right to pursue compensation in court, no matter how serious your injuries are or how apparent the other party’s fault may be.
That’s why it’s critical to speak with a Long Beach Uber accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and future.
Speak with an Experienced Long Beach Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Uber and Lyft may offer convenience at the tap of a button, but when something goes wrong, getting justice is anything but simple. You’re suddenly dealing with corporate insurance policies, confusing liability rules, and rideshare companies trained to protect their bottom line, not your recovery.
At the Law Offices of Steers & Associates, we take the lead in uncovering every potential source of insurance coverage, building a clear case for liability, and navigating the legal process on your behalf.
Call today for a free consultation with a seasoned Long Beach Uber accident lawyer.
