Suing Uber or Lyft After a Crash in Lincoln: Can You Actually Do It?

Rideshare accidents in Lincoln, California, can leave victims facing serious injuries, medical bills, and confusion over liability. As a growing community in Placer County near Sacramento, Lincoln experiences frequent use of Uber and Lyft on local roads, such as Highway 65, or during commutes to nearby cities. If you have been involved in a crash as a passenger, driver, or third party, you should understand your rights. Although Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, California law does allow you to sue the companies in some circumstances. At the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika, we've helped Northern California clients secure substantial settlements, such as $2,350,000 for an auto accident. Below, we discuss suing rideshare companies directly, insurance coverage, liability, the importance of an attorney, and more. 

Can You Sue Uber or Lyft Directly? 

In California, although Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, you may sue Uber or Lyft directly after an accident under certain conditions. You may be able to directly sue the rideshare company if there was negligence on the part of the company, such as failing to conduct a proper background check on the driver, neglecting minimum maintenance for their cars, or other forms of corporate negligence. In most cases, if you are hurt while a rideshare is involved in an accident, you'll start by suing the driver, and the rideshare company's insurance will pay in full or to some extent. Because California is a fault state, you'll have to prove negligence anyway. In any situation where a rideshare incident occurs, the rideshare's $1 million liability policy can provide significant monetary compensation for passengers or other injured individuals. If the crash involved a third-party driver, you may sue them separately, but Uber or Lyft could still be involved if their driver shares fault. Suing directly is complex due to arbitration clauses in user agreements; however, courts may still allow lawsuits for severe injuries. 

What Rideshare Insurance Coverage Looks Like in California 

Uber and Lyft provide tiered insurance coverage in California, depending on the "period" of the ride, as mandated by state law. Here's a breakdown: 

• Period 0 (App Off): The driver has no rideshare activity and is solely covered under personal insurance. The California minimum liability requirement is as follows: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage. However, it may not cover rideshare-related claims. 
• Period 1 (App On, Waiting for Ride): Company provides limited liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. 
• Period 2 (En Route to Pickup): Coverage increases to $1 million in liability for third-party claims. 
• Period 3 (Passenger in Vehicle): Full $1 million liability coverage, plus $1 million uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) protection, and contingent comprehensive/collision if the driver has it personally (up to vehicle value, with deductibles up to $2,500). 

These policies are supplemental; personal insurance may deny claims if not endorsed for rideshare. In Lincoln crashes, tapping into this coverage requires proving the period and fault, often leading to disputes with insurers. 

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rideshare Accident? 

Liability in California rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, depending on fault and the circumstances of the accident. Primary liable parties include: 

• The Rideshare Driver: If their negligent behavior (i.e., distracted driving) caused the crash, they can be liable; however, because the driver was actively engaged in a "lead" (Uber/Lyft) status, the company will likely cover the driver under the company's insurance policy for the crash. 
• The Rideshare Company (Uber/Lyft): Liable if their actions contributed, such as negligent hiring or failure to enforce safety protocols. Their $1M policy can apply. 
• Third Parties: Other drivers, pedestrians, or entities, such as vehicle manufacturers, if defects played a role. 
• Passengers or Others: Rarely, but if contributory negligence is proven, it reduces recovery under California's comparative fault rules. 

In Lincoln cases, investigating app data, dashcams, and witnesses is crucial to assigning liability accurately. 

Why You Need an Attorney After a Rideshare Crash 

Accidents involving rideshares can involve complex layers of insurance, corporate defenses, and narrow deadline (the statute of limitations). Insurance companies for Uber and Lyft typically work to limit payouts or assign blame, so representing yourself can be a risky proposition. With an attorney, you can: 

• Navigate arbitration clauses and fight for access to the court. 
• Gather evidence, such as app logs, police reports, and medical records. 
• Negotiate with multiple insurers to secure the maximum compensation. 
• Handle subrogation if your health insurer seeks reimbursement. 

Without legal help, you might settle for less than you deserve, especially for long-term injuries like whiplash or TBIs. 

How the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika Can Help 

At the law firm of Brian P. Azemika, we offer individualized representation for rideshare accident victims in Lincoln. Brian P. Azemika personally handles your case, investigates liability, negotiates with Uber/Lyft insurers, and seeks compensation for your medical bills, lost income and wages, pain and suffering, and related expenses. Our proven results include $750,000 for a slip-and-fall and $300,000 for a trucking accident. We work on a contingency basis, with no fees unless you win, and offer complimentary consultations from our Sacramento and Roseville offices. 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation Today 

If you've been in an Uber or Lyft crash in Lincoln, don't face the companies alone. Contact the Law Office of Brian P. Azemika for a no-obligation case review. Call or reach out online; we're here to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.