How Long Do I Have to File a California Rideshare Accident Lawsuit?

You have two years from the date of the crash to file a California rideshare accident lawsuit. This time limit applies whether you were injured as a rideshare passenger, another driver, a pedestrian, or even a bicyclist.

If you wait too long, the court will likely throw out your case, even if you were seriously hurt. Our Los Angeles rideshare lawyer will review your situation and determine the deadline that applies to your situation and how much time you have left to file.

Every crash is different, and some exceptions may apply to your case. If you’re unsure, talking to our attorney early can protect your right to seek damages.

Why the Statute of Limitations Deadline Matters to Your Case

The two-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit comes from California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1. For injury cases, the clock usually starts on the day of the crash. Wrongful death cases begin on the date the person died.  If you miss the deadline to sue for damages after a rideshare accident, you risk the court dismissing your case.

That means:

• You won’t be able to collect damages for medical bills or pain and suffering.
• The rideshare company, driver, or insurance company won’t have to pay you anything.
• Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you will permanently lose your right to sue.

Time moves fast after a crash, so it’s best to act quickly to recover your damages. The sooner you talk to one of our Los Angeles car accident lawyers, the sooner they can start building a case on your behalf.

We Will Explain How the Time Limits Can Affect Your Outcome

Most people have two years to sue for a rideshare crash in California. But that’s not true for every case. Your deadline to file a rideshare accident lawsuit could be shorter or longer based on what happened.

For example:

• If you were under 18 at the time of the crash, the clock might not start ticking until you turn 18.
• If the driver who hurt you worked for a government agency (like a city bus or school official), you may have only six months to file a special notice under California Government Code § 911.2.
• If you did not discover your injuries right away, your time to sue might start from the date you discovered them, not the crash itself.

We can walk you through these details. If you are still getting medical treatment or are unsure how the accident happened, we will keep your case on track and file it before time runs out.

Can I Still Sue for Rideshare Damages If the Time Is Almost Up?

Yes, but we encourage you to act now. If you are nearing the two-year deadline, our personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to file a lawsuit quickly to protect your case. Even if you’re not ready to settle, filing before the deadline keeps your right to damages alive.

The sooner you call, the more time you have to:

• Build a strong case.
• Find the right medical experts.
• Negotiate with insurance companies.

Waiting until the last minute can limit your options or even ruin your case.

What if the Rideshare Driver Was at Fault?

If an Uber or Lyft driver caused the crash, you might be able to file a claim against:

• The driver’s auto insurance
• The rideshare company’s commercial policy (up to $1 million in coverage)

But this also depends on what the driver was doing at the time:

• App off: Only personal insurance applies (the policy must meet California’s auto insurance requirements)
• App on, no ride accepted yet: Limited rideshare insurance kicks in
• During a ride or on the way to a pickup: Full commercial insurance is active

We will figure out what insurance policies apply, who to sue, and how long you have, based on who’s responsible.

What if I’m Not Sure Who Is Responsible for the Crash?

You are not alone. Various factors can contribute to a rideshare accident, such as:

• Another car might have hit the rideshare vehicle
• A truck driver could be at fault
• A road hazard might have played a role

In complex cases like this, a lawyer will:

• Investigate what happened
• Identify all responsible parties
• Track the correct deadline to file against each one

Even if the accident involved multiple parties, you may still have a valid rideshare injury case.

What to Do Right After a Rideshare Crash in California

To protect your health and your case, take these steps right away:

• Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the cars are badly damaged.
• Get medical attention, even for small injuries.
• Take photos of the vehicles, the scene, and any injuries.
• Get contact info from the driver, other passengers, and any witnesses.
• Save your rideshare receipt or app trip details.

After that, your next call should be to a lawyer from our team. We will tell you what evidence matters and how long you have to file your case.

Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Will Protect Your Right to File

At Vaziri Law Group, we help injured Californians take legal action before time runs out. With nearly 20 years in business, over $1 billion recovered, and over 200 years of combined experience, we have helped clients like you file their cases and get the support they deserve.

Rideshare cases can be confusing, so we understand that you may have questions about how long you have to sue for damages in California. We will answer them and advise you on your next steps. If you are ready to talk, we’re ready to help.

Our attorneys offer Zoom calls, e-signatures, and help finding doctors, and we serve diverse communities with care. If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to help. Call now for a free, confidential consultation. There’s no fee unless we win.