Uber and Lyft are part of everyday life in San Diego but rideshare accidents can be more complicated than typical car crashes. Multiple insurers, drivers, and corporate insurance policies may be involved, leaving injured victims uncertain about where to turn.

The Barnes Firm understands these challenges. With decades of combined experience handling complex injury cases, our car accident attorneys know how to hold Uber, Lyft, and their drivers accountable. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare crash, contact us today for a free consultation to learn your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Trusted Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers at The Barnes Firm

Client-First Legal Advocacy

At The Barnes Firm, we put clients first. When you work with our San Diego personal injury lawyers, you’ll have direct access to your attorney, not just a case manager. Our team delivers personalized, compassionate service, and we’re available to answer your questions 24/7 because we know accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Terry G.

I am incredibly grateful to my attorney Richard Mackie and legal assistant Lauren Bauer. They are the most experienced, Impressive, compassionate, and understanding team to fight for my case. It took time for my case to settle, but I knew Mr. Mackie would fight the distance on my behalf. I highly recommend attorney Richard Mackie and legal assistant Lauren Bauer to represent anyone who has been in an accident. Thank you with all of my heart. Always, Terry.

Proven Experience & Resources

Our San Diego car accident lawyers bring decades of combined experience to rideshare accident cases. The Barnes Firm has successfully handled thousands of accident claims, and our knowledge of the state’s courts, insurers, and local laws allows us to build stronger, more effective cases for our clients.

Jim M.

I just wound up my car accident case. It was very complicated, and my lawyer, Christian Oliver with The Barnes Firm, was able to get me a fair settlement despite my own insurance company trying to lowball me. I can’t thank Christian & his paralegal Rochelle Bergado enough.

Community-Focused Representation

The Barnes Firm is proud to have a diverse team of attorneys who reflect and understand San Diego’s communities. Beyond the courtroom, our lawyers support organizations like Practice Trial San Diego, a program that builds trial skills while raising awareness of posttraumatic stress disorder in our community.

The Knowledgeable San Diego Uber Accident Attorneys at The Barnes Firm

When you choose The Barnes Firm attorneys, you gain the support of one of the most experienced personal injury teams in San Diego. Our local trial lawyers have earned recognition for their results and dedication to clients, both inside and outside the courtroom. Meet the attorneys ready to stand by your side after a rideshare accident:

Christian Oliver – Managing Attorney

Christian Oliver’s commitment to personal injury law is deeply personal, shaped by his own experience surviving a catastrophic car accident as a teenager. That life-changing event inspired him to pursue a career fighting for injured individuals, first with Cellino & Barnes in New York and now as Managing Attorney at The Barnes Firm in San Diego. Christian has tried complex cases nationwide and was honored as Litigator of the Year by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers and recognized by Super Lawyers and the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40.

Jeffrey Bodily – Senior Trial Attorney

Jeffrey Bodily is a senior trial attorney at The Barnes Firm’s San Diego office with extensive experience handling auto, motorcycle, truck, and construction cases. Admitted to practice in California and federal courts, Jeffrey has represented clients throughout Southern California, achieving significant verdicts and settlements that have made a difference in the lives of injured individuals and their families.

Richard Mackie – Senior Trial Attorney

Richard Mackie grew up in California and developed his passion for injury law while working with Steve Barnes in Buffalo, New York. Now a senior trial attorney at The Barnes Firm in San Diego, he devotes his practice entirely to representing injured individuals. Rich has been honored as one of California’s 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction, recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, and admitted to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

Allen Oghassabian – Senior Trial Attorney

A lifelong San Diegan, Allen Oghassabian has dedicated his career to advocating for injury victims in his community. After graduating with honors from San Diego State University, he earned his law degree from California Western School of Law and quickly built a reputation for effective trial advocacy.

Car Accident Case Results from The Barnes Firm

Our mission is to help our clients get the best results possible by combining our experience, resources, and relentless advocacy. Our San Diego legal team has helped injured individuals and their families recover millions in verdicts and settlements.

• $3.6 Million – Car Accident
• $2.25 Million – Car Accident
• $550,000.00 – Rear-End Car Accident

How Do Uber and Lyft Accident Claims Work?

Rideshare accidents often involve more legal complexity than a typical car crash because of how Uber and Lyft classify their drivers and structure their insurance coverage. Unlike traditional taxi services, most rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This distinction can make holding the companies directly responsible after a collision more challenging.

Uber and Lyft also carry layered insurance policies that apply differently depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. The driver’s status is categorized into the following periods:

• Period 0: The driver is logged off the app, and only their personal insurance applies.
• Period 1: The app is on, but no ride has been accepted. Limited liability coverage may apply along with the driver’s personal insurance.
• Period 2: A ride has been accepted, and the driver is en route to the passenger or is actively transporting the passenger. Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in primary liability coverage.

In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility, whether it’s the rideshare driver, the company, or another driver involved. Sorting through these overlapping policies and potential liabilities is one of the key reasons accident victims turn to experienced San Diego rideshare accident attorneys at The Barnes Firm for help.

Determining Liability in Uber and Lyft Accident Claims

Determining liability in a rideshare crash can be complex, especially when multiple parties and insurance companies are involved.

The Rideshare Driver’s Liability

Uber and Lyft drivers can be held responsible like any other motorist if they cause an accident with their negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or violations of traffic laws. However, coverage varies depending on the driver’s app status.

Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Policies

When a rideshare driver is en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage to protect victims. During other periods, the companies may only provide contingent coverage for drivers with insufficient insurance coverage.

Third-Party Liability Considerations

Not every Uber or Lyft accident is solely the rideshare driver’s fault. Other negligent drivers, defective vehicle parts, or even road conditions can play a role. It’s possible to be partially at-fault for an accident in California, which means your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame but not eliminated.

Types of Compensation in San Diego Uber & Lyft Accident Cases

Victims of Uber and Lyft accidents may be entitled to significant compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional toll of the crash. Our San Diego rideshare accident attorneys work to maximize every aspect of your recovery and account for the different types of damages in a personal injury case.

Economic Damages

These damages cover the direct financial losses you’ve suffered and may include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage, such as vehicle repair or replacement

Non-Economic Damages

These damages address the more personal and intangible effects of an accident, such as:

• Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Emotional distress related to trauma and recovery
• Loss of enjoyment of life, including limitations on hobbies, family activities, or daily living

Christopher K.

Allen Oghassabian at The Barnes Firm provided me with excellent service when I got in an accident. He and his team were easy to get in contact with and went the extra mile to help me get the maximum coverage benefits for my claim. He was always on point with all the medical treatments and working with insurance companies. I would highly recommend Allen and the Barnes Firm if you need to hire an attorney for an automobile accident.

Leading Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents

Rideshare drivers spend long hours on the road, often under pressure to accept rides quickly and navigate unfamiliar routes, which increases the risk of crashes.

Some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in San Diego include:

• Distracted driving, such as texting or using the app
• Speeding to reach destinations faster or accept more rides
• Driver fatigue from long shifts without adequate rest
• Failure to yield or running red lights
• Unsafe lane changes or sudden stops
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
• Poor vehicle maintenance or defective parts

Regardless of the cause of the crash, report the accident to the local police to ensure everyone receives medical attention and evidence is preserved.

Statute of Limitations for Uber and Lyft Accident Lawsuits in California

In California, most Uber and Lyft accident claims must be filed before the deadline imposed by the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline can mean losing your right to compensation entirely. If you try to sue after the statute of limitations has passed, the court will likely dismiss your case.

• General Personal Injury Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations for most rideshare accident cases in California is two years from the date of the accident. This timeframe applies to passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in San Diego.
• Claims Against Government Entities: The deadline is much shorter if your accident involved a government vehicle or a dangerous roadway condition maintained by the city or state. In these cases, you may have as little as six months to file a formal claim.
• Importance of Acting Quickly: Evidence such as driver app data, vehicle records, and witness statements can disappear fast. Waiting too long to get a lawyer jeopardizes your chances of recovering compensation. Acting quickly gives your attorney the best shot at protecting your rights and building a strong case.

San Diego Rideshare Accident Statistics

As the use of rideshare apps increases, so does the risk of accidents. National data from Uber’s Safety Report shows that Uber-related motor vehicle fatalities rose by 40%, rising from 101 deaths in 2019-2020 to 153 deaths in 2021-2022.

Locally, San Diego has consistently reported high traffic rate incidents, with 4,851 reported injuries and fatalities from car crashes in 2022, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. As Uber and Lyft trips continue to account for a larger share of vehicles on the road, rideshare-related collisions may soon double if the trend continues.

Talk to a San Diego Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Near You Today

If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, The Barnes Firm is ready to help you pursue justice and the best result possible. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions, and we have numerous locations across California for your convenience. Our main office is located at 655 W Broadway, Suite 940, San Diego, CA, 92101.

Call The Barnes Firm now at (800) 800-0000 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.