Not every city runs on rideshare the way Beverly Hills does. Between Rodeo Drive, Wilshire Boulevard, and Sunset, there’s a constant flow of Ubers and Lyfts weaving through heavy traffic.
Tourists unfamiliar with the area, high-end sports cars cutting across lanes, and last-minute stops for valet parking create an environment where collisions are inevitable.
With so many cars competing for space, it’s no surprise that rideshare crashes happen. A driver looking at their app instead of the road, someone making an abrupt stop, or a last-second lane change can lead to a crash in seconds.
It doesn’t matter if you are on your way home, heading to a meeting, or just enjoying a night out—everything stops the moment you get injured in an accident you didn’t see coming.
A rideshare accident lawyer in Beverly Hills helps make sure Uber, Lyft, and the insurance companies don’t sidestep responsibility.
When these companies try to cut corners, delay claims, or offer low settlements, you need someone who knows how to hold them accountable.
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Who Pays for Your Injuries? Uber, Lyft, or the Driver?
Rideshare companies promote million-dollar insurance policies, but getting them to pay is another story. Passengers often get stuck between multiple insurers, each shifting blame.
The driver, Uber or Lyft, and even another driver on the road may be involved, making it difficult to know where to turn. Who pays depends on which status the driver was in when the crash happened:
- The driver was logged off the app. Uber and Lyft have no responsibility in this situation. You’ll have to file a claim with the driver’s insurer. Coverage depends on their policy limits, which may not be enough to cover medical bills and other losses.
- The driver was logged in but had no passengers. Uber and Lyft provide limited coverage of up to $50,000 per person for injuries and $100,000 per accident. This coverage might not be enough for more serious injuries, leaving you to file a claim with both the driver’s and rideshare company’s insurers.
- The driver had accepted a ride or had passengers in the car. Uber and Lyft’s $1 million liability policy applies, covering passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers. While this should be enough, insurance companies will still look for ways to reduce their payout.
Even with the highest coverage available, getting fair compensation isn’t automatic. Insurance companies push quickly, with low settlements, hoping injured passengers take the first offer. A Beverly Hills Lyft and Uber accident attorney can help to demand full compensation, ensuring rideshare companies take responsibility.
Rideshare passengers don’t brace for impact like drivers, making injuries worse than expected. Some of the most common causes of rideshare accidents include:
- Distracted driving—drivers constantly check their phones for rides, navigation, and messages, taking their eyes off the road;
- Fatigue—long hours and late-night shifts lead to slower reaction times and poor decisions;
- Speeding—some drivers rush between trips, making quick lane changes, and run red lights; and
- Inexperience—many don’t know Beverly Hills streets, leading to sudden stops, wrong turns, and unsafe moves.
Collisions leave passengers with a range of injuries:
- Whiplash,
- Head injuries,
- Brain injuries,
- Broken bones,
- Spinal injuries, and
- Cuts and bruises.
Some injuries seem minor at first but get worse over time. Concussions can lead to ongoing headaches, dizziness, and memory problems. Soft tissue injuries may start as mild aches but limit movement in the long run. Seeing a doctor immediately creates a medical record, making it harder for insurance companies to downplay what happened.
Taking the proper steps after a rideshare accident in Beverly Hills can protect your claim. The moment the crash happens, things move fast—sirens, reports, and insurance calls—but what you do in those early moments can affect everything that follows. Consider taking these steps:
- Get medical help. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t immediately appear. Seeing a doctor protects your health and creates medical records, making it harder for insurance companies to minimize your injuries.
- Report the accident to the police. Officers record driver statements, road conditions, and possible causes, which can clarify liability. Request a copy for your records.
- Save your ride details. Uber and Lyft update ride records quickly after a trip ends. Screenshot the trip details, including the driver’s name, license plate, pickup and drop-off locations, and any messages exchanged in the app.
- Take photos and get witness information. Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If bystanders see the crash, get their names and contact details as they may need them later.
Insurance companies waste no time reaching out. Uber and Lyft’s insurers are known for calling passengers quickly and asking for statements before they fully understand their injuries. Saying the wrong thing—even something as simple as “I’m fine”—can be used against you. Before answering their questions, it’s wise to speak with a Lyft and Uber accident lawyer in Beverly Hills who can ensure your words aren’t twisted to fit their narrative.
Rideshare accidents leave passengers with many questions. Knowing what to expect can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your right to compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
California law generally allows filing a personal injury lawsuit for two years from the accident date. Waiting too long can make collecting evidence, tracking witnesses, or building a solid case harder.
What Happens If Uber or Lyft Denies My Claim?
Denial isn’t the end of the road. Insurance companies often try to reduce payouts or dismiss claims, hoping passengers give up.
If the driver wasn’t logged into the app, their personal insurance applies instead of Uber or Lyft’s coverage.
Do I Need to Go to Court?
Many rideshare accident claims settle without a trial, but not all cases end that way. If an insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, you may need to take the case to court to recover damages owed to you. A strong legal team builds cases for both negotiation and litigation.
Most people assume hiring a lawyer is expensive, but that’s not how it works at Peerali Law. We don’t charge upfront fees. Our firm works on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case.
Uber and Lyft know how to protect themselves. Their insurance adjusters actively work to undervalue claims and delay payments for as long as possible. That’s why you need an aggressive legal team that knows how to take them on.
Peerali Law doesn’t back down from corporate insurers. Attorneys Kristopher Peerali and Serena Vartazarian have built their firm by standing up to powerful companies and securing real results for injured clients.
We don’t settle for quick, lowball payouts—we demand compensation that covers medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today at 818-650-3463 or fill out our secure online contact form for a free consultation.