It depends on who caused the crash and what the driver was doing when it happened. If the rideshare driver was on a trip or heading to pick you up, Uber and Lyft carry a large liability policy that can cover your injuries. If another driver caused the wreck, that driver's insurance is usually the first place you look.
California requires rideshare companies to carry different levels of coverage depending on the app status. When the driver is offline, only their personal auto policy applies. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, a smaller contingent policy kicks in. Once a ride is accepted or a passenger is in the car, the full commercial policy is in play. That is why the exact moment of the crash matters so much.
If the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured, Uber and Lyft also carry coverage that can step in during an active trip. As a passenger, you generally are not blamed for the crash, so you have a clear path to recovery. Keep in mind California is a pure comparative-fault state, so if a driver is partly at fault their recovery is reduced by their share.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different.
These claims get complicated fast because more than one insurer is often involved. Learn more about rideshare accidents and how car accidents and personal injury cases work, or reach out through our contact page.
Call Crudo Law at (858) 622-7280 or visit /contact for a free, confidential consultation.