Starting on January 1, 2026, California implemented significant changes to the minimum insurance coverage available for accidents involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft. This change stems from the state law known as SB 371, which was initially intended to make more rideshare options available but now reduces the financial protection for accident victims in these vehicles.
What Changed with SB 371?
Under previous standards, passengers and pedestrians injured in crashes with Uber vehicles in California had access to higher insurance limits when the driver was active on the app during a ride. Starting in 2026, the minimum coverage for injuries and damages has been reduced, meaning victims may receive less compensation than they would expect in other types of accidents.
This change has raised concerns among traffic safety advocates and rideshare accident attorneys, as it may leave many victims with higher out-of-pocket medical expenses and lower recoveries, even though they would have been fully covered under previous regulations.
How It Affects Uber Accident Victims
If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or even another driver injured in an accident with an Uber in California, this reduction in coverage may mean:
- Lower limits available for major or permanent medical expenses.
- Possible struggles with insurers to cover treatment or long-term rehabilitation.
- Increased likelihood of needing to sue the driver personally if the rideshare coverage is insufficient.
For many, this may mean that working with an Uber accident lawyer becomes even more crucial to pursue full compensation.
What You Should Do If Injured in an Uber Accident
After a crash with an Uber vehicle, your best legal course of action includes:
- Document the scene: Photos, details, and evidence of damages or injuries.
- Contact a lawyer: The sooner you talk to a rideshare accident attorney, the better prepared you’ll be to file a claim.
- Check the insurance status: This depends on whether the driver was on an active trip, waiting for a passenger, or had the app off.
- Keep track of medical records and expenses: This can directly impact your ability to recover full compensation.
In many cases, even with reduced coverage, victims may still recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering with the right representation and strategy.
How Does This Change Your Legal Case?
Before SB 371, rideshare accident coverage was more robust, especially when a driver was active on the app during a ride. With the changes made in 2026, insurers and rideshare platforms may argue that less coverage is available for victims.
An experienced Uber accident lawyer can help you:
- Determine which insurance policy applies (personal vs. Uber commercial insurance).
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Decide whether to file a civil lawsuit for additional compensation.