Can I Still File a Claim if the Rideshare Driver Was Off-Duty During the Accident?

After a rideshare accident in California, you can file a claim against an off-duty driver. To do so, you will need to submit a claim through the at-fault motorist’s auto insurance. A Sacramento rideshare accident lawyer can help you through the personal injury process. 

At Triumph Law, P.C., we have years of experience handling rideshare accident cases. We understand the unique challenges a rideshare accident can cause. Our attorneys are here to discuss the details of your case and help protect your best interests.

How Rideshare Driver Insurance Works

If a rideshare driver has their app on and is engaged in providing services, companies like Lyft and Uber provide some basic coverage.  offers insurance coverage. This applies to drivers who work for Uber or Lyft. When a driver’s app is active, and the motorist gets into an accident in which they are at fault, their employer’s insurance covers them. 

For example, an Uber driver may have their app on, get distracted, and cause an accident. If you are the other driver in the accident or a rideshare passenger, you may get hurt. In this example, you can file a claim with the ridesharing company since the at-fault driver is covered under Uber’s insurance policy.

Ridesharing drivers are covered under an Uber or Lyft insurance policy if their app is active, even if a passenger is not in the car with them. If you are involved in an accident with a ridesharing driver who has their app on, file a claim with their employer. In instances where the rideshare driver does not have their app on, Uber or Lyft may not cover your losses. 

California Auto Insurance Requirements

If you drive a car in California, you are legally required to have auto insurance. There are minimum liability requirements for all drivers across the state. These are:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to two or more people 
• $5,000 for property damage

Just because car insurance is mandatory does not mean every California motorist complies with this law. If a ridesharing driver is uninsured or underinsured, they can still cause an accident. To seek damages from an uninsured or underinsured motorist, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. 

When to File a Ridesharing Accident Lawsuit

In California, there is a two-year statute of limitations for ridesharing accident injuries. If you do not discover your injury right away, this window is one year from the date you find out about it. The window to file a claim may not be extended. 

A rideshare accident lawyer in California can help you determine if now is the right time to sue for damages. They can explain how a car accident lawsuit works and what your case may be worth. If you decide to sue, your attorney can provide legal guidance and support throughout your litigation. 

The team at Triumph Law, P.C. understands what can happen during a ridesharing accident case. Our rideshare accident attorney in California can help you avoid legal mistakes. To learn more, get in touch with us. 

What to Do After a Ridesharing Accident

Do not let a negligent ridesharing driver off the hook for an accident. As soon as your crash happens, respond accordingly. Here are things to do in the initial moments after your collision:

• Call 911. This will bring medical personnel and police officers to the scene, and they can help you and anyone else involved in your crash. 
• Gather information. Take photos and videos of the accident scene and get the at-fault driver’s contact, insurance, and vehicle information.
• Connect with witnesses. If anyone saw your crash happen, get their contact information, as these individuals may be able to make a statement or testify on your behalf. 
• Contact a lawyer. Reach out to a personal injury lawyer who has experience with ridesharing accident cases.
• Your attorney can answer frequently asked questions and many others about ridesharing collision claims. They can help you submit your claim and build a compelling argument against the at-fault driver. If you have a wealth of evidence, you may be able to get a fair settlement.

What to Expect After Your Ridesharing Accident

Get medical treatment as needed in the weeks and months after your ridesharing collision, regardless of when your claim gets settled. Keep track of any medical treatments you receive. You can provide information about these to an insurance provider or the at-fault driver and request compensation for them. 

In the best-case scenario, you file a claim with an insurance company after a ridesharing accident that gets paid quickly. If this occurs, the insurer reviews your request for compensation and agrees to cover your losses. You get your money, and you can use it to cover your medical bills and other accident-related expenses. 

Alternatively, an insurance company contests your claim. If you are involved in a personal injury case, the at-fault motorist may dispute your request for damages, too. In either of these scenarios, a rideshare crash lawyer can help you out. 

How a Ridesharing Crash Attorney Handles Your Case

A ridesharing collision lawyer makes no assumptions. They look at the facts surrounding your rideshare accident. If you have a valid claim, they can help you file it and seek the most compensation possible. 

Following your rideshare collision, the at-fault driver or their insurance company may try to get you to accept a lowball settlement. If you have a lawyer at your side, they can negotiate a settlement on your behalf. This helps reduce the risk of getting and approving a settlement that falls short of what you want. 

When you look for a rideshare accident attorney, consider the lawyer’s client reviews. If a lawyer has received lots of positive feedback, they are likely to provide you with plenty of legal help. This attorney can walk you through the possible outcomes in your case and do everything they can to help you achieve your desired result.

Partner with a California Rideshare Crash Lawyer

Choose Triumph Law, P.C. for legal help with your ridesharing accident case. Our California rideshare accident attorney is here to assist you in any way we can. To request a free consultation, contact us today.