While rideshare travel is convenient, California intersections can turn a regular ride into a nightmare. With traffic, distracted drivers and crazy intersections, accidents are more common than you think, especially at these hot spots.

Let’s list the most hazardous intersections for Uber and Lyft drivers in the Golden State and what you need to know if your rideshare driver gets into a crash.

Why Intersections Are Hazardous for Rideshare Drivers

• Traffic and Rush Hour Chaos– California roads are crazy busy. Add impatient drivers and the pressure to get passengers to their destination on time and you have a recipe for accident prone activity especially during peak hours.
• Distracted Driving from Navigating Apps– Rideshare drivers rely on GPS. Constantly looking at navigation apps, changing between Uber or Lyft screens (some drivers do both) and handling incoming requests means split second distractions sometimes at the most critical times.
• Left Turns and Blind Spots– Intersections where drivers make unprotected left turns are crash magnets. Add limited visibility and unpredictable pedestrian crossings and it’s no wonder so many crashes happen at the corner.

Top 10 Most Hazardous Intersections for Uber and Lyft in California

1. Hollywood & Highland (Los Angeles)

The Walk of Fame and several entertainment venues make this corner tourist central, which means lots of foot traffic and vehicle movement. A bad combo for any rideshare driver.

2. Market & 5th Street (San Francisco)

Famous for its parades and celebrations, this corner is synonymous with heavy pedestrian traffic. Bike lanes, trolleys and multiple turn lanes makes this a logistical nightmare.

3. El Camino Real & San Antonio Road (Mountain View)

With its popular shopping centers and dining establishments, this corner is a tech commuter corridor with constant pick up/drop off and poor lane visibility.

4. Mission Street & South Van Ness (San Francisco)

Featuring an enormous mixed-use project near the vibrant Mission District, this dense urban area is challenged by high rideshare traffic and minimal parking, leading drivers to stop in unsafe areas.

5. Wilshire Blvd & Vermont Avenue (Los Angeles)

Serving as a major transit hub, this corner consists of a popular metro rail stop and multiple street lanes amidst constant construction. Together, they are a crash waiting to happen.

6. Sunset Blvd & La Cienega (West Hollywood)

Dotted with upscale boutiques and restaurants, this corner is bustling with nightlife, which means night driving, and/or consumption of alcohol. Hence, why ridesharing (and potential for accidents) is so high here. 

7. Sepulveda Blvd & Burbank Blvd (Van Nuys)

With its unenviable distinction as “one of the most dangerous intersections in the San Fernando Valley,” this corner is infamous for its fast traffic and poorly timed signals.

8. Telegraph Ave & 51st Street (Oakland)

Affectionately called the “Gourmet Ghetto,” this area is booming with a vibrant culinary and art scene, luring bicyclists, bus commuters and pedestrians, facing sudden lane changes and the risk of accidental injuries.

9. Katella Ave & Harbor Blvd (Anaheim)

Adjacent to one of the most visited theme parks in the world, tourists unfamiliar with this intersection often make quick turns and last minute lane changes in an effort to visit Mickey Mouse and friends at Disneyland.

10. Santa Monica Blvd & Highland Ave (Hollywood)

Home to several landmarks and entertainment venues, this busy corridor is a popular hub for rideshare drivers and partygoers, increasing the potential for car accidents. 

What Makes These Intersections So Hazardous?

• Volume of Vehicles and Pedestrians– The more people and cars on the road, the greater the chance something goes wrong.
• Signal Timings and Lane Changes– Many of these intersections have poorly timed lights and unclear signage which confuses locals and out-of-towners.
• High Rideshare Pick-Up and Drop-Off Frequency– When drivers pull over to pick up a passenger, it often means abrupt stops, double parking or unsafe lane changes.

What to Do After a Rideshare Accident

Who’s Liable? The Driver, Uber/Lyft or Another Driver?

Rideshare cases are tricky. Liability could be the Uber driver, another motorist or even a combination of both—depending on the circumstances.

Insurance Coverage for Rideshare Accidents

Uber and Lyft have coverage but only under certain conditions (like if a ride was in progress). Knowing when their policy kicks in is key.

What Passengers Need to Know

You have rights as a rideshare passenger. Don’t assume Uber or Lyft will cover everything—you may need to file claims against multiple parties.

What to Do If You’re in an Uber or Lyft Crash in California

• Get Medical Help First– Even if you feel fine, get checked. Some injuries take some time to appear.
• Document the Scene– Take photos, get the names of all parties involved and screenshot your ride receipt.
• Call an Attorney Who Knows Rideshare Law- This isn’t your average fender bender. A rideshare attorney can help untangle the red tape and get you paid.

Contact West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers

At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, our attorneys are experienced in helping victims of Uber and Lyft accidents. We know how difficult rideshare accident cases can be and we’ll guide you through the entire process. We work on a contingency fee basis which means you won’t pay us anything unless we get you paid. 

If you have questions or want to get started, contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation by calling (213)-465-8682 or filling out our easy online contact form.