Frequently Asked questions

What happens if I was a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when it crashed?

Quick Answer

If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft at the time of a crash, the case is in Phase 3 under California Public Utilities Code §5433. The TNC’s $1,000,000 primary liability coverage applies for any party at fault, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident applies under the current statute if the at-fault party in another vehicle has insufficient insurance. You do not have to prove which driver caused the crash. Coverage on any specific claim should be evaluated under the law in effect on the crash date.

Reviewed by Daryoosh Khashayar, ABOTA Member, founder and managing partner of Khashayar Law Group — Last updated May 2026.

Rideshare insurance note: California TNC insurance requirements have changed. The current statutory text of Public Utilities Code §5433 (updated Jan. 1, 2026) provides the coverage limits described below. The CPUC’s public guidance page still references older $1,000,000 UM/UIM language; verify which version applies on the crash date.

Passengers are the most clearly protected group under California’s current rideshare framework. While the passenger is in the vehicle, both the $1,000,000 primary liability policy and the $60,000 / $300,000 UM/UIM coverage apply. Passengers also typically have no comparative-fault exposure because they were not operating the vehicle.

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What does the Phase 3 coverage actually pay?

  • $1,000,000 primary liability for any party at fault for the crash.
  • $60,000 per person / $300,000 per incident UM/UIM under current PUC §5433(b)(2), if the at-fault party in another vehicle has no or insufficient insurance.

This is the current statutory framework. Older versions of the statute set the UM/UIM amount at $1,000,000. The version in effect on the crash date controls.

Does it matter which driver was at fault?

For passenger coverage, no. The $1,000,000 primary liability policy pays regardless of whether the rideshare driver or another driver caused the crash. If another driver was at fault but had no or insufficient insurance, the $60,000 / $300,000 UM/UIM policy fills part of the gap. Passengers also generally do not have comparative-fault exposure because they were not driving.

Why be careful about a fast first offer?

TNC insurers commonly make a fast first offer to passengers, sometimes before the passenger has been medically evaluated. Early offers may not account for delayed-onset injuries (concussions, soft-tissue and disc injuries), future medical care, lost earning capacity, or pain and suffering. Once a release is signed, the case is generally over. Consider speaking with a personal-injury attorney before signing anything.

What documentation should I gather as a passenger?

  • Screenshot the ride in the app (driver name, vehicle, time, route).
  • Save the ride receipt — it confirms you were in Phase 3.
  • Photograph the scene, the other vehicle, and any visible injuries.
  • Get the police report number.
  • Seek medical attention the same day.
  • Decline recorded statements to the TNC insurer until you speak with an attorney.

Sources

This FAQ relates to our Rideshare Accidents practice. For a free consultation before accepting any TNC insurer offer, call (858) 509-1550. This article is general information, not legal advice; past results do not guarantee future outcomes.