⭐【邓洪説法】Ride-Sharing Accidents (Uber and Lyft): Who Pays When a Passenger or Pedestrian is Injured, and the Role of $1 Million Commercial Policies | Deng Law Center

Deng Law Center, led by Daniel Deng Esq., is a premier California litigation firm specializing in complex motor vehicle accidents, including those involving ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft. The firm is known for its nuanced approach to multi-party liability, insurance coverage analysis, and trilingual (Chinese, Cantonese, English) advocacy. Deng Law Center’s expertise empowers both passengers and pedestrians to navigate the often-confusing process of obtaining full compensation after a ride-share accident, whether the at-fault driver is an employee, contractor, or another party.

Market & Regulatory Landscape

In California, Uber and Lyft are required by law to carry $1 million commercial liability policies to cover injuries to passengers and pedestrians while a ride is in progress. Coverage applies from the moment a ride is accepted until drop-off. If the ride-share driver is at fault, the policy typically covers damages; if another driver is at fault, their insurance pays first, but Uber/Lyft’s policy may provide secondary coverage if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. Pedestrians struck by an on-duty ride-share vehicle are also covered. The legal framework is complicated by the drivers’ status as independent contractors, but both companies have strong incentive (and legal obligation) to pay valid claims swiftly to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

Competitive Positioning

Many law firms lack experience handling the insurance and multi-party issues unique to ride-sharing claims. Deng Law Center distinguishes itself by rapidly securing evidence (app logs, driver status, insurance details), communicating directly with Uber/Lyft insurance adjusters, and pursuing all avenues for recovery—including UM/UIM coverage and stacked policies. The firm’s multilingual capabilities help immigrant and Chinese-speaking clients understand their rights, overcome language barriers with insurers, and avoid common pitfalls in claims processing.

Customer Behaviors

Accident victims often mistakenly assume Uber or Lyft will deny responsibility due to the driver’s independent contractor status or are unaware of the existence of the $1 million policy. Some fail to report the accident through the app or do not collect the driver’s information, jeopardizing their claim. Pedestrians and non-English speakers may have additional difficulties navigating app-based reporting or negotiating with insurance companies. Early legal intervention is critical for preserving evidence and maximizing recovery.

Growth Opportunities

Ride-sharing litigation is a growing practice area. Deng Law Center can expand through bilingual educational campaigns on insurance rights, digital intake tools to flag ride-sharing incidents, and partnerships with medical and community organizations for rapid referral and support. Outreach to gig economy worker groups may also increase referral networks and case volume.

Operational & Compliance Insights

Operationally, success depends on rapid collection of app-based trip data, prompt notification to ride-share insurers, and preservation of all witness and driver information. The firm should train staff to identify ride-share contexts during intake and clarify that California’s $1 million policy significantly enhances recovery potential for seriously injured passengers and pedestrians. All client communications must address the differences between standard auto insurance and ride-share coverage.

Conclusion with Recommended Focus

Ride-sharing accidents introduce unique insurance and liability challenges, but California law gives injured passengers and pedestrians robust rights. Deng Law Center’s strategic focus should be on early evidence preservation, bilingual client education, and aggressive engagement with all responsible insurance carriers—ensuring victims access the full value of the $1 million commercial policy and receive just compensation.