Should I talk to the rideshare company after a Burbank accident?
You should not give a recorded statement or sign any documents from a rideshare company or its insurer after an accident in Burbank. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim, and signed releases could prevent you from pursuing the full compensation available under California law later.
Speaking with a legal professional first protects your rights and ensures you do not inadvertently harm your ability to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other harms. The rideshare companies and their insurance carriers have legal teams working to protect their financial interests, not yours.
How long do you have to file a rideshare accident claim in Burbank, and what can you recover?
Most personal injury claims in California, including those from rideshare accidents, must be filed within two years of the injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). If your claim involves a public entity, such as a city bus or a government vehicle, you must present a written claim to that entity within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
California law allows recovery for economic damages like medical expenses, lost earnings, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. What a claim is worth depends on the specific facts; California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings and non-economic harm. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry $1,000,000 in liability coverage during a ride, and from January 1, 2026, the uninsured/underinsured limit for passengers is $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident (Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 5433).
What steps should you take after a rideshare accident in Burbank?
After a rideshare accident, your first priority is safety and well-being. If possible, take these steps to protect your claim:
- Get medical help. Your health is paramount. See a doctor even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Keep all records of your medical treatment.
- Report the accident. Notify the Burbank Police Department and the rideshare company through their app. File a formal accident report.
- Collect information. Get the names and contact details of all drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Take photos or videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Note the rideshare driver's name, license plate number, and the vehicle make and model.
- Do not admit fault. Avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene, including other drivers, passengers, or insurance adjusters. Stick to the facts.
- Gather documents. Keep copies of all medical bills, receipts for expenses related to the accident, and records of lost wages from your employer.
- Contact a lawyer. Before speaking with insurance companies or signing any documents, get legal advice. This helps you understand your rights and options.
Where do you file a rideshare accident lawsuit from Burbank?
A personal injury case arising from a rideshare accident in Burbank is generally filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local court rules, a personal injury case is filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. Your case would be assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024). This means your case would likely be heard at the Burbank Courthouse, located at 300 E Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502.
What kinds of rideshare accident cases does Casa Legal Los Angeles handle in Burbank?
Casa Legal Los Angeles helps individuals injured in various types of rideshare accidents in Burbank. This includes collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians where a rideshare vehicle was involved. We handle cases where the rideshare driver was at fault, another driver was negligent, or even where a product defect contributed to the crash. Whether you were a rideshare passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, if you were injured due to someone else's negligence in a rideshare-related incident, we can assess your claim.
Our firm concentrates on personal injury law, including various claims that arise from accidents on the road. We also help those with catastrophic injuries recover, working as Burbank catastrophic injury attorneys. For those who were not in a rideshare vehicle, our Burbank personal injury attorneys are also available for claims. For those outside Burbank, our firm also assists clients from areas like Long Beach and Agoura Hills.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with Casa Legal Los Angeles means having a team focused on your recovery and legal rights. We investigate your accident, gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. This allows you to focus on healing from your injuries.
Our approach involves a detailed review of your case, explaining the legal process clearly, and fighting for your interests at every step. We handle all communications with the rideshare company and their insurers, protecting you from tactics designed to reduce your claim. You can learn more about how we help clients with claims related to personal injury law on our main site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the rideshare driver was uninsured or underinsured?
If the rideshare driver involved in your Burbank accident was uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company's policy often provides coverage. From January 1, 2026, Uber and Lyft provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for passengers of $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident (Cal. Pub. Util. Code § 5433(b)(2)). An attorney can help determine which policies apply and how to pursue a claim for the full compensation available under California law.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California operates under a "pure comparative negligence" system. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the Burbank accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. An experienced attorney can explain how this applies to your specific case and help protect your claim.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle in Burbank?
If you were a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle in Burbank, you generally have the same rights to seek compensation as someone in another vehicle. The rideshare company's liability insurance for the driver should cover your injuries. The deadline for filing a claim is usually two years from the date of the injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1), but if a public entity was involved, such as a city-owned vehicle, a six-month claim must be filed (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
Do I have to go to court for a rideshare accident claim?
Most rideshare accident claims in Burbank are resolved through settlement negotiations with the insurance companies, meaning they do not go to trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and potentially going to court may be necessary to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will advise you on the best course of action based on your specific circumstances.
If you've been injured in a rideshare accident in Burbank, call Casa Legal Los Angeles at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.