Average Uber and Lyft Accident Settlements in San Diego (2025)

It doesn’t matter whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian walking down the sidewalk when you were in your accident. If you sustained injuries due to a rideshare driver’s negligence, you could be eligible to receive compensation. The question is, what are the average Uber and Lyft accident settlements in San Diego? The answer is more complicated than you might think.

There Is No Average Settlement

To be clear from the beginning, there is no average settlement amount for an Uber or Lyft accident because every rideshare accident is different. Minor cases with only soft tissue injuries settle for far less than catastrophic injuries involving paralysis or amputation. The only way to get a clear idea of what to expect from a settlement is to contact a San Diego rideshare accident attorney.

A second factor that can influence how much money you get in an Uber or Lyft settlement in San Diego is whether you were partially at fault for the car accident. If you were a passenger, the chances are good that you were 0% liable for the accident. If you were another driver, it’s possible that you could be held partially at fault, in which case your settlement amount would be reduced in proportion to the amount of fault the courts assign to you.

Key Factors That Determine Settlement Amounts

There are several key factors that influence how large your settlement will be following an Uber or Lyft accident, including whether the rideshare driver was distracted or driving under the influence at the time of the crash. They are:

• The severity of your injuries. If your injuries are severe or cause permanent impairment, you can expect to get a much higher payout than you would for a mild case of whiplash and a few bruises.
• The damages you claim. You can claim both economic and non-economic damages in rideshare accident settlements. The types of damages you claim will vary depending on the specifics of your case.
• Driver coverage period. Both Uber and Lyft have different insurance policies for drivers who are on the app but waiting for a ride vs those who are on their way to pick up passengers or already have them in the car.
• Fault determination. California uses pure comparative fault to determine whether your settlement amount should be reduced. If you’re found to be partially at fault, your settlement will be reduced by your fault percentage.

Damages You Can Claim

Since California allows for the recovery of both economic and non-economic damages, there are many types of damages you can claim in a rideshare settlement. They include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium
• Scarring or disfigurement

Consult with an attorney at Perry Law before you accept any settlement offered by a rideshare company to make sure it covers all of the appropriate damages.

Uber and Lyft Accidents by the Numbers

Uber and Lyft both carry liability insurance for their drivers for good reasons. Rideshare accidents are not uncommon in today’s world. One recent report shows that one-third of rideshare drivers have been in an accident while on the clock, often on busy roads like Interstate 15 or the Ocean Beach Freeway.

Lyft had  23.7 million active riders in 2024. Uber scheduled 11,273 million trips in 2024. What these numbers add up to is plenty of opportunities for rideshare drivers to get into accidents. The good news is that both Uber and Lyft carry comprehensive insurance policies.

Uber carries $1,000,000 in liability insurance for drivers on their way to pick up passengers or already with passengers in the car, and up to $100,000 per accident for injuries caused when drivers are online and available for trips. Lyft’s insurance policy is just as comprehensive.

FAQs

How Much Does Uber Pay if You Get Into a Car Accident?

How much Uber pays if you get into a car accident depends on the specifics of your rideshare accident claim. If you’ve suffered only minor injuries that caused you to miss a few days of work, you can expect your settlement amount to be lower than that of someone who experienced catastrophic injuries during their accident that led to ongoing disability.

How Long Do Lyft Settlements Take?

How long Lyft settlements take depends on a variety of factors. They can include:

• How complicated your claim is
• Whether you need to call expert witnesses
• If you settle outside of court

It takes much longer to get compensation if your case goes to trial because you’ll have to wait for trial dates and present your case, extending your anticipated timeline significantly.

Do I Get Compensation if My Uber Crashes?

You can get compensation if your Uber crashes in California. Uber carries comprehensive liability insurance that covers its drivers. Its insurance policy covers up to $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders or third parties involved in accidents when its drivers are on the clock and transporting passengers. The company also carries a less comprehensive insurance policy that applies when drivers are online but not carrying passengers.

Can You File a Claim Against Lyft for an Accident?

You can file a claim against Lyft for an accident if you were in a rideshare car when the accident occurred, or you were hit by a rideshare driver while they were transporting passengers or en route to pick up passengers. Lyft provides $1,000,000 in liability coverage for drivers carrying passengers and up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage while drivers are on the clock but not carrying passengers.

Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you’re interested in finding out more about the average Uber and Lyft accident settlements in San Diego, your next step is clear. You should hire a rideshare accident lawyer. The team here at Perry Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand the specifics of your case, including who’s legally liable for any damages you’ve incurred during your accident. We keep up-to-date with rideshare accident laws and know how to use them to further your claim. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

San Diego Rideshare Accident Resource:

• San Diego Car Accident Statistics [2025 Updated]