What you do in the moments after a rideshare accident in California can have a significant impact on your health, your recovery, and your ability to seek justice. Being a passenger in an Uber or being hit by a Lyft vehicle can be overwhelming, but taking the proper steps early on can protect your rights and strengthen your personal injury claim.
With an average of 30 Uber rides happening every second and 1.8 billion trips completed in just one year, rideshare accidents are more common than most people realize. Here’s what you need to know—and do—next.
8 Essential Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
- Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
- Move to a safe area if possible and check for visible injuries.
- Call 911 if you or anyone else is hurt.
- Even if you feel fine, seek medical care promptly—some internal injuries surface later.
- Call the Police and Request a Police Report
- Always request a police report, even if the accident seems minor.
- The report will help clarify the facts and support your insurance or personal injury claims.
- Document the Accident Scene
- Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, street signs, and visible injuries.
- Get all parties’ names, contact details, and insurance information, including the rideshare driver.
- Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
- Use the rideshare app to notify Uber, Lyft, or any other platform.
- This establishes a record and triggers their involvement in the legal claims process.
- Gather Evidence and Witness Testimonies
- Collect statements and contact information from eyewitnesses.
- Save all ride details (driver’s name, trip route, timestamps).
- Keep Records of Medical Expenses and Losses
- Organize all medical bills, medical records, and documentation of loss of income.
- Don’t forget to log any disruptions to your daily activities or quality of life.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider
- Tell your insurance provider about the rideshare accident in California, even if you weren’t driving.
- Do not discuss fault or make detailed statements without first getting legal advice.
- Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
- A rideshare accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, identify liable parties, and guide you through settlement negotiations.
- If you’re in the state capital, speaking with a rideshare accident attorney in Sacramento is a wise move—they’re familiar with local laws and court procedures.
✅ Need help staying organized after an accident? Download our FREE Personal Injury Accident Checklist to ensure you don’t miss any crucial steps in your recovery and legal process.
Common Questions After a Rideshare Accident in California
Do I need medical treatment even if I feel fine?
Yes. Not all injuries are immediately visible. Seeking medical treatment protects your health and creates documentation supporting your rideshare accident claim.
What happens if you are injured in an Uber accident in Sacramento?
Accident victims may be eligible for financial compensation from multiple sources, including the Uber driver’s insurance, the platform’s insurance coverage, or third-party insurers. Consulting a local attorney can clarify your options and help protect your claim.
Who are the responsible parties in a rideshare accident claim?
Depending on the circumstances, liability may fall on the rideshare driver, another motorist, the rideshare platform, or even multiple insurance companies. Identifying all responsible parties is key to pursuing maximum compensation.
What You Might Be Entitled To
If you’re an injured party in a rideshare crash, you may be able to recover:
| Type of Damage | Examples |
| Medical Expenses | ER visits, surgeries, therapy, medications |
| Loss of Income | Missed work, reduced hours, long-term earning loss |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement of personal property or vehicles |
| Pain and Suffering | Emotional trauma, physical pain, reduced quality of life |
Let Our Legal Team Help You Navigate Your Rideshare Injury Claim
Recovering after a rideshare accident in California can be physically, emotionally, and financially draining. Whether you’re dealing with Lyft accidents, Uber accidents, or other ride-sharing drivers, the complexities of rideshare liability can quickly overwhelm you. That’s why having a rideshare accident attorney in Sacramento makes all the difference.
Contact our team in Sacramento today for a free consultation if you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash. We’ll help you understand your rights, explore your options, and fight for the compensation for damages you rightfully deserve.
