Legal Actions for Taxi, Uber, and Lyft Accidents
- Westridge Law
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
In Los Angeles (LA) and throughout Southern California, accidents involving taxis or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can lead to complex insurance and legal challenges. Below, we outline key steps to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation after a taxi, Uber, or Lyft accident.
1. Taxi vs. Rideshare: What’s the Difference?
Driver Employment Status
Taxi: Often employed by a taxi company, making the company potentially liable for the driver’s negligence.
Uber/Lyft: Drivers are typically independent contractors, and rideshare companies may deny full responsibility for the driver’s actions.
Insurance Structure
Taxis: Covered by a commercial auto insurance policy.
Uber/Lyft: A combination of personal insurance and rideshare company policies that vary depending on the driver’s app status.
Complex Liability
With rideshare accidents, multiple insurers and parties may be involved, requiring detailed investigation of who’s at fault and which policy applies.
2. Understanding Rideshare Insurance Periods
Uber and Lyft coverage depends on the phase of the ride:
App Offline (Period 0)
The driver is not logged into the app, so only personal insurance applies.
App On, Waiting for a Ride (Period 1)
Driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride → typically limited coverage from Uber/Lyft’s contingent policy plus the driver’s personal policy.
Ride Accepted, En Route to Pickup (Period 2)
Higher coverage usually begins once the driver is heading to pick up a passenger.
Passenger in Vehicle (Period 3)
Up to $1 million or more in liability coverage may apply during active trips with a passenger on board.
Identifying which period applied at the time of the accident is essential to determining insurance coverage and liability.
3. What to Do Immediately After a Taxi or Rideshare Accident
For Passengers
If you were a passenger in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft during an accident, follow standard procedures for car accidents, including calling the police and gathering evidence. For detailed steps, refer to our previous blog post: What to Do at a Car Accident Scene.
Even though you are not at fault, collecting evidence is still crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions. Keep in mind that multiple parties may be involved, such as the driver, the rideshare company, other vehicles, and various insurance providers.
For Drivers
For detailed steps, refer to our previous blog post: What to Do at a Car Accident Scene.
In addition, promptly report the incident to Uber, Lyft, or the taxi company. Rideshare drivers may have access to additional coverage options, such as disability payments, medical expenses without deductibles, and survivor benefits. Please review your insurance policy to understand your specific coverage.
4. Determining Liability: Who’s at Fault?
Taxi Accidents:
The taxi company may be liable if the driver is an employee acting within the scope of employment.
Uber/Lyft Accidents:
Rideshare companies often say drivers are independent contractors, trying to limit corporate liability.
However, evolving California laws (e.g., AB5) can influence whether Uber/Lyft is partially responsible.
Third-Party Negligence:
If another driver caused the accident, you may pursue a claim against that driver’s insurance.
With multiple insurers potentially in play, having legal counsel helps clarify each party’s degree of fault and your options for compensation.
5. How Westridge Law Group Can Help
At Westridge Law Group, our Los Angeles rideshare and taxi accident attorneys offer:
Expert Knowledge of Rideshare & Taxi Laws
We stay up-to-date on California regulations and recent changes affecting Uber/Lyft and taxi liability.
Multilingual Legal Support
We provide expert legal representation with no language barriers. Our multilingual team speaks English, Spanish, Korean, and Russian, ensuring clear communication and fully personalized service for clients from diverse backgrounds.
Comprehensive Representation
From investigating the accident scene to dealing with insurance adjusters and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit, we handle all aspects to maximize your compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation today.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Rights After a Taxi or Rideshare Accident
Taxi, Uber, and Lyft accidents involve unique insurance policies and legal frameworks. By immediately securing evidence, contacting law enforcement, and seeking medical care, you strengthen your position. An experienced attorney from Westridge Law Group can then negotiate or litigate on your behalf to secure fair compensation.
Don’t let the complexity of rideshare or taxi accidents overwhelm you—reach out to us for expert legal support and protect your rights every step of the way.
📌 Legal Disclaimer
Updated on Mar 13th, 2025. This document reflects the most current information as of mentioned date, and is provided for general informational purposes. For personalized advice that accounts for your unique circumstances, consult the experienced attorneys at Westridge Law Group. We are ready to assist you with legal guidance tailored to your needs.
