Bakersfield Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers

Overview of Rideshare Laws in California

California regulates rideshare companies through the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Under state law, Uber and Lyft drivers are classified as Transportation Network Company (TNC) drivers. These companies must provide specific insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status in the rideshare app.

California law requires rideshare companies to maintain insurance coverage that protects passengers, drivers, and other road users in the event of an accident. The amount of coverage available varies depending on whether the driver is actively using the rideshare app and whether a ride has been accepted.

Key aspects of California rideshare laws include:

• Rideshare companies must conduct background checks on drivers
• Vehicles used for rideshare services must meet safety and inspection requirements
• Drivers must carry commercial liability insurance coverage while working
• Additional insurance coverage is activated when a driver accepts a ride request or transports a passenger

These laws are designed to protect passengers and other motorists, but determining which insurance policy applies can still be complicated after a crash. A Bakersfield rideshare accident lawyer can help investigate the accident and identify all available sources of compensation.

Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Determining liability in a rideshare accident often depends on the driver’s status in the rideshare app at the time of the crash. Because rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors rather than employees, the circumstances of the accident play a major role in determining which insurance policy applies.

Driver Logged Off the App

If the rideshare driver is not logged into the Uber or Lyft app, the driver is considered off duty. In this situation, the rideshare company’s insurance coverage does not apply.

Instead, the driver’s personal auto insurance policy is usually responsible for covering damages resulting from the accident. Victims may pursue compensation from the driver’s personal insurance company just as they would in a standard car accident case.

However, personal insurance policies may have lower coverage limits, which can make recovering full compensation more difficult.

Driver Logged On but Has Not Accepted a Ride

When the driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, limited coverage from the rideshare company becomes available.

During this period, rideshare companies typically provide contingent liability coverage that may include:

• Up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• Up to $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• Up to $25,000 for property damage

This coverage applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the damages from the accident.

Driver Has Accepted a Ride or Is Transporting a Passenger

Once a driver accepts a ride request or is actively transporting a passenger, the highest level of insurance coverage applies. Both Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage during this phase.

This coverage may apply if:

• The rideshare driver causes an accident while picking up a passenger
• The driver causes a crash while transporting a passenger to their destination
• Another driver causes the accident but does not have adequate insurance

Because higher insurance coverage is available during this phase, accident victims often have stronger opportunities to recover compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

A rideshare accident can leave victims facing overwhelming medical and financial challenges. Our priority is to pursue comprehensive compensation to address all damages caused by the collision. Carpenter & Zuckerman may help you pursue compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Recovery for time missed from work and any reductions in your future earning ability.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as damage to personal belongings.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases where extreme negligence played a role.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we thoroughly evaluate your case to ensure every area of potential compensation is pursued, leaving no detail overlooked.