Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a daily convenience for millions of Californians. Whether you’re heading to work, the airport, or a night out with friends, summoning a ride is as easy as tapping your phone. But what happens when that simple ride takes a dangerous turn—not because of the driver or another vehicle but because of the passenger sitting right next to you?

This is a tricky legal situation many don’t consider until it’s too late. At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’ve represented clients in a wide range of Uber and Lyft accident cases including those where passenger misconduct or negligence caused the crash. If you’re a driver, a fellow passenger, or a victim in another car, understanding your rights is crucial.

Can a Passenger Be Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident?

Absolutely. Just because a passenger isn’t driving doesn’t mean they’re immune to liability. Under California law, any person whose actions contribute to a crash can be held responsible and that includes ride-share passengers.

Common Examples of Passenger-Caused Accidents:

• A drunk passenger lunges for the steering wheel.
• A rider distracts the driver by screaming or starting an argument.
• Someone physically assaults the driver mid-ride.
• A passenger insists the driver speed or make dangerous maneuvers.

Each of these actions creates a hazardous situation, and if a crash occurs as a result, the passenger could face both civil and criminal consequences.

What Should You Do Immediately After the Accident?

When an accident happens—no matter who’s at fault—safety is the first priority. Once that’s under control, these steps are vital for protecting your legal rights:

1. Call 911– Even if injuries seem minor, always get law enforcement on the scene. Their report will be critical in determining fault.
2. Seek Medical Attention– Don’t brush off symptoms. Neck, back, or internal injuries often appear hours—or days—after a crash.
3. Document Everything– Use your phone to take photos of the scene, damage, license plates, and injuries. If the passenger was behaving erratically, record any proof, video, audio, or witness statements.
4. Report the Incident to Uber or Lyft– Both platforms allow you to file a report directly through the app. They may investigate and take action against the passenger.
5. Speak With a Rideshare Accident Attorney– This is where we come in. At West Coast Uber & Lyft Lawyers, we immediately begin preserving evidence, filing claims, and protecting your rights.

Who Pays for Damages in a Passenger-Caused Accident?

The answer depends on several factors:

• Was the ride in progress?
• Was the passenger’s behavior negligent or intentional?
• Were there injuries or property damage?
• Did the driver have dashcam footage or witness testimony?

Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Coverage

When a ride is active, Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage. This may apply whether the driver, a third-party driver, or a passenger is at fault. However, this doesn’t mean the passenger gets a free pass.

If a passenger’s actions were the direct cause of the accident, they may be held personally liable. That means they could be sued by:

• The driver
• Other passengers
• Third-party victims
• Property owners

In some cases, personal injury protection (PIP) or the driver’s own insurance may step in first, but that doesn’t erase the passenger’s financial responsibility.

What If I’m the Driver and the Passenger Caused the Crash?

If you’re an Uber or Lyft driver and a rider’s behavior caused an accident, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed. But here’s the good news: you have rights and you may be entitled to full compensation.

You Can Recover For:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Vehicle repairs or replacement
• Pain and suffering

You’ll need to document the passenger’s behavior thoroughly and report it to both the police and the ride-share company. From there, our legal team can help determine whether to file a claim against Uber/Lyft, pursue the passenger directly, or explore other legal avenues.

We’ve helped countless ride-share drivers hold negligent passengers accountable—and we’ll do the same for you.

What If I’m Another Driver or Pedestrian Injured by a Rideshare Accident?

If you were hit by an Uber or Lyft vehicle and the accident was caused by the ride-share passenger, your case is more complicated—but not impossible.

We’ll investigate key questions:

• Was the driver trying to control a violent or distracting passenger?
• Is there dashcam footage or eyewitness testimony?
• Was the Uber/Lyft driver actively working at the time?

In many cases, we can pursue claims against the ride-share company’s insurance and file a separate lawsuit against the at-fault passenger.

Can Passengers Be Criminally Charged?

If a passenger’s actions were not only negligent but intentional or reckless, they may face criminal charges, such as:

• Assault
• Disorderly conduct
• Interfering with a driver’s operation of a vehicle

This criminal case would be handled separately from your personal injury claim—but it can strengthen your civil case by showing that the passenger’s behavior was out of line.

How West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help

We’ve built a reputation for going toe-to-toe with powerful insurance companies—and winning. We understand the ins and outs of ride-share cases, especially when passenger misconduct is involved.

Here’s how we help:

• Conduct a full investigation into the incident
• Collect and preserve vital evidence (dashcams, app records, witness statements)
• Determine fault and build a strong liability case
• Fight for maximum compensation—whether through negotiation or litigation

We don’t just file claims. We fight to get justice for our clients. Contact West Coast Uber And Lyft Accident Lawyers today by calling (213)-465-8682 or fill out our quick contact form for a free consultation. We operate on a no win, no fee basis—so you don’t pay unless we win your case.