Uber & Lyft Accident Attorney San Francisco

San Francisco Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Uber & Lyft Claims

San Francisco is the birthplace of the modern rideshare industry, and Uber and Lyft vehicles are a constant presence on Bay Area streets. While rideshare services have transformed urban transportation, they have also introduced new types of accident scenarios and complex insurance questions. Whether you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft, a driver struck by a rideshare vehicle, or a pedestrian hit by a distracted rideshare driver, Attorney Michael Martinovsky can help you navigate the claims process and recover the compensation you deserve.

Who Can File a Rideshare Accident Claim?

Attorney Martinovsky represents anyone injured in connection with a rideshare accident in San Francisco and the Bay Area:

• Rideshare passengers — If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when an accident occurred, you are covered by the rideshare company's $1 million insurance policy during an active trip, regardless of who caused the collision.
• Other drivers — If you were driving your own vehicle and were struck by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be able to file a claim against the rideshare company's insurance depending on the driver's app status at the time.
• Pedestrians and cyclists — If you were hit by a rideshare driver while walking or cycling, the available insurance coverage depends on whether the driver was on an active trip, waiting for a ride request, or had the app turned off.
• Rideshare drivers — If you drive for Uber or Lyft and were injured in a collision caused by another driver, you may have claims against the at-fault driver's insurance, the rideshare company's coverage, or both.

Understanding Rideshare Insurance Tiers

The biggest challenge in rideshare accident cases is determining which insurance policy applies. Uber and Lyft use a tiered insurance system that depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:

Tier 1: App Off — Personal Insurance Only

When the rideshare driver has the Uber or Lyft app turned off, they are driving as a private individual. Only the driver's personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company provides no coverage in this scenario.

Tier 2: App On, Waiting for a Ride Request — Contingent Coverage

When the driver has the app turned on and is waiting for a ride request but has not yet been matched with a passenger, limited contingent coverage applies:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

This contingent coverage only kicks in if the driver's personal insurance denies the claim or provides insufficient coverage.

Tier 3: Active Trip — $1 Million Policy

From the moment the driver accepts a ride request through the completion of the trip (including en route to pick up the passenger), the rideshare company's full commercial insurance policy applies:

• $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (subject to a deductible)

This is the highest level of coverage and protects passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists injured during an active rideshare trip.

Multiple Liable Parties in Rideshare Accidents

Rideshare accidents can involve several potentially liable parties, making these cases more complex than standard car accident claims:

• The rideshare company (Uber or Lyft) — Through their insurance policies and, in some cases, through claims of negligent driver screening or inadequate safety measures
• The rideshare driver — For negligent driving, distraction from the app, unfamiliarity with routes, illegal maneuvers like sudden stops or double-parking for pickups
• Other drivers — Third-party motorists who cause or contribute to the accident
• Vehicle manufacturers — If a defective vehicle component contributed to the crash
• Government entities — If dangerous road conditions or missing signage played a role (subject to special government claim requirements)

Rideshare Accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area

The Bay Area has one of the highest rideshare densities in the country. Several factors make rideshare accidents particularly common in San Francisco:

• High rideshare volume — Uber and Lyft were both founded in the Bay Area, and rideshare usage remains exceptionally high throughout the region
• Frequent pickups and drop-offs — Rideshare drivers routinely stop on busy streets, double-park, and make sudden lane changes to reach passengers
• App distraction — Drivers checking their phones for ride requests, navigation, and passenger communications while driving
• Unfamiliar routes — Drivers navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods while following GPS directions, leading to sudden turns and unexpected stops
• Dense urban environment — Narrow streets, heavy pedestrian traffic, cyclists, steep hills, and complex intersections create additional hazards

Why Choose Attorney Martinovsky for Your Rideshare Accident Case

• Insurance tier expertise — Understands the complex Uber and Lyft insurance structures and knows which policies apply to your situation
• Personal attention — You work directly with Attorney Martinovsky, not a paralegal or case manager
• Proven education — UC Berkeley undergraduate, University of Iowa College of Law (top 20 nationally ranked)
• Trilingual service — Representation available in English, Spanish, and Russian
• Contingency fee — No fee unless we win your case. You pay nothing upfront.
• Bay Area knowledge — Deep familiarity with San Francisco's rideshare landscape and local courts

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber & Lyft Accidents