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Steps to Take after a Pedestrian Accident with a Rideshare Driver

Feb 21, 2022

Being involved in a pedestrian accident with a rideshare driver in Long Beach can be overwhelming and confusing. Normally, when a negligent driver hits you, you can file a claim for compensation. But rideshare cases are more complicated. Should you sue the driver, the company, or both? And should you pursue a lawsuit or accept a settlement?

Knowing what steps to take afterward is crucial to protect your rights, seek proper compensation, and ensure recovery. Here’s what you need to know if you are in this situation.

What Should I Do Right After the Pedestrian Accident with a Rideshare Driver in Long Beach?

Get Checked by Medical Professionals 

Let paramedics examine you on the spot. Adrenaline can hide severe injuries like head trauma or internal bleeding. So, even if you feel fine, get to the ER or urgent care immediately.

Some injuries won’t surface until hours or even days later. So, if you avoid medical help immediately, this can further complicate your injuries. Additionally, if you are filing a claim for compensation, the insurance or rideshare company may argue that the crash didn’t cause your injuries since you didn’t have medical records right away.

This is why it is essential to follow up with your doctor for a complete evaluation and ongoing care. Your recovery depends on it.

Keep Records of Your Medical Care 

Document everything thoroughly. Keep copies of hospital records, details of doctor visits, prescriptions, medical test results, and all related receipts.

Each piece of documentation serves a purpose beyond tracking your recovery; it can be essential if you need to file a claim for medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages.

Having an organized record of your medical care and associated costs strengthens your case and ensures you’re fully prepared to seek compensation if needed.

Should I Report the Pedestrian Accident to the Authorities?

You must report the incident to the authorities if you’re injured in a pedestrian accident involving a rideshare driver.

When Is Reporting an Accident Mandatory?

According to California Vehicle Code 16000, certain minor accidents may not require a police report. Specifically, a report may not be necessary if:

  • The property damage is less than $1,000, and 
  • There are no bodily injuries resulting from the accident. 

On the other hand, failing to report a car accident can be illegal under the following circumstances: 

  • Property damage exceeds $1,000. 
  • The accident involves a hit-and-run. 
  • The crash causes bodily injuries. 
  • A wrongful death occurs as a result of the collision. 

Note that if the accident results in severe injuries or a fatality, you are legally required to report it to the police within 24 hours of the incident.

What Else Can I Do at the Accident Scene?

If you’re physically able, there are key steps you can take at the scene of a rideshare accident to protect your rights.

Gather Critical Evidence 

After a rideshare accident, acting fast is non-negotiable. Start by documenting everything:

  • Take clear photos of your injuries, the rideshare vehicle, license plate, damage, traffic signs, and road conditions.
  • Secure witness information. Get names and contact details from anyone who saw what happened. Their testimony could be the key to your case.
  • Confirm app details. Was the driver using Uber, Lyft, or another service? Were they on an active ride? This information is crucial to building your case. 

Watch What You Say 

Never admit fault or make statements like “I’m fine” or “It was my fault” when speaking to the other party. These words can and will be used against you by insurance or rideshare companies. They may claim your injuries aren’t serious because you said you were fine, or deny liability because you took the blame.

Instead, keep conversations with the driver minimal. Don’t discuss your injuries or plans; reserve those details for law enforcement or your rideshare accident lawyer. 

Always Wait for Authorities 

Never leave the scene until the police arrive. Make sure the accident is formally documented in a police report. Before you go, ask how to obtain a copy of that report. It’s a critical piece of evidence that could define your case. 

Should I Report the Pedestrian Crash to the Rideshare Company?

If a rideshare driver struck you as a pedestrian, promptly reporting the incident to the rideshare company is crucial. Companies such as Uber and Lyft maintain insurance policies that may cover your injuries if their driver is determined to be at fault. Reporting the crash initiates the process of accessing this coverage.

However, when reporting the accident, it is best to do the following:

  • Stick to the facts: Provide only factual details about the incident. Avoid admitting fault or minimizing your injuries, as these statements could impact your claim later.
  • Seek legal guidance: Consult a Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer before providing detailed statements to the rideshare company or their insurance provider. An attorney can offer strategic advice, help you navigate the claims process, and protect your rights as you focus on recovery.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your case is handled effectively and that your rights are safeguarded throughout the process.

Can I Seek Compensation for the Incurred Injuries in Long Beach, CA?

In Long Beach, the driver responsible for a car crash is typically liable for the damages. California follows an “at-fault” system, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurance covers property damage and injuries.

You may be eligible for compensation after an auto collision if: 

  • Reckless or Negligent Behavior: Someone, whether the rideshare driver or another motorist, acted carelessly, such as speeding or texting while driving. 
  • Direct Cause of the Accident: That negligence led directly to the crash. 
  • Tangible Losses and Suffering: You’ve suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm, such as medical bills, lost wages, or emotional trauma.

Remember that at-fault drivers are responsible for damages, including rideshare drivers. If a rideshare driver causes an accident, they can be held liable for injuries and losses. However, rideshare accidents often involve multiple layers of insurance based on what the driver was doing at the time.

For example: 

  • If the app is off, the driver’s personal insurance applies. 
  • If the app is on but no passenger is in the car, the rideshare company may provide limited liability coverage. 
  • If the driver is carrying a passenger or en route to pick one up, the rideshare company’s $1 million policy usually applies.

These cases can get complicated, with liability potentially shared between the driver, the rideshare company, or other parties. If you were hit as a pedestrian in Long Beach, a Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyer can help you determine who’s responsible and what coverage applies.

Can I Recover Damages from Uber’s Insurance Policy?

If the driver was actively working for Uber at the time, meaning they had the app open, were on their way to pick up a passenger, or already had a passenger in the car, you may be covered under Uber’s $1 million insurance policy. This coverage is designed to protect drivers, passengers, and even third parties involved in accidents during rideshare-related trips.

Here is how ridesharing coverages apply:

Uber Insurance Coverage 

  • Offline (App is off): The driver’s personal insurance policy applies. 
  • Period 1 (App is on, but no ride has been accepted): 
    • $50,000 for bodily injury per person 
    • $100,000 for bodily injury per accident 
    • $30,000 for property damage 
    • $200,000 in supplemental liability coverage 
  • Periods 2 & 3 (Ride accepted or transporting passengers): 
    • $1 million in commercial auto liability insurance 
    • $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 

Lyft Insurance Coverage 

  • Offline (App is off): The driver’s personal insurance policy applies. 
  • Period 1 (App is on, but no ride has been accepted): 
    • $50,000 for bodily injury per person 
    • $100,000 for bodily injury per accident 
    • $30,000 for property damage 
  • Periods 2 & 3 (Ride accepted or transporting passengers): 
    • $1 million in commercial auto liability insurance 
    • $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage 

However, understanding the specifics and determining eligibility can be challenging. The circumstances surrounding ridesharing accidents are often complex, involving questions about timing, liability, and insurance coverage.

This is why consulting with a knowledgeable rideshare accident lawyer in Long Beach, CA is crucial. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, investigate the details of your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Whether you’re unsure about your claim or need help navigating the legal process, reaching out for professional legal advice is the first step to ensuring your interests are protected.

What If the Driver Wasn’t Working at the Time?

If the driver was off duty when the accident happened, their personal insurance should cover damages.

While personal policies may offer less coverage than Uber’s corporate insurance, Uber requires all its drivers to carry full coverage. This requirement ensures there’s still a safety net for the injured pedestrian.

For private passenger vehicles, they must meet these minimum liability insurance requirements: 

  • $30,000 to cover injuries or the loss of a single person in one accident. 
  • $60,000 to cover injuries or fatalities involving multiple people in a single accident. 
  • $15,000 to cover property damage, including other vehicles or property. 

What Happens If I Was Jaywalking When the Crash Occurred?

Thanks to California’s Freedom to Walk Act, pedestrians who cross mid-block safely in Long Beach, even outside of crosswalks, are not automatically denied compensation.

Even if you were jaywalking, you can still recover damages. The law allows you to seek compensation, reducing your payout by your share of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for a pedestrian accident and your damages total $100,000, you can still receive $80,000.

  • If you crossed safely and the driver was distracted or speeding, you likely bear minor fault. 
  • You may share more responsibility or be entirely at fault if you entered traffic suddenly or against a signal. 

In such situations, expect insurers to focus on your jaywalking to minimize their payout. They’ll argue that crossing improperly contributed to your injuries or caused the crash.

But unless you’re 100% at fault, you have the right to file a claim. It is best to seek legal guidance immediately. A rideshare accident lawyer can help reduce your fault percentage and preserve your recovery, even if you were jaywalking.

What’s My Next Move After My Pedestrian Accident?

The next step is essential: connect with a seasoned ridesharing accident attorney in Long Beach, CA. 

Uber or Lyft’s legal team is equipped with resources designed to protect their interests, not yours. Don’t go up against them alone after a pedestrian accident. Our team at The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker is ready to fight for you and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. 

Here’s how our experienced Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers can help you: 

  • Handle communication with insurance companies: We’ll deal with adjusters and negotiate on your behalf to ensure fair treatment and compensation. 
  • Investigate your accident thoroughly: Our team will gather evidence, review accident reports, and consult with experts to build a strong case. 
  • Determine liability: We’ll identify who is responsible for your injuries, whether it’s the rideshare driver, another driver, or the company itself. 
  • Manage complex legal processes: Ridesharing accidents involve unique laws and policies. We’ll guide you through them to avoid costly mistakes. 
  • Fight for maximum compensation: From medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering, we’ll ensure you receive what you’re entitled to. 
  • Fight for your rights: Our focus is on protecting your interests and holding negligent parties accountable. 

We’re here to advocate for you. Our Long Beach pedestrian accident lawyers handle these complex rideshare cases with compassion and determination. If you’ve been injured as a pedestrian in a ridesharing accident, call us at 800-333-0000 for a free consultation. We’ll stand by you every step of the way to secure justice and the compensation you need. 

Don’t wait. Act now to protect your rights and take back control of your situation.

Looking for clear answers after a crash? Our car accident lawyers can guide you — starting with a free case review.

What Our Clients Say About Us

While many personal injury lawyers may accept your case and build a legal defense, none will champion your cause as fiercely as we do. Our California rideshare accident attorneys are exceptionally well-equipped to create a flawless claim, as affirmed by our previous clients:

“You guys were awesome to me. I appreciate the help & concerns everyone had for my case. Everyone is polite & respectful. I hope I won’t have the need to call again, but I will definitely keep you in mind for myself as well as family and friends. Thank you, LHP.” – Chandra A.

Frequently Asked Questions

Accidents may be upsetting and complicated, leaving everyone involved with questions about their rights, obligations, and legal alternatives. Understanding the aftermath of an accident is critical for safeguarding your rights and getting proper compensation, regardless of whether you are the driver, passenger, or pedestrian. 

If you have further questions, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about road accidents. 

References

Auto Insurance Requirements – California DMV. (n.d.). California DMV. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/

Bieber J. D., C. (2023, January 27). What Is An At-Fault Accident? Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/auto-accident/at-fault-accident/

Insurance coverage while driving with Lyft. (n.d.). Lyft.com. https://help.lyft.com/hc/en-us/all/articles/115013080548-Insurance-Policy

Insurance for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers. (n.d.). Uber. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/insurance/

Le, S. (2022, October 1). The Freedom to Walk Act Passes. Americanwalk.org. https://americawalks.org/the-freedom-to-walk-act-passes/

Vehicle Code – VEH DIVISION 10. ACCIDENTS AND ACCIDENT REPORTS [20000 – 20018]. (n.d.). California Legislative Information. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=20008

Vehicle Collisions. (n.d.). California DMV. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/vehicle-collisions-ffdl-16/