If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident whether in an Uber, Lyft, or any app-based ride, you’re already dealing with enough. Add immigration concerns into the mix and recent current events, it’s no surprise that many victims stay silent out of fear. However, at West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’re here to make one thing absolutely clear:
Your legal rights don’t disappear just because of your immigration status.
Whether you’re here on a visa, DACA, or completely undocumented, California law protects you and so do we. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about what happens after a rideshare accident if you’re an immigrant or undocumented in California.
You’re Not Alone and You’re Not Powerless
In California, we’ve represented countless rideshare accident victims from all walks of life, including those without legal immigration status. Here’s what most people don’t know: your immigration status cannot be used against you in a personal injury case.
It doesn’t matter if you were a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another car hit by a rideshare driver you still have every right to:
- File a claim
- Seek medical treatment
- Recover damages for lost wages, pain, and suffering
We don’t care about your status. We care that you were hurt and deserve justice.
What You Need to Know About California Law
California is one of the most immigrant-friendly states in the country. Under state laws like the California Values Act (SB 54), local police and courts cannot inquire about your immigration status in most situations, especially in civil matters like personal injury claims.
Even better? California courts have ruled that immigration status is not relevant to your right to compensation. In other words:
- You can still sue for damages
- The insurance company can’t reduce your payout because of your status
- Judges won’t allow immigration questions unless it’s absolutely relevant (which it rarely is)
What Happens After a Rideshare Accident?
Whether you were in an Uber or Lyft, or hit by a rideshare vehicle, what you do next matters. Follow these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
1. Call 911
Even if you’re scared, calling the police is critical. In California, police officers do not ask about your immigration status in accident reports. You’ll need this report to file a claim and prove the accident was caused by someone else.
2. Get Medical Help
Even if your injuries seem small, they can worsen over time, and depending on the nature of the injury, insurance adjusters and the opposing party may try to prove that your injury was derived from something else. If you don’t have insurance, we can help you connect with doctors who will treat you on a lien basis meaning they get paid later from your settlement, not out of your pocket.
3. Document Everything
Take pictures, save your Uber or Lyft ride details, and get witness contact info. This evidence can make or break your case, because documentation is the one thing needed in a personal injury case.
4. Don’t Speak to Insurance Adjusters Alone
They’re trained to get you to settle for less. Let us handle that for you.
5. Call a Lawyer Who Understands Immigrant Rights
This isn’t the time to take risks. At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we specialize in protecting immigrants and undocumented victims in rideshare-related cases. And if you need more info, on the step-by-step process, we have a more in depth step-by-step guide here,
You Don’t Need a Social Security Number to File a Claim
Worried you can’t sue because you don’t have a Social Security number or ID? Don’t be. You can still file a personal injury claim using other forms of identification, and we’ll handle all the paperwork discreetly and professionally.
Our Confidentiality Promise
One of the biggest concerns our undocumented clients share is fear of exposure. We want to make this 100% clear:
Everything you share with us is confidential and protected by law.
We will never ask for your immigration status unless it’s absolutely necessary. And even if it comes up in your case, we fight to keep that information sealed and irrelevant.
What Compensation Can You Get?
Just like any other accident victim, you may be eligible for:
- Medical expenses – ER visits, surgeries, therapy, medication
- Lost income – If you missed work because of the accident
- Future medical care – Ongoing treatments or disabilities
- Pain and suffering – Emotional trauma, physical discomfort
- Property damage – Phones, belongings, or even lost wages from side gigs
Don’t let fear or misinformation keep you from what you’re owed.
We Handle Rideshare Insurance Issues for You
Uber and Lyft have up to $1 million in liability coverage, but getting that payout isn’t easy—especially when immigration fear keeps victims from coming forward. That’s where we come in.
Whether you were injured while:
- Riding in an Uber or Lyft
- Driving your own car
- Walking or biking and hit by a rideshare vehicle
We handle the entire insurance negotiation process from start to finish. You won’t have to talk to adjusters, fill out confusing forms, or go to court unless absolutely necessary.
What to Do If Someone Is Threatening You With Your Immigration Status
Some people try to use fear and intimidation as weapons, especially when they know someone may be undocumented. If you’re involved in a rideshare accident and someone—whether it’s a driver, witness, insurance adjuster, or even the at-fault party—threatens to report you to immigration to silence you or stop you from filing a claim, that’s not just wrong. It’s illegal.
1. Know This: That Threat is Not Legal Power
In California, threatening someone with immigration exposure in order to stop them from seeking justice is considered a form of coercion and possibly extortion. It doesn’t matter if the person making the threat is a rideshare driver, insurance representative, or even an employer. Under California Civil Code § 3339 and California Government Code § 7285, it clearly states that:
- Your immigration status cannot be used against you in court.
- Threatening to report someone to ICE for personal gain is illegal.
These laws are here to prevent fear from being used as a tool to keep people silent.
2. Document the Threat
If someone threatens you, try to:
- Save any texts, emails, or voicemails
- Write down exactly what was said, who said it, and when
- Get witness statements if anyone else heard the threat
This documentation could become valuable evidence especially if the person tries to stop you from filing your claim.
3. Tell Your Attorney Immediately
Our attorneys treat these threats with the seriousness they deserve. Not only will we help you move forward with your accident claim, we’ll also take steps to legally protect you against the person making the threat.
We’ve seen it all and we know how to shut it down.
4. Don’t Let Fear Win
It’s heartbreaking how often undocumented clients think they need to “just stay quiet” after an accident. But silence only helps the person who hurt you. The law is on your side, and so are we.
If someone is using your immigration status as a threat, call us. Not only will we pursue your rideshare accident case, we’ll explore potential legal action against the person trying to intimidate you.
Time Is Limited In a Rideshare Accident
California law (CA Civil Code 335.1) gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. But the sooner you start, the stronger your case will be. Don’t wait for bills to pile up or pain to get worse.
Let’s Talk In Total Confidence
At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we understand what you’re going through. You’ve already been through enough and the last thing you need is more fear or confusion. That’s why we make getting help simple, safe, and completely confidential.
When you work with us, here’s what you can expect from day one:
- Free consultation: No pressure, no commitment. Just honest answers.
- No upfront costs: We only get paid if we win your case.
- Bilingual legal team: We speak Spanish and other languages.
- Total confidentiality: We never ask unnecessary questions or share your immigration info.
- Aggressive representation: We don’t back down from Uber, Lyft, or big insurance companies.
Call us now (213)-465-8682 or fill out our simple contact form for a free consultation. Let’s talk about your options, your rights, and how we can help you take the next step.
