What if the driver who hit you in Signal Hill had no insurance?
If you were hurt in a rideshare accident in Signal Hill and the driver who caused it had no insurance, your ability to recover compensation depends on several factors. Most rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft carry significant insurance policies that cover passengers, even if the individual driver's insurance is inadequate or nonexistent.
When you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle during an active trip, the company's insurance policy provides $1,000,000 in liability coverage for damages you suffer. If you were hit by an uninsured driver while riding in an Uber or Lyft, the rideshare company's uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can step in, though from January 1, 2026, this coverage for passengers is limited to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident, as stated in California Public Utilities Code § 5433(b)(2).
Where do you file a rideshare accident lawsuit in Los Angeles County?
A personal injury lawsuit arising from a rideshare accident in Signal Hill is filed in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. These cases generally go to the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse, located at 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802.
In Los Angeles County, personal injury cases are filed in the judicial district where the incident occurred. These cases are then assigned to that district's Personal Injury Hub department, following LASC Local Rule 2.3 and the General Order regarding the Assignment and Transfer of Personal Injury Cases, effective May 17, 2024. Your specific filing location for a Signal Hill accident would be the South District courthouse.
You can also find information about wrongful death cases in Signal Hill on our Signal Hill wrongful death attorney page.
What should you do after a rideshare accident in Signal Hill?
- Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. See a doctor immediately, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away.
- Report the Accident: Notify the police and the rideshare company through their app. This creates official records of the incident.
- Document the Scene: If possible and safe, take photos or videos of the vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Exchange Information: Get the names, insurance details, and phone numbers of all drivers involved.
- Do Not Give Recorded Statements: Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without first speaking with a personal injury attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to get you to say something that could hurt your claim.
- Keep Records: Keep all medical bills, reports, and receipts related to the accident. Also, track any lost wages due to your injuries.
- Speak with an Attorney: An attorney can help you understand your rights and the complex insurance policies involved in rideshare accidents. For more general personal injury information, visit our Signal Hill personal injury attorney page.
How long do you have to file a rideshare accident claim in California?
Most personal injury claims in California, including those from rideshare accidents, must be filed within two years of the injury date, under California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. However, if a city, county, or other public agency is involved in your rideshare accident, you generally have only six months to present a written claim to that entity, as specified by Government Code § 911.2.
The deadline is generally paused while an injured person is a minor (California Code of Civil Procedure § 352). That pause does not apply to claims against public entities, however, so a minor injured by a public entity still faces the six-month deadline under California Code of Civil Procedure § 352(b).
California law allows recovery for medical costs, lost earnings, and non-economic harm like pain and suffering. What a claim is worth depends on its specific facts.
What types of rideshare accident claims do we handle in Signal Hill?
Our law firm helps people injured in all types of rideshare accidents in Signal Hill. This includes crashes where you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, or if you were hit by a rideshare driver while walking, cycling, or driving another vehicle. We represent individuals who have suffered various injuries, from soft tissue damage and broken bones to more severe trauma requiring extensive medical care.
We also handle cases involving uninsured or underinsured rideshare drivers, hit-and-run incidents, and accidents where the rideshare company's specific insurance policies come into play. We are familiar with the insurance structures that cover rideshare operations, which can be different from standard auto insurance. For more information about rideshare accident law, visit our personal injury and rideshare accident hub page.
What does working with Casa Legal Los Angeles involve?
Working with us means having someone handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery. We start by gathering all evidence related to your Signal Hill rideshare accident, including police reports, medical records, eyewitness statements, and rideshare company data. We communicate with all insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and you don't inadvertently jeopardize your claim.
We work to pursue the full compensation available under California law for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and other damages. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means no attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to do after a rideshare accident?
The most important action after a rideshare accident is to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel okay, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and a medical evaluation creates an official record of your condition, which is vital for any future legal claim.
Can you still file a claim if the rideshare driver was at fault?
Yes, you can still file a claim if the rideshare driver was at fault for the accident. When a rideshare driver is logged into the app and transporting a passenger or en route to pick up a passenger, the rideshare company's $1,000,000 third-party liability insurance policy typically covers injuries and damages to others caused by their driver.
What if your accident in Signal Hill involved a public transportation vehicle?
If your rideshare accident in Signal Hill involved a public transportation vehicle or another public entity, the deadline for filing a claim is much shorter. You must present a written claim to the involved public agency within six months from the date of the accident, as per California Government Code § 911.2. Failing to meet this strict deadline can mean losing your right to sue that entity.
How does California's comparative negligence rule affect your rideshare accident claim?
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your total compensation would be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 10% responsible for the accident, your total damages award would be reduced by 10%. This rule is a judge-made law, established in Li v. Yellow Cab Co.
If you or a loved one were injured in a rideshare accident in Signal Hill, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Call Casa Legal Los Angeles today at 888-585-2529 for a free consultation. No attorney's fees or case costs unless we win.