Injured in a Rideshare Accident in Bakersfield? You’re Not Without Options
Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a regular part of life in Bakersfield. Whether you’re heading downtown, catching a ride from Meadows Field Airport, or trying to avoid driving after a night out, pulling out your phone and requesting a ride has become second nature.
As convenient as ridesharing is, it also brings a new wave of complications when accidents occur—especially for passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers caught in the crossfire.
The reality is that rideshare accidents are not handled the same way as typical car crashes. The legal system treats these incidents differently because of the corporate structures and insurance policies behind Uber, Lyft, and similar platforms. You’re not just dealing with one driver—you may be up against a billion-dollar company with teams of attorneys whose job is to reduce payouts.
And if you were injured, your future is on the line. That’s where we come in as your trusted Bakersfield ridesharing accident lawyer.
Why the Law Offices of Mickey Fine?
At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we understand what’s at stake for victims of rideshare accidents. As a seasoned Bakersfield ridesharing accident law firm, we’ve been representing injured clients in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County for over two decades…, and we know how to handle these complex, high-stakes cases. Our mission is simple: to help real people recover full and fair compensation for serious injuries caused by negligence.
All rideshare passengers have rights, but exercising those rights requires fast action, legal insight, and the kind of experience that comes from fighting these battles before. We know the local courts, understand the law, and genuinely care about your recovery.
You shouldn’t have to figure this out alone, and you shouldn’t have to argue with an insurance company while you’re still healing. You shouldn’t have to worry about how to pay your bills, keep your job, or support your family because of a crash that wasn’t your fault.
When you call (661) 333-3333 for free, you’re not getting a call center or a distant office—you’re speaking directly with a Bakersfield personal injury law firm that knows this community and fights for the people who live here.
A rideshare accident might look like any other car crash on the surface, but underneath the hood, these cases are anything but simple. When an Uber or Lyft vehicle is involved in a wreck, several layers of insurance coverage can come into play, depending on what the driver was doing.
These distinctions matter because they determine which insurance policy is responsible for paying damages—the driver’s personal insurance or Uber/Lyft’s commercial policy. And unsurprisingly, no one’s in a hurry to take responsibility. Insurance companies often point fingers at one another. The rideshare companies do everything they can to minimize their involvement. And you, the injured party, are left in limbo—dealing with pain, stress, and mounting expenses.
In California, the law requires rideshare companies to carry up to $1 million in liability coverage when a passenger is in the car. But getting access to that coverage isn’t automatic. The rideshare company will only activate its policy when specific legal thresholds are met. And even when it is available, they’ll often offer far less than what your case is truly worth, assuming they don’t try to deny it outright.
That’s why having a lawyer who understands these nuances is crucial. At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we handle rideshare accident cases, and we have a deep understanding of California’s Transportation Network Company (TNC) regulations, insurance law, and personal injury strategy.
We can dig into app records, GPS data, and driving logs. We know how to counter Uber and Lyft’s tactics to dodge liability. Most importantly, we know how to position your claim for maximum compensation—from start to finish.
As a Bakersfield ridesharing accident lawyer, we bring a hometown advantage that bigger, more generic firms simply can’t match. We know the roads where these crashes happen, whether it’s Highway 99, Ming Avenue, or Rosedale Highway.
So if you were injured in a rideshare accident—whether as a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian—don’t trust your case to just any firm.
One of the biggest challenges in any rideshare accident case is determining who is liable for your injuries. A skilled Bakersfield ridesharing accident attorney can help make sense of it all. In a regular two-car collision, the fault often rests on one of the drivers—but when a rideshare driver is involved, the situation becomes much more layered.
Suddenly, there’s not just the driver and another vehicle to consider; there’s also a massive company behind the scenes, complicated insurance policies, and a need to prove fault in a way that aligns with personal and corporate liability.
The law treats rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft as TNCs in California. They are not classified as taxi services and do not employ their drivers. Instead, they contract them as independent workers. That distinction allows them to avoid many of the responsibilities traditional employers have. However, state law still requires TNCs to provide insurance coverage.
The Complexities of Fault
For example, if an Uber driver is logged out of the app, their personal auto insurance is the only coverage in play. If they’re logged in but haven’t accepted a ride yet, the rideshare company must provide limited liability coverage. And once the driver accepts a ride—whether they’re on the way to pick up a passenger or have one in the vehicle—Uber or Lyft’s commercial policy is active.
This layered insurance framework creates plenty of room for dispute, especially in the early stages of a claim. Insurance companies will often try to shift blame from one to another. Was the driver really logged in at the time of the crash? Was there a rideshare passenger in the car? Did the app glitch or drop the ride data?
These details can dramatically affect how much compensation you’re entitled to and from whom.
It gets even more complicated when third parties are involved—maybe another driver caused the crash, or a city-maintained roadway contributed to the collision. You might even have a situation where multiple parties share blame, and comparative fault laws in California come into play.
Seek Legal Help To Hold All Parties Accountable
At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we dig deep from day one. We collect rideshare app logs, cell phone records, witness statements, dashcam footage, police reports, and GPS data—anything that helps paint a clear, compelling picture of what happened and who should pay for the harm caused to you.
We also protect you from being manipulated or lowballed. Insurance adjusters may try to contact you quickly after a crash, hoping you’ll say something they can use to minimize your claim.
We won’t let that happen.
We deal directly with rideshare companies and insurers, so you don’t have to. We’ll build your case, fight for your rights, and demand accountability from every responsible party.
If you were injured in an Uber or Lyft crash in Bakersfield, don’t spend weeks or months trying to figure out who’s responsible. Call (661) 333-3333 today to speak for free with a team that knows how to fight for Kern County accident victims.
If you’ve already taken care of your health and made it through the recovery process after a rideshare accident, you’ve already handled one of the hardest parts. The time following your recovery is critical. It’s when the bills start stacking up, insurance companies begin pushing back, and questions about lost wages, ongoing symptoms, and long-term consequences come into sharper focus.
You may be wondering if you have a case, whether you’ve missed your window to take action, or how to move forward in a way that protects your financial future. That’s where the right legal guidance makes all the difference.
Do I Have a Case?
Even if the accident happened weeks or months ago, your ability to pursue compensation under California law is likely still intact. The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in this state is two years from the date of the accident. That gives you a window, but it’s not an open door forever.
The more time passes, the harder it becomes to preserve critical evidence like digital ride records, dashcam footage, or witness memories.
- Gather whatever documentation you have related to the crash: ride receipts, emails from Uber or Lyft, medical records, insurance paperwork, and photographs from the scene. Even if it feels scattered or incomplete, it can be valuable.
- Call us at (661) 333-3333 and speak directly with our team. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options clearly, and help you understand what’s possible. There’s no cost to talk.
Let us help you take the next step—securing the justice and compensation you may still be entitled to.
Common Injuries
Injuries from a rideshare accident can range from clearly visible trauma to internal damage that may not be noticeable right away. Even if you initially feel “okay,” some symptoms can take days to surface. That’s why medical evaluation and legal support are so important.
Some of the most frequently reported injuries in Uber and Lyft accidents include:
- Road rash or skin lacerations
- Whiplash
- Concussions and other head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Airbag-related impact injuries
- Fractured or bruised ribs from seatbelt force
- Joint injuries, especially to the knees
- Broken or crushed bones in the arms, legs, or pelvis
Certain injuries can result in permanent disability or chronic pain. Victims may face long-term consequences such as reduced mobility, inability to work, or the need for ongoing rehabilitation.
In some cases, the emotional toll can be just as devastating. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are not uncommon following a serious crash. However, in order to recover emotional damages, there must be an accompanying physical injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sue Uber or Lyft After an Accident in Bakersfield?
Whether you can sue Uber or Lyft directly depends on the accident’s circumstances and the driver’s legal status at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, which limits the company’s direct liability in many cases.
However, California law does require these companies to carry substantial insurance coverage during certain phases of the ride. If you were a passenger during the crash or the driver was en route to a pickup, that commercial policy—up to $1 million—may be available to cover your injuries.
What if the Uber or Lyft Driver Wasn’t at Fault?
You may still have a valid claim even if the rideshare driver wasn’t at fault. Many rideshare accidents are caused by third-party drivers—someone running a red light, speeding, or driving under the influence.
If you were a passenger in Uber or Lyft, your status as a non-liable third party generally strengthens your case for compensation, regardless of who caused the accident.
How Long Do I Have To File a Rideshare Accident Claim in California?
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there are exceptions and nuances, especially if the accident involved a government vehicle, a minor, or other unique circumstances. That’s why it’s critical to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Early legal action also helps preserve evidence, secure witness testimony, and strengthen your case. If you’re unsure what steps to take, a Bakersfield ridesharing accident lawyer can offer clarity and guidance tailored to your situation.
Let Us Help You Recover What You Deserve
Being injured in a rideshare accident is overwhelming enough. But once the initial shock fades and the medical appointments wind down, you may face a second challenge: the fight to get compensated for what you’ve lost. At the Law Offices of Mickey Fine, we don’t just handle personal injury claims—we fight for real people right here in Bakersfield and Kern County.
We understand the complexities of Uber and Lyft claims, the nuances of California insurance law, and the tactics insurers use to delay, deny, or minimize your case.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash—whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver—you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Let us do the hard work of fighting for you.
Call (661) 333-3333 for free today. Let’s take the next step together—toward justice, accountability, and peace of mind.
Law Offices of Mickey Fine – Bakersfield Office
930 Truxtun Ave, #110
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Phone: (661) 333-3333