If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft – or injured by the driver of one when you weren’t in the car, you need attorneys with experience in holding rideshare companies accountable. Rideshare accident injury cases are tricky for a host of reasons, including that drivers aren’t employees, and that obtaining the app data is crucial to understanding what happened and why.
Below are some of the rideshare accident injury cases we’ve handled for clients throughout California, and the results we achieved.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Uber Rear-End Collision on I-80 in Emeryville (Cervical Disc Herniation and Epidural Injections)
In 2023, our client was a passenger in an Uber traveling on I-80 near Emeryville when the driver rear-ended another vehicle in stop-and-go traffic. Despite limited property damage, the collision caused a cervical disc herniation confirmed by MRI, with radiating arm pain and reduced mobility, ultimately requiring epidural injections and ongoing pain management. The rideshare carrier, James River, attempted to classify the claim as a low-impact soft tissue case and issued an early low offer while relying heavily on vehicle photos. We countered with objective imaging, a detailed treatment timeline, and physician opinions establishing causation. Once the medical record was fully developed, the case resolved in the mid-to-high six figures.
Lyft Left-Turn Collision in Los Angeles (Pelvic Fracture and Surgical Repair)
In 2022, our client was riding in a Lyft in Los Angeles when an oncoming driver made an unsafe left turn directly into the vehicle, causing a violent T-bone impact. The crash resulted in a displaced pelvic fracture requiring open reduction internal fixation surgery, followed by extensive rehabilitation and long-term mobility limitations. Lyft’s commercial carrier, Zurich, delayed resolution by challenging the scope of future care and attempting to narrow damages. We supported the claim with operative reports, orthopedic evaluations, and a life care plan. With liability clear and surgical damages established, the case resolved in the high six-figure range.
Uber Multi-Vehicle Collision on US-101 in San Jose (Lumbar Spine Injury and Ongoing Treatment)
In 2021, our client was a passenger in an Uber traveling on US-101 in San Jose when a chain-reaction crash occurred in heavy traffic. The collision caused a lumbar spine injury requiring months of treatment, including physical therapy, injections, and specialist care. The insurer, Progressive, attempted to diffuse liability across multiple drivers to minimize payout exposure. We retained accident reconstruction experts to establish impact sequencing and isolate the primary negligent party. After liability was clarified and damages fully documented, the case resolved in the mid six figures.
Lyft Sideswipe Collision on I-405 in Los Angeles (Shoulder Tear and Surgical Intervention)
In 2020, our client was riding in a Lyft on I-405 in Los Angeles when another driver made an unsafe lane change and sideswiped the vehicle. The impact caused a significant shoulder tear with nerve involvement, ultimately requiring surgical repair and prolonged rehabilitation. The defense raised comparative fault, arguing the Lyft driver remained in a blind spot. We rebutted this with lane positioning analysis, vehicle damage mapping, and witness statements confirming improper lane movement. The case resolved in the mid-to-high six-figure range.
Uber Rear-End Collision in San Francisco (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Cognitive Symptoms)
In 2023, our client was a passenger in an Uber that was rear-ended at a stoplight in San Francisco. Following the collision, our client developed concussion symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and memory issues consistent with a mild traumatic brain injury. State Farm challenged the claim based on minimal property damage and a lack of “objective findings,” a common defense in TBI cases. We worked with neurological specialists and documented cognitive deficits over time through formal testing and clinical evaluation. After presenting a comprehensive damages model, including future care considerations, the case resolved in the high six-figure range.
Lyft Intersection Collision in San Diego (Fractured Wrist and Functional Limitations)
In 2021, our client was riding in a Lyft in San Diego when another driver ran a red light, causing a high-impact intersection crash. The collision resulted in a fractured wrist requiring immobilization, therapy, and extended recovery, with lasting functional limitations. GEICO initially disputed liability before reversing position after we secured witness statements and intersection evidence. With liability established and damages clearly documented, the case resolved in the low-to-mid six-figure range.
Uber High-Speed Rear-End Collision on I-5 near Sacramento (Cervical Spine Injury and Chronic Pain)
In 2022, our client was a passenger in an Uber traveling on I-5 near Sacramento when the vehicle was struck at highway speed from behind. The crash caused a cervical spine injury confirmed by imaging, leading to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and ongoing treatment. The insurer attempted to attribute the condition to pre-existing degeneration rather than acute trauma. We obtained prior medical records establishing a clean baseline and retained expert opinions distinguishing traumatic injury from degenerative changes. The case resolved in the mid six figures after sustained negotiation.
Lyft Rear-End Collision in Oakland (Lumbar Disc Bulge and Pain Management)
In 2023, our client was injured while riding in a Lyft that was rear-ended in Oakland traffic. The collision caused a lumbar disc bulge with radiating pain, requiring structured pain management and ongoing care. Mercury Insurance minimized the claim early by focusing on low vehicle damage and delayed treatment arguments. We countered with consistent medical documentation, imaging, and physician opinions linking the injury directly to the crash. After sustained pressure and a fully developed demand, the case resolved in the mid six-figure range.
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