- Free Consultation: 866-966-5240 Tap Here To Call Us
Top Uber/Lyft Accident Settlement Amounts in California: A Comprehensive 2026 Guide
Article Summary
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed analysis of top rideshare accident settlements in California, with a table of notable cases ranging from $285k to $25M. It explains the key factors that determine settlement value, including injury severity, economic and non-economic damages, and liability. The article also breaks down the complex four-period insurance system, the impact of the 2026 law (SB 371) that slashed victim protections, and the ongoing threat of Uber’s proposed ballot initiative. It covers the legal framework, including Prop 22, statutes of limitations, and wrongful death claims, and provides a step-by-step guide for victims to follow after an accident.
The convenience of ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft has fundamentally transformed how Californians travel. With millions of rides completed every year across Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and beyond, these platforms have become a daily fixture of modern life. Yet, the rapid expansion of the gig-economy transportation sector has been accompanied by a troubling rise in serious accidents, leaving passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists to grapple with devastating injuries and an extraordinarily complex legal landscape.
For anyone injured in a rideshare accident in California, the stakes are high and the path to justice is rarely straightforward. Victims face not only the physical and emotional trauma of their injuries, but also the daunting challenge of navigating a web of insurance policies, corporate liability arguments, and evolving state law. Understanding the potential value of a rideshare accident claim—and the factors that drive it—is an essential first step toward recovery.
This guide provides a comprehensive, up-to-date analysis of the top rideshare accident settlement amounts in California, the legal principles that govern these claims, the critical insurance changes that took effect in 2026, and the practical steps every victim should take to protect their rights. Whether you were injured as a passenger, a pedestrian, a cyclist, or another driver, this resource is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve.
What Is a Rideshare Accident Claim?
A rideshare accident claim is a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit filed by a person who was harmed due to the negligence of a rideshare driver, the rideshare company itself, or another at-fault party during a rideshare-related incident. These claims are distinct from ordinary car accident claims in several important ways, primarily because of the complex insurance structures, the independent contractor classification of drivers, and the potential for corporate liability.
Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim in California?
A wide range of individuals may have grounds to file a claim following a rideshare accident. The most common categories of claimants include:
Passengers who are injured while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle. As a Lyft passenger or Uber passenger, you are almost never considered at fault for the accident, which places you in a particularly strong legal position to recover compensation.
Pedestrians and cyclists who are struck by a rideshare vehicle while the driver is logged into the app, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a rider. Our firm handles pedestrian accident claims and bicycle accident claims throughout California.
Occupants of other vehicles who are involved in a collision with a rideshare driver who was negligent or reckless. These cases often involve multiple-vehicle collisions and complex insurance disputes.
Rideshare drivers themselves who are injured in an accident caused by another driver while they are on duty. The insurance coverage available to drivers differs from that available to passengers.
Family members of those killed in a rideshare-related accident, who may bring a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60.
Notable Rideshare Accident Settlements and Verdicts in California
Examining publicly reported settlements and verdicts provides a realistic picture of the compensation that may be available in serious rideshare accident cases. The following cases represent some of the most significant outcomes in California and nationally, and they illustrate the range of injuries, circumstances, and legal theories that can lead to substantial recoveries.
| Amount | Location | Injury | Case Summary |
| $25M | Los Angeles | Wrongful Death | Uber driver distracted by app struck and killed a pedestrian. 1 |
| $12M | San Francisco | TBI | Lyft driver ran red light, causing crash; passenger suffered TBI. 2 |
| $9.5M | Sacramento | TBI, Fractures | Lyft driver struck bicyclist, causing TBI and multiple fractures. 2 |
| $8.5M | Arizona (Fed) | Sexual Assault | Jury verdict against Uber for driver’s sexual assault of passenger. 3 |
| $7M | San Diego | Wrongful Death | Speeding Lyft driver struck and killed a 15-year-old pedestrian. 2 |
| $6.7M | Massachusetts | Severe Hip Injury | Uber driver struck runner who later required multiple hip surgeries. 4 |
| $5M | Orange County | Spinal Cord Injury | Lyft passenger suffered permanent spinal cord injury in a collision. 2 |
| $2.8M | California | Severe Leg Injury | Rideshare passenger sustained a severe leg injury in a crash. 4 |
| $2.1M | Los Angeles | Fractured Vertebrae | Lyft driver failed to yield, causing T-bone crash; passenger injured. 2 |
| $1.35M | Fresno | Herniated Disc | Lyft passenger sustained herniated disc in a rear-end collision. 2 |
| $900k | San Jose | Broken Leg, PTSD | Lyft driver making a right turn struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk. 2 |
| $500k | California | Cyclist Injury | Negligent Uber driver struck a cyclist; case settled after litigation. 4 |
| $285k | California | CRPS | Uber passenger developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after crash. 4 |
Important Disclaimer: The settlement amounts listed above represent publicly reported outcomes and are provided for informational purposes only. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case. Every rideshare accident claim is unique, and the value of your case will depend on the specific facts, evidence, and applicable law. You can review our firm’s actual case results for examples of recoveries we have obtained for our clients.
Key Factors That Determine the Value of a Rideshare Accident Settlement
The value of a rideshare accident settlement is not determined by a simple formula. It is the product of a careful, fact-intensive analysis of numerous variables that, taken together, reflect the full extent of a victim’s losses and the strength of their legal claim. Understanding these factors is essential for anyone seeking to maximize their recovery.
1. The Nature and Severity of the Injuries
The most powerful driver of settlement value is the severity of the injuries sustained. Catastrophic injuries—those that are permanent, life-altering, or require extensive ongoing medical care—will invariably lead to the highest settlements. The following table provides a general framework for understanding how injury severity correlates with potential compensation ranges.
| Injury Severity | Common Injury Types | Typical Settlement Range |
| Minor | Whiplash, soft tissue, minor cuts | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Moderate | Fractures, concussions, herniated discs | $50,000 – $250,000 |
| Severe | TBI, spinal cord injuries, amputation | $250,000 – $1,000,000+ |
| Catastrophic | Paralysis, severe brain damage, death | $1,000,000+ |
Common serious injuries in rideshare accidents include spinal and back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, chest injuries, and femur fractures. The more severe and permanent the injury, the greater the potential settlement value.
2. Economic Damages: The Quantifiable Losses
Economic damages represent the concrete, measurable financial losses that flow directly from the accident. A thorough and well-documented accounting of these losses is the foundation of any strong personal injury claim. Economic damages in rideshare accident cases typically include:
Medical Expenses: This encompasses all costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of your injuries, including emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any necessary medical devices such as wheelchairs or prosthetics. Critically, this category also includes the future medical costs that you are reasonably expected to incur over the course of your lifetime.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you are entitled to recover the income you have lost and the income you will lose in the future. For victims whose injuries prevent them from returning to their previous occupation or who suffer a reduced capacity to earn, this can be a substantial component of the total damages.
Property Damage: Compensation for any personal property damaged in the accident, such as your vehicle, electronics, or other belongings.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes transportation costs to medical appointments, the cost of hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform, and other incidental expenses directly caused by the accident.
3. Non-Economic Damages: The Intangible Losses
California law recognizes that not all losses can be measured in dollars and cents. Non-economic damages compensate victims for the profound human costs of a serious injury. For a deeper discussion of how these damages are calculated, see our detailed guide on pain and suffering settlement examples in California. These damages include:
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and discomfort caused by the injuries, both past and future. This is often calculated using a “multiplier” method, where the total economic damages are multiplied by a factor (typically between 1.5 and 5) that reflects the severity of the pain and suffering.
Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact of the accident and injuries, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fear of driving or riding in vehicles.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, recreational activities, or other aspects of life that you previously enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Loss of Consortium: The spouse or domestic partner of a seriously injured victim may have a separate claim for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the injuries.
4. Liability: Establishing Who Is at Fault
The strength of your liability case is a critical factor in determining the value of your settlement. A clear and compelling showing of fault on the part of the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, or another party will significantly increase your leverage in settlement negotiations. Conversely, if liability is disputed or if you bear some degree of fault for the accident, your recovery may be reduced.
5. California’s Pure Comparative Negligence Rule
California follows a “pure comparative negligence” standard, which is codified in Civil Code § 1714 and interpreted through decades of case law. Under this rule, a plaintiff can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for the accident. However, the total damages awarded will be reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
For example, if a jury finds that your total damages are $500,000 but that you were 25% at fault (perhaps because you were not wearing a seatbelt), your recovery would be reduced to $375,000. This rule applies even if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, which distinguishes California’s system from the “modified comparative negligence” rules used in many other states.
6. Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly egregious or reckless conduct, California courts may award punitive damages under Civil Code § 3294. Punitive damages are not designed to compensate the victim for their losses; rather, they are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. In rideshare accident cases, punitive damages may be available when:
•The rideshare driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. See our page on DUI accident claims for more information.
•The rideshare company knew that a driver had a history of dangerous behavior but continued to allow them to operate on the platform.
•The rideshare company engaged in a deliberate cover-up of safety data or evidence related to the accident.
Punitive damages are relatively rare, but in cases where they are awarded, they can dramatically increase the total recovery. Several of the multi-million dollar verdicts against Uber and Lyft have included substantial punitive damage components.
7. The Quality of Legal Representation
The attorney you choose to represent you can have a profound impact on the outcome of your case. An experienced Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney who understands the specific legal and factual issues in these cases—including the tiered insurance system, the implications of Prop 22, and the tactics used by corporate defense teams—will be far better positioned to maximize your recovery than a general practitioner who handles these cases infrequently.
The Rideshare Insurance Maze: Understanding Coverage in California
Navigating the insurance landscape in a rideshare accident case is one of the most complex challenges victims face. Unlike a standard car accident, a rideshare crash may involve multiple insurance policies—the driver’s personal policy, the rideshare company’s commercial policy, and potentially the policies of other at-fault parties—all of which may be in dispute simultaneously.
The Four Periods of Rideshare Insurance Coverage
California law, as administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), divides rideshare driving into four distinct “periods,” each with its own insurance requirements. Determining which period was active at the time of your accident is one of the first and most important steps in evaluating your claim.
| Period | Driver Status | Applicable Coverage |
| 0 | App Off (Personal Use) | Driver’s personal auto insurance only. |
| 1 | App On (Awaiting Request) | Contingent liability: $50k/person, $100k/accident injury; $30k property. |
| 2 | En Route to Passenger | Full $1M third-party liability coverage. |
| 3 | Passenger in Vehicle | Full $1M third-party liability & UM/UIM coverage. |
Source: California Public Utilities Commission. 5
The Landmark Change: Senate Bill 371 and the Erosion of Victim Protections
Perhaps the most significant development in California rideshare law in recent years is the passage and implementation of Senate Bill 371 (SB 371), which took effect on January 1, 2026. This legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in late 2025, made a dramatic and controversial change to the uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage requirements for rideshare companies during Period 3.
UM/UIM coverage is the “silent hero” of auto insurance. It protects passengers when the at-fault party in an accident is a hit-and-run driver, an uninsured driver, or a driver whose insurance is insufficient to cover the full extent of the damages. For over a decade, California required rideshare companies to carry $1 million in UM/UIM coverage per incident during passenger trips—a robust safeguard that reflected the serious risks passengers face.
SB 371 reduced the mandatory UM/UIM coverage for rideshare passenger trips from $1,000,000 to just $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. This represents a 94% reduction in per-person coverage. 6
The practical consequences of this change are severe. In Southern California, a single emergency room visit and diagnostic imaging for a serious injury can cost between $15,000 and $25,000. A week of hospitalization for a traumatic brain injury can easily exceed $100,000. Under the new law, a victim injured by an uninsured driver while riding in an Uber or Lyft may find that the available UM/UIM coverage is exhausted long before their medical bills are paid.
Critically, it is important to understand what SB 371 did not change. The $1 million third-party liability coverage that applies when the rideshare driver is at fault for the accident remains intact. The reduction applies specifically to the UM/UIM coverage that protects passengers when a third party (not the rideshare driver) is at fault and is uninsured or underinsured. For more on how California’s uninsured motorist coverage works, see our dedicated practice area page.
Uber’s Proposed 2026 Ballot Initiative: A Further Threat to Victims’ Rights
The passage of SB 371 was not the end of Uber’s legislative campaign to limit its exposure to personal injury claims. As of early 2026, Uber is actively pursuing a California ballot initiative that would further restrict the rights of accident victims. The proposed measure would, among other things, cap the contingency fees that personal injury attorneys can charge in vehicle accident cases and limit the recovery of medical costs to the amounts actually paid by insurance, rather than the full billed amounts. 7
Consumer advocacy groups, including the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), have strongly opposed this initiative, arguing that it is designed not to protect consumers but to shield a multi-billion dollar corporation from accountability. Critics note that capping attorney fees would make it economically unviable for many victims to find legal representation, effectively denying them access to justice.
This ongoing legislative battle underscores the importance of acting quickly if you have been injured in a rideshare accident. The legal landscape is changing rapidly, and the rights available to you today may be further restricted in the future.
The Legal Framework: California Laws Governing Rideshare Accident Claims
Proposition 22 and the Independent Contractor Question
The legal classification of rideshare drivers has been one of the most hotly contested issues in California employment and tort law. In 2019, the California legislature passed Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5), which established a strict three-part test (the “ABC test”) for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. Under AB 5, most rideshare drivers would have been classified as employees, significantly expanding Uber and Lyft’s liability for their drivers’ actions. For a full discussion of AB 5 and its implications, see our blog post on California Assembly Bill 5 and gig workers.
In response, Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy companies spent over $200 million to pass Proposition 22 in November 2020, which carved out an exemption for app-based transportation and delivery drivers. As a result, rideshare drivers in California remain classified as independent contractors, not employees. 8
The California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 22 in July 2024, affirming that it does not infringe upon the legislature’s authority to regulate workers’ compensation. This ruling has significant implications for accident victims, as it limits the circumstances under which Uber and Lyft can be held vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence.
However, Prop 22 does not provide complete immunity to rideshare companies. Victims may still be able to hold Uber or Lyft directly liable for their own corporate negligence, including:
•Negligent Hiring and Screening: Failure to conduct adequate background checks on drivers, allowing individuals with a history of dangerous driving, criminal conduct, or substance abuse to operate on the platform.
•Negligent Retention: Continuing to allow a driver to operate on the platform after receiving complaints or notice of dangerous behavior.
•Negligent Supervision: Failing to implement adequate safety protocols, monitoring systems, or driver training programs.
•Product Liability: Designing an app interface that encourages or requires drivers to interact with their phones while driving, thereby contributing to distracted driving accidents.
The Statute of Limitations: Time Is of the Essence
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, as established by California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins from the date of the victim’s death. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you will almost certainly be barred from recovering any compensation, regardless of the merits of your claim.
There are limited exceptions that may toll (pause) the statute of limitations, such as when the victim is a minor or when the victim was not immediately aware of their injuries. However, these exceptions are narrow and should not be relied upon. The safest course of action is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
If your claim involves a government entity—for example, if a defective road condition contributed to the accident—the deadline to file a government tort claim is even shorter: six months from the date of the incident.
Wrongful Death Claims in Rideshare Accidents
When a rideshare accident results in the death of a victim, the surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60. Eligible claimants include the deceased’s surviving spouse or domestic partner, children, and, in some circumstances, other dependents.
A wrongful death claim seeks to compensate the surviving family members for their own losses, including:
•The financial support the deceased would have provided to the family.
•The loss of the deceased’s companionship, love, and affection.
•Funeral and burial expenses.
•The value of household services the deceased would have provided.
In addition to a wrongful death claim, the estate of the deceased may also bring a survival action under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.30, which seeks to recover the damages the deceased themselves suffered before death, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.
Types of Rideshare Accidents and the Injuries They Cause
Rideshare accidents can take many forms, and the type of accident often influences the nature and severity of the resulting injuries. Understanding the common scenarios can help victims and their attorneys identify all potentially liable parties and build the strongest possible case.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Rideshare drivers are uniquely susceptible to distracted driving. They must constantly monitor the app for new ride requests, navigate to unfamiliar addresses, and communicate with passengers—all while operating a motor vehicle. Studies have found that the introduction of ridesharing services correlates with a 3% annual increase in traffic deaths, in part due to the distraction created by these platforms. 9 Our firm handles distracted driving accident claims throughout California.
Fatigued Driving Accidents
Many rideshare drivers work long hours, often driving late into the night or in the early morning hours to maximize their earnings. Driver fatigue impairs reaction time, judgment, and situational awareness in ways that are comparable to alcohol impairment, making it a significant risk factor in rideshare accidents. This is particularly common among drivers who also hold other jobs and use ridesharing as supplemental income.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
The economic incentives of rideshare driving—where earnings are tied to the number of rides completed—can encourage drivers to speed or drive aggressively to pick up more passengers. This is particularly dangerous in residential neighborhoods and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Speeding accidents and road rage incidents are among the most common causes of serious rideshare collisions.
DUI and Impaired Driving Accidents
While rideshare companies conduct background checks on drivers, they have no mechanism to detect whether a driver is impaired at the time of a given trip. DUI accidents involving rideshare drivers do occur, and in these cases, the victim may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Sexual Assault by Rideshare Drivers
A deeply troubling category of rideshare claims involves sexual assault committed by drivers against passengers. Both Uber and Lyft have faced thousands of lawsuits from survivors of driver-perpetrated sexual assault. The recent $8.5 million federal jury verdict against Uber in a sexual assault case is a landmark development that signals increasing accountability for these companies. 3 Our firm handles sexual assault and abuse claims with the sensitivity and discretion these cases require.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents
Rideshare drivers frequently stop in bike lanes, crosswalks, and other areas to pick up or drop off passengers, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. When a rideshare vehicle strikes a pedestrian or cyclist, the injuries are often catastrophic, given the vulnerability of these road users. Our firm has extensive experience representing pedestrian accident victims and bicycle accident victims in rideshare-related cases throughout Los Angeles and California.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident: Protecting Your Rights
The actions you take in the immediate aftermath of a rideshare accident can have a profound impact on the strength of your legal claim and the amount of compensation you ultimately recover. The following steps are critical.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health. If you are seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to move if you may have a spinal injury. Even if you feel relatively uninjured, accept medical evaluation at the scene and follow up with a physician as soon as possible. Many serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, do not present with immediate symptoms.
Step 2: Secure a Police Report. Request that a police officer respond to the scene and file an official accident report. This document is a critical piece of evidence that establishes the basic facts of the incident, including the identities of the parties involved, the location, and the officer’s preliminary assessment of fault. You can learn more about the legal significance of traffic collision reports on our website.
Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene. If your condition allows, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene. Take photographs and videos of the vehicles, the damage, the road conditions, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect the names, contact information, and insurance details of all drivers involved. Get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Step 4: Capture Your Ride Data. Take a screenshot of your ride information in the Uber or Lyft app immediately after the accident. This data—including the driver’s name, vehicle information, and the status of the trip at the time of the crash—is essential for establishing which insurance period was active and for identifying the responsible parties.
Step 5: Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company. Both Uber and Lyft have in-app features for reporting accidents. File a report as soon as possible to create an official record with the company.
Step 6: Seek Prompt Medical Treatment. Even if you initially declined medical attention at the scene, see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Prompt medical treatment creates a contemporaneous record of your injuries that is invaluable in establishing the connection between the accident and your damages. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies grounds to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or were not as serious as claimed.
Step 7: Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Without an Attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may contact you quickly after the accident and attempt to get you to make statements that can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Understanding California car insurance accident disputes can help you recognize these tactics. Politely decline to give a recorded statement and refer them to your attorney.
Step 8: Consult with an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney. This is the most important step. A skilled Los Angeles personal injury attorney who specializes in rideshare accidents can investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, navigate the complex insurance landscape, and fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to receive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rideshare Accident Claims in California
Q: How much is my rideshare accident case worth?
There is no single answer to this question, as the value of every case depends on the unique facts and circumstances. The most important factors are the severity of your injuries, the extent of your economic losses, the strength of the liability case, and the available insurance coverage. Cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or clear corporate negligence have resulted in settlements ranging from several hundred thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars. You can review our firm’s case results for examples of the recoveries we have obtained.
Q: Can I sue Uber or Lyft directly, or only the driver?
You may be able to pursue claims against both the driver and the rideshare company, depending on the circumstances. While Prop 22 limits the scope of vicarious liability, you may still have a direct negligence claim against the company for negligent hiring, negligent retention, or a defective app design. Our Uber accident attorney and Lyft accident attorney pages provide more detail on how we approach these claims.
Q: What if the rideshare driver was not at fault—another driver caused the accident?
If a third-party driver caused the accident, you may have claims against that driver and their insurance company. You may also have a claim against the rideshare company’s UM/UIM coverage if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. However, as discussed above, SB 371 has significantly reduced the UM/UIM coverage available in California as of 2026. Our page on uninsured motorist claims explains your options in detail.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under California’s pure comparative negligence rule, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you will not be completely barred from compensation. Our FAQ page addresses many common questions about California personal injury law.
Q: How long does a rideshare accident case take to resolve?
The timeline varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Straightforward cases with clear liability and documented injuries may resolve within several months. Complex cases involving disputed liability, catastrophic injuries, or corporate defendants may take two to three years or longer to fully resolve.
Q: Do I need to pay an attorney upfront?
At Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, we handle rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no attorney’s fees unless and until we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, so there is no financial risk to you in pursuing your claim. Contact us to learn more.
Why Choose Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC?
The legal landscape surrounding rideshare accidents in California is among the most complex in personal injury law. From the tiered insurance system and the implications of Prop 22, to the sweeping changes of SB 371 and Uber’s ongoing efforts to limit victims’ rights, the challenges facing injured passengers, pedestrians, and other victims are formidable. Insurance companies and rideshare corporations have vast resources and experienced legal teams dedicated to minimizing their liability. You deserve an advocate who is equally committed to fighting for you.
At Steven M. Sweat, Personal Injury Lawyers, APC, we have spent over 25 years fighting for the rights of injured Californians. We have a deep understanding of the unique legal and factual issues that arise in rideshare accident cases, and we have the experience and resources to take on the largest corporations and insurance companies. We serve clients throughout Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, Orange County, and across California.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, we invite you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options with no obligation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Call us toll-free at 866-966-5240 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is based on California law as of the date of publication and is subject to change. The settlement amounts and case outcomes described are based on publicly reported information and do not guarantee a similar result in any future case. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have been injured in an accident, you should consult with a licensed California personal injury attorney regarding your specific situation.
References
Footnotes
1.CalMatters. (2026, February 24). Uber ballot initiative sparks showdown with lawyers, doctors. Retrieved from https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/02/uber-california-ballot-initiatives/ ↩
2.CNN. (2026, February 6 ). Uber must pay $8.5 million in driver sexual assault case, jury says. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/06/tech/uber-sexual-assault-case-verdict ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
3.CNN. (2026, February 6 ). Uber must pay $8.5 million in driver sexual assault case, jury says. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/06/tech/uber-sexual-assault-case-verdict ↩ ↩2
4.Publicly reported rideshare accident settlements and verdicts, various California courts, 2020–2026. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
5.California Public Utilities Commission. Transportation Network Company Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/transportation/transportation-network-companies ↩
6.California Senate Bill 371 (2025 ). An Act to amend Section 5433 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to transportation network companies. Retrieved from https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/ ↩
7.CalMatters. (2026, February 24 ). Uber ballot initiative sparks showdown with lawyers, doctors. Retrieved from https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/02/uber-california-ballot-initiatives/ ↩
8.CalMatters. (2020 ). California Proposition 22: Exempting some gig workers. Retrieved from https://calmatters.org/election-2020-guide/proposition-22-gig-workers-ab-5/ ↩
9.University of Chicago. (2019 ). The Cost of Convenience: Ridesharing and Traffic Fatalities. Retrieved from https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/ridesharing-and-traffic-fatalities ↩












