Imagine this: You call an Uber or Lyft after a long night or tiring flight. You hop in, buckle up, and drift off to sleep in the back seat. Next thing you know, you’re jolted awake by a loud crash as the ride you’re in is crunched by another vehicle. You’ve been in an accident, but you weren’t awake to witness it. Sounds scary? It is. But it’s more common than you might think.

At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped countless rideshare passengers—yes, even those who were asleep at the time of impact—fight for the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you love was injured while sleeping during an Uber or Lyft ride, here’s what you need to know.

Are You Still Covered If You Were Asleep During the Accident?

Whether you’re asleep, awake, texting, or listening to music in the backseat, you are fully covered as a passenger during an active Uber or Lyft ride. Both companies are legally required to carry $1 million in liability insurance that kicks in the moment your ride begins and stays active until you’re safely dropped off.

This includes coverage for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability
  Emotional trauma

Bottom line: Your state of awareness at the time of the accident has no impact on your right to compensation.

Can You Be Blamed If You Were Asleep During the Crash?

As a passenger, you are not responsible for the actions of the driver or any other party involved in the crash. Even if you were sleeping, that fact does not make you negligent or partially at fault. You have the same rights as any other injured rider.

What matters most is determining who caused the accident—whether it was your Uber/Lyft driver or a third-party motorist. Either way, you’re protected by one or more insurance policies.

What Should You Do Immediately After Waking Up From the Accident?

Waking up dazed or disoriented is terrifying but try to stay calm. If you’re conscious, take the following steps:

1. Check for injuries– even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline can mask pain.
2. Call 911– or confirm that emergency responders have already been called.
3. Document everything– photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle, and any damage.
4. Request a copy of the police report– get the incident number and officer’s contact.
5. Contact West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers– before you speak to insurance adjusters.

If you were unconscious during the accident and later treated at a hospital, make sure to request your medical records. This documentation will play a key role in proving the extent of your injuries.

Do You Need Medical Attention Even If You “Feel Okay”?

Many injuries including concussions, whiplash, spinal damage, and internal bleeding don’t show immediate symptoms. Being asleep during impact can even increase your risk of injury because your body is completely relaxed, offering no instinctive bracing or resistance to sudden trauma.

That’s why it’s critical to get a full medical evaluation as soon as possible. Not only for your safety but also to create a clear record for your legal case.

Who Will Pay for Your Medical Bills?

If the crash occurred while your ride was active, Uber or Lyft’s commercial insurance should cover your injuries. Here’s how it typically works:

• If another driver caused the accident, their insurance pays first.
• If they’re uninsured or underinsured, Uber or Lyft’s Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage kicks in.
• If your Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, the company’s $1 million liability policy covers your damages.

Navigating this process can get complex, especially when insurance companies try to pass the blame. That’s why having an experienced rideshare accident attorney on your side makes all the difference.

Should You Talk to the Insurance Company Without a Lawyer?

In short: No. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may call you, sound sympathetic, and ask innocent-sounding questions but their real goal is to get you to:

• Admit partial fault
• Downplay your injuries
• Accept a lowball settlement

Once you accept a settlement, you forfeit your right to pursue further compensation—even if your injuries worsen over time. That’s why your first call should be to West Coast Trial Lawyers, not the insurance company.

What Can a Lawyer Do That You Can’t Do Alone?

Let’s be honest, fighting a corporate giant like Uber or Lyft is no small feat. They have massive legal teams and insurance companies working around the clock to protect their bottom line.

At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we level the playing field by:

• Investigating the accident scene and collecting evidence
• Working with medical experts to prove your injuries
• Calculating the full value of your claim, including long-term damages
• Negotiating directly with insurance companies
• Taking your case to court, if necessary

And the best part? You pay nothing unless we win.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

Every state has its own statute of limitations, which is the legal deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit. In California, it’s typically two years from the date of the accident.

But waiting too long can weaken your case. Evidence gets lost. Witnesses forget details. Insurance companies gain the upper hand.

Injured While Sleeping in an Uber or Lyft? West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers Can Help.

You didn’t cause the accident. You were just trying to get home safely. Whether you were napping in the back seat or completely unconscious from the crash, you still have rights—and we’re here to fight for them.

At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, we’ve recovered billions for injured rideshare passengers across California. We know the system. We know the tactics insurance companies use. And we know how to win.

Don’t go it alone. Call us today at (213)-465-8682 or fill out our quick contact form if you were hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident while asleep.