At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we understand that trauma isn’t always visible. A terrifying experience during an Uber or Lyft ride can leave deep emotional scars—even if you walk away physically unharmed. So, can you sue a rideshare driver for emotional distress alone?
Yes, you absolutely can. And we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
While most people think of personal injury claims in terms of broken bones and hospital visits, California law—and the legal system in many states—also recognizes emotional distress as a legitimate injury. Here’s what you need to know if you’ve experienced psychological trauma during a ride-share trip.
Understanding Emotional Distress: What Does the Law Say?
Emotional distress is a legal term for the psychological suffering caused by someone else’s reckless, negligent, or intentionally harmful behavior. This could include:
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- PTSD
- Nightmares or insomnia
- Long-term fear of driving or ride-share apps
There are two main types of emotional distress claims:
- Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress (NIED) – When a driver’s careless behavior causes you emotional harm.
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress (IIED) – When a driver purposely acts in an outrageous or abusive way.
You don’t need visible injuries to prove your pain is real.
Can You Really Sue Without a Physical Injury?
Yes. California courts—and many across the country—do not require a physical injury to file a valid emotional distress claim.
You might have a strong case if you:
- Were nearly involved in a crash caused by a reckless Uber or Lyft driver
- Experienced verbal abuse or threats during a ride
- Felt unsafe due to the driver’s erratic or dangerous behavior
- Had to jump out of the car to avoid a dangerous situation
- Suffered panic attacks or PTSD after the ride
Our team has handled multiple cases where emotional trauma alone was grounds for legal action. And yes, we’ve won them.
When Are Uber or Lyft Liable?
Uber and Lyft both argue that their drivers are “independent contractors,” not employees. This gives them wiggle room when lawsuits come knocking. But don’t let that discourage you.
West Coast Uber & Lyft Lawyers has successfully held rideshare companies accountable by showing they:
- Failed to screen drivers properly
- Didn’t remove a driver with a history of complaints
- Provided a service that directly led to harm
In many cases, you can sue both the driver and the company—and we know how to build a case that sticks.
What Evidence Do You Need for an Emotional Distress Claim?
Emotional pain is real—but because you can’t see it, proving it requires the right documentation. Here’s what helps build a solid case:
- Witnesses – Did anyone else witness the incident? Their testimony could support your story.
- Therapy and medical records – Visiting a therapist or psychologist gives you credibility. It shows you took your pain seriously.
- Text messages or journal entries – Anything that shows how the incident affected your day-to-day life.
- App screenshots and ride history – Preserve all communication with the driver and Uber/Lyft.
Our firm can help gather, organize, and present this evidence to maximize your compensation.
How Much Can You Get for Emotional Distress?
Every case is different, but emotional distress damages often include:
- Cost of therapy or counseling
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Sleep issues or PTSD-related symptoms
- Anxiety and depression-related losses
Settlements can range widely—from tens of thousands to even six figures, depending on the severity and the strength of your case. Our job is to make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Challenges You Might Face—And How We Help You Overcome Them
Let’s be honest. Emotional distress cases can be tough. Insurance companies and corporate legal teams will try to downplay your pain. They’ll argue it’s “not that serious” or try to pin your distress on something else in your life.
That’s why you need a team like West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers that:
- Knows how to frame emotional distress in legal terms
- Has expert witnesses and psychologists ready to testif
- Isn’t afraid to take on Uber, Lyft, or their insurers in court
We don’t back down. If we believe in your case, we fight to win.
You Deserve to Feel Safe—And You Deserve Justice
No one gets into a car expecting trauma. When you use Uber or Lyft, you’re trusting a stranger—and the company—to get you to your destination safely. If that trust is shattered, you shouldn’t be left to suffer in silence.
At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we make your voice heard. We’ve helped countless clients recover from traumatic experiences and walk away with the compensation—and closure—they needed to move forward.
What to Do if You’ve Suffered Emotional Trauma in a Ride-Share
Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Report the driver through the app – This creates an official record.
- Seek mental health support – Not only for healing but also to document your suffering.
- Take screenshots of all communications and ride info.
- Write down everything that happened as soon as possible.
- Call us for a free consultation.
Even if you’re not sure you want to sue, it costs nothing to talk to us—and it could make all the difference.
Let Us Help You Heal and Fight Back
You don’t need to carry this burden alone. Emotional trauma is valid. It’s recognized by the law. And you have every right to hold Uber or Lyft accountable if their driver caused you pain—even without a scratch on your body.
Ready to speak with a compassionate legal team that fights hard and wins harder? Call us today at (213) 927-3700 or fill out our quick contact form.
We offer free consultations, no upfront fees, and you don’t pay unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Emotional distress doesn’t require physical contact—only behavior that causes severe psychological harm.
Often, yes. They usually prefer to avoid court when there’s strong evidence. Our team knows how to push for fair settlements.
Yes. These cases are complex and hard to prove. An experienced attorney dramatically increases your chances of winning.
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury—including emotional distress—is usually two years from the date of the incident.
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee—you only pay if we win
