This page was written and reviewed by Michael J. Cefali, Esq. Attorney Cefali is a founding partner of Cefali & Cefali, APC, based in San Juan Capistrano, CA. He holds a Juris Doctor from Chapman University Fowler School of Law and a B.A. in Global Studies & Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy. Widely recognized for his advocacy in personal injury law, he has secured multi-hundred-thousand-dollar settlements in motorcycle accidents, hit-and-runs, and red-light collision cases. He maintains a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Beyond his legal practice, Mr. Cefali actively supports his community through the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributes to housing and meal programs for those in need, and enjoys fishing and spending time with his rescue dogs.
The date below reflects when this page was last reviewed for accuracy. Please see our Editorial Guidelines.
Ridesharing has become a popular way to get around town, especially in larger cities. Companies like Uber and Lyft let people use their smartphones to request a ride from a driver using their own personal vehicle.
Ridesharing can be more affordable and convenient than a traditional taxi, but it can also be dangerous. Because rideshare drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, the insurance that applies to a crash depends on what the driver was doing at the time, which makes these claims more complicated than an ordinary car accident.
If you or your loved one was injured while riding in, or hit by, a rideshare vehicle, an Uber accident lawyer in Fullerton can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Call our firm today at (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
Serving Fullerton and Surrounding North Orange County Communities
Cefali & Cefali represents rideshare accident victims throughout Fullerton and the surrounding North Orange County cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Brea, La Habra, Yorba Linda, and Placentia. Our team handles Uber and Lyft accidents on the major freeway corridors that run through Fullerton, including State Route 91 (Riverside Freeway), State Route 57 (Orange Freeway), and Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway). These corridors are heavily traveled by rideshare drivers and produce a steady volume of multi-vehicle collisions.
The California State University Fullerton campus, with more than 40,000 students, is one of the heaviest rideshare-demand areas in north Orange County. Students traveling to and from campus on Nutwood Avenue, State College Boulevard, and Commonwealth Avenue create steady Uber and Lyft activity, particularly on weekends and during late-night hours.
Downtown Fullerton, with its bar and restaurant corridor along Harbor Boulevard and Wilshire Avenue, is one of the busiest rideshare pickup zones in the area on Friday and Saturday nights. The high concentration of late-night rideshare traffic, combined with the higher likelihood of drunk-driving incidents involving other vehicles on the road, makes this district a frequent location for serious rideshare collisions.
Injured rideshare passengers and pedestrians in Fullerton are typically treated at St. Jude Medical Center at 101 E Valencia Mesa Drive. Severe trauma cases are transported to UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, which is the only Level I trauma center in Orange County. Our firm works directly with these facilities to obtain medical records and properly document treatment costs in your claim.
Personal injury lawsuits arising from Fullerton rideshare accidents are filed in the Orange County Superior Court at the Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. This is the same courthouse that handles all civil PI litigation for Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, and the surrounding North Orange County communities. Our attorneys regularly appear at the Central Justice Center and understand the local procedures and insurance defense tactics used in this jurisdiction.
Common Causes for Uber and Lyft Accidents in Fullerton
A rideshare accident can happen for any number of reasons. Some of the most common causes of Uber and Lyft accidents in Fullerton include:
Driver distraction. Rideshare drivers constantly check the app for new ride requests, navigate using GPS, and communicate with passengers. This level of in-vehicle distraction is far higher than what a typical driver faces.
Fatigue. Many rideshare drivers work long shifts to maximize earnings. Driving while tired significantly increases reaction time and the risk of collisions, especially during late-night Fullerton runs from the Downtown bar district.
Inexperience with the area. Rideshare drivers often accept rides outside their home area. Unfamiliarity with Fullerton's road layout, including the SR-91 and SR-57 freeway interchange, leads to last-minute lane changes and missed exits.
Speeding and reckless driving. Drivers under time pressure to complete more rides may speed, run yellow or red lights, or drive aggressively.
Negligent third-party drivers. Many Uber and Lyft accidents involve a non-rideshare vehicle striking the Uber or Lyft. In these cases, the at-fault driver's insurance is the first line of recovery.
If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fullerton, it is important to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A rideshare accident lawyer can help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company. They will also be able to advise you on your legal rights and options.
Common Injuries From an Uber or Lyft Accident
A rideshare accident can result in a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common injuries include:
Whiplash: caused when the head and neck are suddenly jerked back and forth, as can happen in a collision. Whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility in the neck.
Back injuries: these range from a sprain or strain to a herniated disc or spinal cord injury, and can be extremely painful and debilitating.
Facial injuries: a side impact can throw front-seat occupants forward with great force, causing lacerations, broken bones, and other serious injuries.
Head injuries: concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injury can be very serious and even life-threatening.
If you or a family member has been injured in a rideshare accident, it is important to seek medical treatment right away. Then, contact a rideshare accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Who Has Liability after an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Liability in a rideshare accident depends on who caused the crash and what the rideshare driver was doing at the time. Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, and under California's Proposition 22 the companies are generally not automatically responsible for a driver's negligence the way an employer would be. Recovery normally comes through the insurance policy that applies for the driver's app period, though the company can still face a direct claim for its own negligence, such as negligent hiring or retention.
If a third-party driver caused the crash, their personal auto insurance is typically the primary source of recovery. If the Uber or Lyft driver was at fault, the company's commercial coverage may apply depending on the driver's status when the accident occurred. Our attorneys investigate every possible source of recovery to maximize your settlement.
How Our Uber Accident Lawyers Can Help You File a Claim
An experienced rideshare accident attorney can help you file a claim if you were hurt while using or hit by an Uber or Lyft. We will work with the insurance company to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We understand the complicated insurance rules surrounding rideshare claims, and we will fight for your rights.
Initial Steps After a Fullerton Rideshare Accident
In the immediate aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident, your actions can significantly influence the outcome of any future claims. Your first concern should be safety. Move to a safe location if possible and check on others involved. Seek medical attention even if your injuries seem minor, since some symptoms (whiplash, soft-tissue injuries, concussions) may not appear until hours or days later.
Call 911 to file a police report with the Fullerton Police Department or California Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident occurred. The official report documents witness accounts and the involved parties, which is invaluable when establishing fault and liability later.
Gather as much information at the scene as possible. Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, license plates, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Exchange contact and insurance information with all drivers. Identify witnesses and get their contact information. Most importantly, take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip details in the app, including the driver's name, vehicle, ride status, and route, since these details can disappear from your app history later.
Contact a personal injury lawyer experienced with rideshare cases like Cefali & Cefali before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Both your own insurer and the rideshare company's adjusters will try to get a recorded statement, and what you say in those early conversations can be used against you later.
Can You Sue a Ridesharing Company?
If you or someone you know is injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, you may be able to sue the ridesharing company in certain circumstances, though because of Proposition 22 a direct claim against the company usually requires showing the company's own negligence rather than simply the driver's. Ridesharing companies have strong legal teams and defend these claims aggressively.
That said, there are some things you can do to strengthen your claim. First, hire a rideshare injury lawyer experienced with these specific cases. Second, gather as much evidence as possible, including eyewitness testimony, medical records, and photos of the accident scene. Third, be prepared for the rideshare company's insurance carrier to attempt an early settlement at a low value, often before the full extent of injuries becomes clear.
Uber and Lyft Insurance Coverage Periods
Uber and Lyft insurance coverage is one of the most misunderstood parts of rideshare law. Coverage is tied to the driver's "app period," and the amount of insurance available depends entirely on which period the driver was in at the time of the accident.
Period 0: App off. When the Uber or Lyft driver is not logged into the app, only their personal auto insurance applies. The rideshare company has no liability.
Period 1: App on, waiting for a ride request. The driver is logged in but has not yet accepted a ride. During this period, Uber and Lyft provide contingent liability coverage of at least $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $30,000 for property damage.
Periods 2 and 3: Ride accepted or passenger in the vehicle. Once the driver has accepted a ride and is en route to pick up a passenger, or has a passenger in the vehicle, the rideshare company provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
One recent change is important. Under Senate Bill 371, effective January 1, 2026, the uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage Uber and Lyft must carry for passengers was reduced from $1 million to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. The $1 million third-party liability policy for injuries a rideshare driver causes during an active trip was not changed. This matters most when the at-fault driver is a third party who is uninsured, so carrying strong UM/UIM coverage on your own policy is more important than ever.
If you are injured in an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver, the difference between these periods can mean the difference between a small claim and a much larger recovery. An experienced Fullerton personal injury attorney can help you determine which period applied and which insurance carrier should be on the hook for your damages.
Types of Compensation Available
Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation, and California places no cap on these damages in an ordinary injury case. Personal injury lawyers experienced with rideshare incidents, such as Cefali & Cefali, help identify and pursue every available form of recovery.
Compensation can cover medical bills for treatment related to injuries sustained in the accident, including immediate care and any long-term rehabilitation or therapy. Victims may also recover lost wages if the injury affects their ability to work, along with reduced future earning capacity.
Property damage is another aspect for which victims can be compensated, including repairs to your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash. Compensation may also address non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
In specific cases, such as a crash caused by a drunk driver, punitive damages under Civil Code section 3294 may be awarded to punish particularly reckless conduct and deter it in the future.
Understanding the full scope of compensation you are entitled to takes the insight of experienced Fullerton personal injury lawyers who can make sure a settlement reflects the totality of your losses.
Finding the Right Uber or Lyft Accident Lawyer
Finding the right rideshare accident lawyer means looking for someone who understands not just general personal injury law but the specific complexities of Uber and Lyft cases. The ideal attorney understands the app-period insurance structure, the 2026 UM/UIM change, the rideshare companies' standard defense tactics, and how to argue fault in situations involving an Uber or Lyft driver and a third-party motorist.
Your lawyer should be prepared to advise you on your claim, work to secure a fair settlement, and stand ready to take your case to court if necessary. A rideshare accident can affect everything from your physical health to your financial stability, so choosing a lawyer who handles these cases and prepares each one thoroughly matters.
At Cefali & Cefali, our team understands the impact a rideshare accident can have on your life. We are committed to explaining your rights clearly and advocating for the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rideshare accident in Fullerton, contact us today to discuss how we can help.
Call our Fullerton Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyer Today
The personal injury attorneys at Cefali & Cefali represent rideshare accident clients throughout the Fullerton area. If you or anyone you know has been injured in a Fullerton Uber or Lyft accident, call our team today and we will work to get you the compensation you deserve. We also represent clients in collisions throughout North Orange County, including cases handled by our car accident lawyers in Orange County.
For more information about how our Fullerton rideshare accident attorneys can help you, call us at (949) 325-7790 for a free consultation, available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fullerton Uber and Lyft Accidents
What should I do if I am involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in Fullerton?
If you find yourself involved in a rideshare accident in Fullerton, take these steps. First, ensure your safety and the safety of others involved by moving to a safe location if possible. Next, call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention for any injuries (St. Jude Medical Center is the closest emergency facility for most Fullerton locations). Gather as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and documentation of any damages or injuries. Take screenshots of your Uber or Lyft trip details in the app while you still have access to them. Exchange contact and insurance information with the rideshare driver and any other parties involved. Then consult with an experienced Uber accident lawyer in Fullerton before speaking to any insurance adjuster.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim after a Fullerton rideshare accident?
Under California Code of Civil Procedure section 335.1, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your accident involves a government vehicle (such as a city bus or a Fullerton municipal vehicle), you must file a government tort claim within six months. Missing these deadlines usually means losing the right to recover compensation entirely. Our Fullerton attorneys help clients file paperwork on time and preserve their right to sue.
Where are Fullerton Uber and Lyft accident lawsuits filed?
Civil personal injury cases arising in Fullerton are filed in the Orange County Superior Court at the Central Justice Center, located at 700 Civic Center Drive West in Santa Ana. This courthouse handles all civil PI litigation for Fullerton, Anaheim, Buena Park, Brea, Yorba Linda, Placentia, La Habra, and the surrounding North Orange County communities. Our attorneys regularly appear at the Central Justice Center and know the local procedural rules well.
How much insurance coverage is available in an Uber or Lyft accident?
It depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. When the app is off, only the driver's personal insurance applies. When the app is on but no ride is accepted, the rideshare companies provide contingent coverage of at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for bodily injury. When a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle, up to $1 million in liability coverage applies. Note that, under Senate Bill 371 (effective January 1, 2026), the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage was reduced from $1 million to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per accident. Identifying which period applied is one of the most important parts of a Fullerton rideshare claim.
How much does it cost to hire a Fullerton Uber accident lawyer?
Nothing upfront. Cefali & Cefali handles rideshare accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. The standard contingency fee is a percentage of your final settlement or judgment. Your free consultation is just that, free, with no obligation. If we do not recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
What if I was partly at fault for the Fullerton rideshare accident?
California follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were 20% at fault and the total damages amount to $100,000, you can recover $80,000. Rideshare companies and insurance carriers often try to inflate the injured party's percentage of fault to reduce what they owe. We push back hard on these tactics with proper investigation and evidence.
Michael Cefali is a dedicated accident attorney based in San Juan Capistrano, California, committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims.
A graduate of Newport Harbor High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and Maritime Affairs from the California Maritime Academy, followed by his Juris Doctor from Chapman University School of Law.
Deeply invested in his community, Michael is an active member of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano, contributing to efforts that provide meals, housing, and support to those in need. Outside of his legal work and volunteer service, he enjoys fishing in Dana Point and spending time with his three rescue dogs—a Chihuahua, a Spaniel mix, and a Shepherd mix.
Driven by his strong belief in justice and fairness, Michael remains steadfast in advocating for individuals harmed by the negligence or inaction of others.
