At West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers, we know how stressful and confusing a rideshare accident can be especially when the Uber or Lyft driver refuses to report it. You trusted your driver to get you to your destination safely, and now you’re left wondering what your next move should be.

You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not powerless. Learn what steps to take if you’re in a rideshare crash and the driver refuses to notify anyone so you stay protected.

Why Reporting the Accident Matters

First things first: never underestimate the importance of reporting a rideshare accident, even if the driver insists it’s “just a minor fender bender.” In California, the law is clear, if any accident that causes injury or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to the DMV within 10 days. But beyond legal compliance, reporting the crash is the root for protecting your claim.

When an Uber or Lyft driver refuses to report the incident, it often means they’re trying to protect themselves, not you. Their concern might be about getting deactivated or receiving a bad rating. But their fear shouldn’t put your health or compensation at risk.

Your Rights as a Rideshare Passenger

If you’re riding in an Uber or Lyft when the accident happens, here’s the good news: you are not responsible for the crash. Under California law, passengers are considered third parties and are entitled to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver or their insurer.

Uber and Lyft each provide up to $1 million in liability coverage for passengers during active rides. But to access that coverage, the accident must be documented properly. If the driver refuses to report it, you need to take action yourself—and quickly.

That’s where we come in. We specialize in representing injured rideshare passengers and know exactly how to force the companies and their insurers to take your claim seriously.

What To Do Right After the Crash

If you’ve just been in an accident while riding with Uber or Lyft, and the driver doesn’t want to report it, follow these steps immediately:

1. Safety First

Move to a safe location and check for injuries—both for yourself and others in the vehicle. If you feel dizzy, disoriented, or in pain, don’t ignore it.

2. Call 911

Even if the driver insists you don’t need to, call the police and request a report. This gives you an official record of the incident, which will be crucial if you need to file a claim later.

3. Document Everything

Take photos and videos of:

• Vehicle damage (yours and others)
• The accident scene
• Traffic signs and road conditions
• Your injuries (if visible)

Also, collect the driver’s information, including:

• Full name
• Driver’s license number
• Vehicle registration
• Insurance details

And if there are witnesses, get their names and contact info, too. Click here to learn more about this process, 

Report the Incident to Uber or Lyft

Just because the driver won’t report it doesn’t mean you can’t. Open your Uber or Lyft app and go to your ride history. There you’ll find an option to “Report an Accident” or “Get Help.”

Provide as much detail as possible and upload any supporting photos. Be sure to include that the driver refused to report the accident. Our attorneys can assist clients in crafting strong reports that get prompt attention from Uber, Lyft, and their insurance partners.

After you submit the report, monitor your email. The rideshare company’s insurer may contact you for a statement or more details. If that happens, don’t go it alone, talk to a rideshare accident lawyer first. Your words can impact your claim, so it’s smart to have professional guidance from the start.

Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Even if you feel “fine,” it’s smart to get checked by a doctor right away. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, and internal bruising, take hours or even days to fully show up.

Getting medical care right away not only protects your health—it also creates a medical record linking your injuries to the crash. This is vital when you’re pursuing compensation. Without a timely medical record, Uber or Lyft’s insurer may argue your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated.

Who Pays for Your Damages?

If your rideshare was active at the time of the accident, Uber or Lyft’s insurance policy should cover:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage (e.g., broken phone, glasses)
  

But here’s the catch: none of this is guaranteed unless the accident is properly reported and you can prove your damages. That’s why documentation, timely medical care, and legal support are so important.

Why Drivers Refuse to Report Accidents & Why You Shouldn’t Let That Stop You

It’s not uncommon for Uber and Lyft drivers to downplay accidents or avoid reporting them entirely. Common excuses include:

• “It’s just a scratch.”
• “Reporting this will get me deactivated.”
• “You don’t need to get the police involved.”
  

But let’s be real, those excuses are about protecting them, not you.

You have every right to report the crash, pursue a claim, and get the compensation you deserve. And if the driver acts hostile or tries to pressure you, leave the vehicle, call 911, and notify Uber or Lyft immediately..

Why You Need a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare claims aren’t your average accident claim. They involve multiple layers of insurance, third-party administrators, and tricky legal language. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to get lowballed—or ignored altogether.

With West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers on your side, you don’t have to fight alone. We specialize in Uber and Lyft cases throughout California and have recovered millions for injured passengers.

Our lawyers will:

• Investigate your case
• Handle all insurance communications
• Help you get the medical care you need
• Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

And we do it all on a no-win, no-fee basis—so you pay nothing unless we win for you.

Get a Free Consultation Today

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash and the driver refused to report it, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll answer your questions, review your evidence, and help you take the next step toward justice.

Call us now (213)-465-8682 or use our online form to schedule your free case review.