San Diego Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft may offer convenience, but they also bring new challenges, especially when an accident happens. 

If you’ve been injured while riding in, driving for, or being hit by a rideshare vehicle because of someone else’s negligence, your situation is more than just a traffic collision. It’s a disruptive and stressful event that can leave you physically hurt, financially strained, and unsure of what to do next. You may be dealing with medical bills, missed work, and calls from insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting their bottom line than helping you recover.

You deserve answers, support, and a path forward. A San Diego rideshare accident lawyer at Walton Law, APC can guide you through this difficult time with clarity and compassion. Our firm understands the emotional and financial pressure you're under, and we know how rideshare companies and insurers operate. 

Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, our team is here to help you demand fair compensation for your injuries, pain, and losses.

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Why Choose Walton Law, APC for Your Rideshare Accident Case?

When you're injured in a rideshare crash, you’re not just battling injuries, you’re up against billion-dollar corporations and insurers who have experience minimizing payouts. At Walton Law, APC, our San Diego personal injury attorneys don’t let that happen. We are committed to helping accident victims like you recover physically, emotionally, and financially, with legal support that truly puts your needs first.

Client-centered legal care

You’re never just a case number to us. At Walton Law, APC, we limit our caseload so we can provide every client with personal attention. From your first call to your case’s resolution, we keep you informed and involved. We listen to your concerns and tailor our legal strategy to meet your goals, not ours.

No fees unless we win

We handle rideshare accident claims on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees at all unless we secure compensation for you. This allows you to pursue justice without adding financial stress during your recovery.

Proven results and satisfied clients

We’ve recovered millions of dollars for clients injured due to someone else’s negligence. Our reputation is built on client satisfaction and outcomes. Many of our cases come from referrals—people who’ve trusted us with their legal needs and recommended us to others.

Deep knowledge of rideshare accident law

Rideshare laws are always evolving. From changing insurance rules to liability issues involving app-based drivers, this isn’t a typical car accident case. Our team keeps up with new regulations and rideshare-specific legal strategies to ensure your case is handled with up-to-date legal insight.

Available when you need us

We know accidents don’t only happen during business hours. That’s why we make ourselves accessible. Whether you’re recovering in a hospital, at home, or struggling to return to work, we’ll meet you where you are—by phone, video, or in person.

Common Causes of Uber and Lyft Accidents in San Diego

The rise in rideshare use has contributed to an uptick in traffic incidents across the U.S., including right here in San Diego. With high demand near popular areas like Gaslamp Quarter, Pacific Beach, and San Diego International Airport, these vehicles are constantly in motion, often in congested, high-risk zones.

Rideshare crashes often happen due to:

• Distracted driving, especially from drivers using GPS apps or managing ride requests
• Driver fatigue, common among Uber and Lyft operators working multiple shifts
• Unfamiliarity with local roads, particularly for out-of-town drivers working in tourist-heavy areas
• Sudden stops or unsafe pickups/drop-offs, especially near nightlife or event venues
• Speeding to meet ride quotas or boost incentives

Even a minor collision can lead to serious injuries, especially for passengers who are unbelted or seated in rear areas with less crash protection.

How Rideshare Accidents Differ From Regular Car Accidents

Rideshare collisions are more complicated than regular car accidents. Unlike standard crashes between two privately owned vehicles, these incidents involve app-based services, multi-layered insurance policies, and shifting liability depending on a driver’s app activity.

Each stage of a rideshare driver's status triggers a different level of insurance coverage:

Offline: The Uber or Lyft driver was not on the app

Only the driver's personal insurance policy applies. Rideshare company coverage does not apply.

Available for a ride: The driver was logged into the app, but not matched with a passenger

California law mandates third-party liability coverage of:

• $50,000 for bodily injury per person
• $100,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $30,000 for property damage

On a trip: The driver was on the app and transporting a passenger

Uber or Lyft’s $1 million commercial liability policy is in effect, providing significantly more coverage for injured parties.

However, these policies are not always automatic. You must prove the driver was using the app and within the correct tier of service at the time of the accident. Walton Law, APC helps ensure all applicable coverage is properly activated and fights to hold every liable party accountable.

Sorting through these technicalities is not something most people can or should try to handle alone. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing claims, but we know how to push back.

Common Injuries From Rideshare Accidents

While every accident is different, some injuries occur more frequently in rideshare collisions. Whether you were in the backseat without a seatbelt or hit by a speeding rideshare driver, the physical toll can be significant. These injuries may have long-lasting consequences and require ongoing care.

Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and neck injuries from sudden stops or rear-end collisions
• Back and spinal cord injuries, sometimes resulting in nerve damage or paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from head impacts, even in low-speed crashes
• Broken bones, particularly in the ribs, arms, or legs
• Lacerations and bruises from shattered glass or vehicle structures
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, or torn ligaments

Many victims initially underestimate the seriousness of their injuries. That's why it’s so important to seek prompt medical evaluation and legal support.

What Compensation Can You Receive After a Rideshare Accident?

If you've been hurt in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for more than just your medical bills. Depending on the details of your case, damages may include:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If a loved one lost their life in a rideshare crash, our firm can also pursue a wrongful death claim on your behalf, seeking damages for funeral costs, lost companionship, and other related losses.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Solid evidence can make or break your rideshare accident case. Whether you're filing a claim with the driver’s insurer, Uber's or Lyft’s insurance, or taking your case to court, documentation is everything. The stronger your proof, the harder it is for insurers to deny your injuries or reduce your compensation.

Here’s what can help strengthen your case:

• Accident report: Always call the police. A formal report can document the crash location, statements, and initial findings about who may be at fault.
• Photos and videos: Visuals of the crash scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries help establish the severity of the impact.
• Witness statements: Bystanders or other passengers may provide impartial accounts that support your version of events.
• Medical records: Immediate and ongoing medical care helps link your injuries directly to the accident. Be sure to follow up consistently with all recommended treatments.
• App screenshots: Document your ride, including driver information, time stamps, and trip route.
• Communication with Uber or Lyft: Save any emails, chats, or in-app messages exchanged after the crash.

The sooner you speak with a San Diego rideshare accident lawyer, the faster we can begin preserving critical evidence and building your claim.

Who Is Liable in a San Diego Rideshare Accident?

Determining liability in rideshare crashes is often more complicated than it seems. While the rideshare driver may be at fault, other factors could contribute:

• Another driver caused the crash
• Vehicle defects or road hazards played a role
• Rideshare company policies encouraged unsafe behavior

In many cases, liability may be shared. California uses a comparative fault system, meaning even if you were partially to blame, you can still recover damages—just in a reduced amount. Walton Law, APC investigates all angles to identify every liable party, whether it’s the rideshare driver, another motorist, or a larger entity.

How to Report a Rideshare Accident to Uber or Lyft

Notifying the rideshare company is a critical step. Each platform has a slightly different reporting process:

Uber

• Open the Uber app or website
• Go to “Help” → “Trip Issues and Refunds”
• Select the trip in question and click “I was in an accident”
• Fill in the requested details

Lyft

• Open the Lyft app
• Tap the menu icon and go to “Ride history”
• Select the affected ride and choose “Report safety issue”
• Submit the crash report through their contact form

Make sure to keep a copy or screenshot of your submission. If you’ve already spoken with police or medical providers, note that in your report. Walton Law, APC, can assist you in handling these communications and ensuring your rights are protected from the beginning.

What To Do After a Rideshare Accident in San Diego

If you're reading this, chances are you've already taken the first step by receiving medical attention, or you’re currently in treatment for your injuries. If you haven’t yet been evaluated by a doctor, do so as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms seem minor, some injuries may not appear immediately. A medical record creates critical documentation that links your injuries to the crash.

Beyond medical care, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and your right to compensation:

• Consult a lawyer: The sooner you speak to a rideshare accident attorney, the better. Your lawyer can protect your rights, manage communications with insurers, and preserve crucial evidence before it disappears.
• Keep all medical appointments and follow treatment plans: Gaps in care can give insurance adjusters an excuse to downplay your injuries or reduce your payout.
• Write or video journal your recovery: Document your pain levels, emotional challenges, and limitations in daily life. This personal record helps illustrate the real impact of your injuries on your well-being.
• Save all receipts and records: This includes out-of-pocket expenses for medications, mobility aids, travel to appointments, and more.
• Avoid discussing your case online: Social media posts can be misinterpreted or used against you by opposing attorneys and insurance companies.

Every action you take now helps shape the outcome of your claim later. Having a trusted advocate on your side ensures you're not leaving money or your justice on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect During a Rideshare Accident Lawsuit in San Diego

While many rideshare injury claims settle without going to trial, some require court action, especially when liability is contested or insurers offer lowball settlements. Here’s what the process usually involves:

1. Consultation: Our team reviews your case, explains your legal options, and outlines next steps.
2. Investigation: We gather evidence, identify all liable parties, and consult with experts if needed.
3. Demand and negotiation: We submit a demand package to insurers outlining your injuries and financial losses, and enter settlement talks.
4. Filing a lawsuit (if necessary): If negotiations stall, we file your case in San Diego County court and prepare for litigation.
5. Resolution: We aim for a fair settlement, but we’re fully prepared to go to trial if that’s what it takes to get justice.

Throughout the process, you’ll receive clear updates, honest answers, and unwavering support.

Call a San Diego Rideshare Accident Lawyer at Walton Law, APC Today

If you've been injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, another driver, or pedestrian—don't wait to get the legal help you need. Insurance companies act fast to protect themselves. So should you.

At Walton Law, APC, we treat your case like it’s the only one we’re handling. You’ll never feel pushed aside or left in the dark. From day one, we listen, we explain your options, and we fight for every dollar you deserve.

Our team knows San Diego inside and out—from the busy streets of Downtown to the beachside neighborhoods of La Jolla and Pacific Beach. We’re proud to serve our community with compassion and tenacity, and we’ll bring those same values to your case. Call our San Diego office today at (858) 384-3320 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case. Let’s talk about what happened and how we can help.

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Schedule a Free Consultation

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Walton Law, A.P.C. - San Diego Office

Address: 12555 High Bluff Dr Suite 333
San Diego, CA 92130

Phone: (858) 384-3320