How long do you have to file a claim after a rideshare accident in Calabasas?
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Calabasas, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 335.1). However, if your claim is against a city, county, or other public agency involved in the accident, you must first present a written claim within six months (Cal. Gov. Code § 911.2).
These deadlines are strict, and missing them usually means losing your right to seek compensation. While the deadline is generally paused for minors under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 352, that pause does not apply to claims against public entities.
What compensation can you recover after a Calabasas rideshare accident?
California law allows accident victims to seek recovery for various harms. You can pursue compensation for medical expenses, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and rehabilitation. Lost wages and future earning capacity are also recoverable if your injuries prevent you from working.
Beyond economic losses, you can also seek damages for non-economic harm such as physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. The exact amount depends on the specific facts of your accident and injuries.
What should you do after a rideshare accident?
Taking specific steps after a rideshare accident helps protect your health and your potential legal claim:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is the top priority. See a doctor even if you feel fine; some injuries show up later. This also creates a medical record of your injuries linked to the accident.
- Report the Accident: File a police report. For rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, report the incident through their app as well. This creates an official record of what happened.
- Gather Information: Get the names and contact information of the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved. Note the car's make, model, and license plate number. If there are witnesses, get their contact details too. Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your visible injuries.
- Do Not Give Recorded Statements: You are not required to give recorded statements to insurance adjusters for the at-fault party or the rideshare company without legal advice. Anything you say can be used against your claim.
- Speak with an Attorney: A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the complex insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents. 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 (Pub. Util. Code § 5433(b)(2)). An attorney can help you pursue this full compensation.
Where do you file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Calabasas?
For a rideshare accident that happened in Calabasas, a personal injury case is generally filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. Under local court rules (LASC Local Rule 2.3; General Order re Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024), cases are assigned to the judicial district where the incident occurred.
Incidents in Calabasas fall under the Northwest District, with cases often assigned to the Van Nuys Courthouse East. The courthouse is located at 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91401.
What kinds of rideshare accident cases do we handle?
We help Calabasas residents who have been injured in rideshare accidents involving Uber, Lyft, and other transportation network companies. This includes passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists affected by negligent rideshare drivers. We also handle cases involving uninsured or underinsured motorists when the rideshare company's policies apply.
Our focus also extends to /location/wrongful-death-lawyer-calabasas for families who have lost a loved one in a fatal rideshare accident, and /location/catastrophic-injury-lawyer-calabasas for those with life-altering injuries. If a rideshare incident also involves damage to your vehicle or property, we can assist with /location/property-damage-lawyer-calabasas claims.
What working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involves
When you work with us, we investigate your accident thoroughly, gather evidence, and handle all communications with insurance companies. We prepare your case for settlement negotiations or, if necessary, take it to court. Our goal is to recover the full compensation available under California law for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Personal injury and employment law is all we do. We represent clients throughout Los Angeles County, including those in /location/rideshare-accident-lawyer-glendale and /location/rideshare-accident-lawyer-culver-city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the rideshare driver was uninsured?
If a rideshare driver is uninsured or underinsured, the rideshare company's insurance policy often provides coverage for passengers during a ride. From January 1, 2026, this uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is set at $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident (Pub. Util. Code § 5433(b)(2)). For drivers or other parties, other rules apply, and it is important to check the specific circumstances of the accident.
Can I sue the rideshare company directly?
Generally, rideshare drivers are considered independent contractors, which makes suing the company directly complex. However, their insurance policies are designed to cover accidents during a rideshare trip. A claim would typically be made against the driver's insurance and the rideshare company's commercial policy.
What if I was a pedestrian hit by a rideshare driver in Calabasas?
As a pedestrian, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault rideshare driver and potentially the rideshare company's insurance. Your claim would cover your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Even if you were not a passenger, the rideshare company's robust insurance policies are there to protect victims of their drivers.
What does "no fee unless we win" mean for my Calabasas rideshare accident case?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney's fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Additionally, Casa Legal Los Angeles covers all case costs upfront, so you owe no attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a rideshare accident in Calabasas, contact Casa Legal Los Angeles today for a free consultation. Call us at 888-585-2529 to discuss your legal options. No attorney's fees unless we win — and no case costs either.