San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer

In a city like San Francisco, rideshare apps are more than a convenience—they’re a way of life. With heavy traffic, limited parking, and one of the busiest downtown cores in the country, Uber and Lyft are everywhere. But when accidents happen involving these vehicles, figuring out what to do next isn’t always clear. Between app data, multiple insurance policies, and shifting liability, rideshare crashes are complicated—and often overwhelming.

If you were injured in a rideshare accident in San Francisco, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, Adamson Ahdoot is here to help. Our team understands how California rideshare laws work, how Uber and Lyft handle claims, and how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call (800) 310-1606 now for a free consultation. You don’t pay unless we win your case.

What Adamson Ahdoot Injury Attorneys Can Do for You

From the moment you contact us, we take over the legal and insurance process so you can focus on recovery. Our San Francisco rideshare accident lawyers will:

• Investigate the crash and determine if the app was active.
• Collect key evidence, including app data, ride logs, and crash reports.
• Communicate with insurers, Uber or Lyft, and third-party drivers.
• Coordinate with your doctors to document injuries.
• Identify all potential sources of compensation.
• Negotiate a fair settlement or prepare your case for trial.

Whether your crash happened in SoMa, the Financial District, or out near Ocean Beach, our team is ready to fight for you.

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win. No Surprises, No Upfront Fees

If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, financial stress shouldn’t stop you from getting legal help. That’s why Adamson Ahdoot Injury Attorneys works on a contingency fee basis:

• Your consultation is free.
• You pay nothing out of pocket.
• You owe us nothing unless we win compensation for you.

You’ve already been through enough. Let us handle the legal side—risk-free.

We Know How to Navigate Uber and Lyft’s Insurance Maze

Rideshare companies are notorious for making claims difficult. They push responsibility onto drivers, delay answers, and hide behind complicated insurance tiers. Our firm knows how to cut through that noise.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we understand how rideshare claims are processed, when each layer of insurance applies, and how to prove liability—even when the companies try to avoid it. We do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your recovery.

Local Knowledge That Makes a Real Difference

From the steep hills of Nob Hill to the congestion of Market Street and the tight lanes in Chinatown, San Francisco’s roadways are unlike any other. We understand how rideshare crashes happen here—and how local traffic, lighting, and weather conditions factor into a case.

Our knowledge of the city’s traffic landscape, courts, and legal procedures gives your case a real advantage.

Your Case Isn’t Just a File Number to Us

Every rideshare crash affects someone’s health, livelihood, and future. We take that seriously. When you work with our team, you get:

• Direct access to your legal team.
• Regular updates and check-ins.
• Help accessing medical care and other support.
• A strategy built around your goals and timeline.

We see the person behind the paperwork—and we treat your case with the respect it deserves.

The Sooner You Call, the More We Can Do to Help

Uber and Lyft are fast to investigate and protect their interests. Every hour counts when it comes to securing app data, preserving evidence, and keeping your case strong. Early action allows us to:

• Document scene conditions before they change.
• Secure rideshare records before they disappear.
• Prevent harmful insurance statements.
• File the correct claims with the correct insurers in a timely manner.

The sooner you reach out, the more options you’ll have.

Rideshare Insurance: When Coverage Applies and How Much You Can Recover

Uber and Lyft divide their insurance responsibilities into phases:

1. App Off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
2. App On, No Ride Accepted: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident in liability, plus $25,000 in property damage.
3. Ride Accepted or In Progress: $1 million in commercial liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Identifying the exact timing of your crash is critical. We secure timestamped app data to ensure the correct policy is triggered and enforced.

Who’s Liable in a San Francisco Rideshare Crash?

Liability depends on several factors, including who caused the crash, the driver’s status within the app, and whether the company’s policies were followed. Possible liable parties include:

• The rideshare driver.
• Another negligent driver.
• The rideshare company (if corporate negligence is involved).
• Vehicle manufacturers (in defective parts cases).
• The City or County of San Francisco (in roadway hazard cases).

We investigate every angle to make sure the right people are held accountable.

Common Causes of Rideshare Accidents

San Francisco’s steep hills, narrow lanes, and traffic congestion create ideal conditions for crashes. We’ve handled rideshare accidents caused by:

• Distracted driving (using the app, GPS, or phone).
• Unsafe or sudden stops to pick up passengers.
• Running red lights or failing to yield.
• Speeding between rides to boost income.
• Drowsy driving after long shifts.
• Aggressive lane changes or unsafe turns.

Uber and Lyft drivers are under pressure to move fast and take more rides. That pressure leads to negligence—especially in a dense, high-traffic area like San Francisco.

What If You Were a Passenger?

As a rideshare passenger, you have the right to file a personal injury claim if you were injured in a crash—regardless of which driver was at fault. Depending on the situation, compensation may come from:

• Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy.
• The at-fault driver’s insurance.
• Uninsured motorist coverage.
• Additional policies (such as your own medical or auto insurance).

We handle every layer of coverage so you don’t have to worry about which policy applies.

What Happens if the Rideshare Driver Was Off the Clock?

If a rideshare driver causes a crash while they’re not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance is the primary coverage. Uber and Lyft only extend liability coverage when the app is on and the driver is either waiting for a request, en route to a pickup, or transporting a passenger.

Even in off-duty situations, you may still have a valid claim—just through the driver’s own policy. Our team will confirm the driver’s app activity, ride history, and any communication logs to identify the right insurance path.

Can You Still File a Claim If You Weren’t Wearing a Seatbelt?

While wearing a seatbelt is always encouraged, not doing so doesn’t automatically disqualify you from recovering compensation. California follows a comparative fault system, which means:

• You can still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault.
• Your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

In rideshare cases, your injuries may have resulted from driver negligence regardless of your seatbelt use. We’ll gather medical and crash reconstruction evidence to minimize any blame-shifting from insurers.

What If the Rideshare Vehicle Malfunctioned?

Sometimes, the cause of a rideshare crash isn’t human error—it’s mechanical failure. If a defective tire, faulty brake system, or steering issue led to the accident, you may have a product liability claim against:

• The vehicle manufacturer.
• The part manufacturer.
• The company responsible for maintaining or repairing the vehicle.

We investigate maintenance records, inspection reports, and recall histories to determine whether a mechanical defect contributed to the crash.

The Role of Witnesses and Surveillance Footage in Rideshare Claims

In dense urban areas like San Francisco, crash footage can often be found from:

• Business surveillance cameras.
• Residential doorbell or security cameras.
• Nearby traffic or intersection cameras.
• Dashcams from your vehicle or others nearby.

Additionally, witness statements—especially from bystanders or fellow passengers—can significantly strengthen your case. We move quickly to track down video evidence and eyewitnesses before those resources disappear.

Rideshare Crashes Involving Tourists or Out-of-Towners

San Francisco sees millions of tourists each year, many of whom rely on rideshare services to get around. If you’re from out of state and were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash during your trip, you can still file a claim under California law.

We’ll help coordinate your case remotely and ensure your rights are protected—even if you’ve already returned home.

What If You Were a Pedestrian or Cyclist?

Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable to rideshare vehicles in busy areas like the Mission, the Embarcadero, and Market Street. Common scenarios include:

• Being struck while crossing the street.
• Getting hit by a rideshare vehicle pulling over or leaving a curb.
• Bicycle crashes during abrupt rideshare stops.
• Open-door accidents in bike lanes.

Even if you weren’t a rideshare passenger, you may still be covered under the rideshare company’s commercial insurance—especially if the app was active.

Common Injuries in Rideshare Collisions

The injuries we see in rideshare crashes range from moderate to severe and often include:

• Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
• Broken bones and fractures.
• Spinal injuries or herniated discs.
• Internal bleeding or organ damage.
• Whiplash and neck trauma.
• Psychological trauma, including anxiety and PTSD.

We work diligently to document the full scope of your injuries and losses.

Why Rideshare Accidents Are More Complex Than Regular Crashes

Uber and Lyft drivers use personal vehicles—but with commercial implications. These cases often involve:

• Multiple insurance policies (personal and rideshare coverage).
• App-based liability based on the driver’s activity at the time of the crash.
• Corporate attempts to shift blame or delay claims.
• Serious injuries with delayed or unclear medical documentation.

We understand how to cut through that complexity and pursue full, fair compensation on your behalf.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Depending on your injuries and the nature of the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Lost wages and reduced future income.
• Long-term or permanent disability.
• Loss of enjoyment of life.
• Out-of-pocket costs for support or travel.
• Property damage (if you were in another vehicle).

We fight for the full value of your claim—not just what the insurance company wants to offer.

What if Uber or Lyft Tries to Deny Responsibility?

It’s not unusual for rideshare companies to argue that they aren’t liable—especially if the driver was in between rides or acting “independently.” We push back by:

• Obtaining app usage logs and ride history.
• Showing the driver was actively using the platform.
• Demonstrating company negligence (when applicable).
• Uncovering gaps in training, vehicle safety, or background checks.

We know how to handle corporate defense teams—and we don’t back down.

What to Do After a Rideshare Crash in San Francisco

Take the following steps as soon as possible to protect yourself and your case:

• Report the accident to law enforcement and the rideshare support.
• Take photos of the scene, injuries, and vehicle damage.
• Screenshot your ride details (passenger name, pickup/dropoff, time)
• Get medical attention, even for minor symptoms.
• Contact a San Francisco personal injury lawyer before speaking to any insurance adjusters.

Early action helps preserve evidence, verify driver activity, and ensure you don’t fall victim to a lowball settlement.

Dealing With Multiple Insurance Policies

One of the most confusing aspects of a rideshare crash is figuring out which insurance policy applies. You may be facing:

• The Uber or Lyft liability policy.
• The driver’s personal policy.
• A third-party driver’s insurance.
• Uninsured motorist coverage.
• Your own medical or PIP policy.

We untangle the policy web, file your claim correctly, and negotiate with every insurer involved—so you don’t have to.

Injured in a Rideshare Crash in San Francisco?

If you’ve been hurt in a collision involving Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare vehicle, Adamson Ahdoot is ready to help. We’ve handled these cases throughout California and understand how to navigate the unique complexities of rideshare litigation.

Call (800) 310-1606 today for your free consultation. There’s no commitment, and you won’t pay unless we win.