You get in an Uber or Lyft, expecting a smooth ride home. You’re texting a friend, maybe checking directions—and out of nowhere, it happens. You’ve just been in an accident. Before you even get a chance to process what’s going on, your driver hits the gas and speeds off. No checking on you. No exchanging insurance. No calling 911. Just gone.
If that sounds like a nightmare, it’s because it is. And unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think. At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’ve seen too many clients suffer the fallout of rideshare hit-and-run accidents, physically, emotionally, and financially. We’re here to help you understand what to do if it happens to you, and more importantly, how to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Let’s break it all down—what the law says, what rights you have, and what steps to take to protect yourself.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving Rideshare Drivers
In California, Vehicle Code § 20001 makes it clear: any driver involved in an accident that causes injury or death must stop, render aid, and provide identifying information. Failing to do so can lead to criminal charges, including misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the severity.
But when the driver is working for Uber or Lyft, things can get complicated. That’s because rideshare companies classify drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This is a legal gray area they’ve used to avoid liability in accidents, especially when a driver breaks the law by fleeing a crash.
However, California courts are catching on. With laws like AB5, and public pressure mounting, the legal landscape is changing. In many cases, the companies can’t dodge responsibility, especially if there’s proof of negligence like hiring a driver with a history of reckless behavior.
Bottom line? A rideshare hit-and-run isn’t just a traffic violation—it’s a serious legal offense, and you deserve justice.
What to Do Right After the Accident
If your Uber or Lyft driver flees the scene of an accident, the first few minutes afterward are the most important. You may feel shaken, angry, or unsure what to do next. That’s totally normal. But taking the right steps now will protect your health, your case, and your right to compensation.
1. Call 911 Immediately
This is priority number one. Whether you feel hurt or not, get checked out by emergency services, because adrenaline can mask pain. A police report will also be critical later should you file a claim.
2. Take Photos and Videos
Document everything. If you can, get the car’s license plate, photograph your injuries, the scene, and anything that might help identify the driver.
3. Talk to Witnesses
Ask for names and numbers of anyone who saw what happened. Even if you don’t think they saw much, their statements could confirm your version of events.
4. Report It in the App
Open the Uber or Lyft app and report the accident. This begins the process of activating the company’s insurance policy and creating a record of the incident.
5. Get Medical Treatment
Even if your injuries feel minor, visit a doctor. Keep all medical records and bills. These will help when it’s time to file your claim or lawsuit.
How Insurance Coverage Works in California
In California, rideshare insurance is broken into three key phases:
- App Off – If the driver wasn’t using the app, only their personal insurance applies.
- App On, No Ride – Uber and Lyft offer limited liability: $50K per person, $100K per accident, $25K for property damage.
- En Route or With a Passenger – This is where it counts. Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability and uninsured motorist coverage during this phase.
If you were a passenger, you’re covered under that $1 million policy—even if the driver vanishes.
You may also have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage through your own policy. In hit-and-run cases, the law often treats the fleeing driver as “uninsured,” triggering UM benefits. Our job is to investigate every possible insurance avenue—so nothing is left on the table.
Who’s Liable in a Rideshare Hit-and-Run?
Clearly, the driver is at fault for fleeing. But can Uber or Lyft be held accountable? In some cases, yes.
Negligent Hiring or Retention
If the company lets someone with a dangerous driving record operate on their platform—or ignored prior safety complaints—they can be liable under negligent hiring laws.
Failure to Cooperate
Uber and Lyft are required to assist in investigations. If they delay or withhold evidence, it could strengthen your case for holding them accountable.
Why You Need a Hit and Run Lawyer
Rideshare hit-and-run cases are a head-ache, literally, and insurance companies don’t play fair. They’ll delay. Deny. Lowball your claim.
At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we:
- Handle all paperwork and negotiations
- Push Uber or Lyft to release driver data
- Fight for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more
- Prepare your case for trial if needed
We know California rideshare law inside and out. More importantly, we care about our clients and will fight for their rights.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Expect?
In California, there are a number of damages that can be obtained, especially in a hit and run accident. While the number of recoverable damages will depend on the severity of the accident, you can file a claim and potentially recover the following.
Economic Damages
- Hospital and rehab bills
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Medical equipment, travel costs, and prescriptions
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Punitive Damages
If the driver’s behavior was especially reckless, the court may award punitive damages to punish and deter future wrongdoing. Our mission is to maximize every dollar you’re entitled to—and ensure the process feels as smooth and supportive as possible.
Tracking Down the Driver: How Police and Lawyers Work Together
When a driver flees, the police begin an investigation. But often, our lawyers are the ones who move things forward, because they take prompt actions such as:
- Subpoena rideshare records
- Obtain GPS data, app logs, and internal investigations
- Review surveillance footage from businesses or homes near the crash
- Interview witnesses to get detailed statements
Sometimes the driver is caught. Sometimes they’re not. Either way, you can still recover damages—and we’ll fight to make that happen.
Don’t Let This Happen Again: How to Stay Safe
You can’t control what other people do. But you can reduce your risk:
- Always check the driver’s name, photo, and license plate
- Share your ride with a trusted friend or family member
- Don’t be afraid to end a ride early if something feels off
- Report any unsafe behavior—immediately
And always trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
You Deserve Better, Call West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers
You didn’t ask for this. You trusted a driver to take you from one place to another—and instead, you were left to deal with the aftermath of a crash alone.
We’ve helped countless clients get their lives back after rideshare hit-and-runs. Let us do the same for you. Call Us today (213) 465-8682 or Fill out this online contact form for a free consultation.
FAQs
You can still recover damages through Uber or Lyft’s $1 million uninsured motorist policy—or through your own insurance.
In California, the statute of limitations is typically 2 years from the date of the accident.
You still have rights. We can file claims with Uber or Lyft depending on the driver’s status on the app—and with your own insurer.
Yes, under certain conditions—especially if there’s proof of negligence, unsafe hiring, or system failures.
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win.
