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Last Modified on Sep 15, 2025
After a rideshare crash, victims and their families often ask, “Are Uber drivers liable for San Bernardino accidents?” The answer is not always simple, as rideshare collisions involve unique factors that differ from standard car accidents. People might struggle to determine whether to hold the driver responsible, assign blame to Uber’s insurance policy, or target another driver.
The increasing presence of Uber vehicles on our roads makes understanding liability crucial. Exploring how rideshare accident laws apply in these cases can help injured parties better navigate their options for recovery.
Hire a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
At Gonzales Law Offices, we have over a decade of experience in complex personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents across San Bernardino and the Inland Empire. Our attorney, Mark Gonzales, has a strong background in insurance defense. This gives our team unique insight into how insurers approach liability disputes, which we use to protect our clients’ rights.
Recognized for clear communication, trusted client relationships, and proven results, we are dedicated to securing fair compensation for accident victims.
When an Uber Driver Is Personally Liable
An Uber driver is considered off duty when they are not logged into the Uber application. In this case, only the driver’s personal auto insurance policy usually applies, as Uber has no coverage when the driver is offline. The driver may also be personally liable for any crash that occurs.
As a result, victims may have to file an insurance claim with the driver’s policy or, in some cases, file a civil claim against the driver if their insurance is not enough to cover the losses. In situations where the driver only has the state-required minimum liability insurance coverage, it may be difficult to obtain full compensation.
Knowing when the driver’s personal liability policy applies is important, as this lets injured parties know how to get compensation from the right insurance policy in San Bernardino.
Distinguishing between the driver being off duty and actually being on the road during a rideshare situation is important, as this determines whether Uber’s insurance applies or the driver bears personal responsibility for the damages they cause.
How Uber’s Insurance Applies During Rideshare Trips
Uber has several layers of insurance, which are determined by the driver’s status. Drivers have their own personal insurance when they are offline. When the Uber driver has the app on but before being matched with a passenger, Uber’s limited liability coverage applies. This coverage allots $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Once the Uber ride is in progress, the full force of Uber’s commercial insurance policy is in place. The structure of these insurance layers means that, depending on the timing of an Uber accident, the liability may shift, and the entity that pays may also change.
Victims of Uber accidents in San Bernardino need to be aware of these shifting layers of insurance, as they can materially affect:
- The available insurance coverage
- Who the insurer will be in their settlement negotiations
- The extent of the recovery they are entitled to
This is one reason why it is important to have a San Bernardino rideshare accident attorney when you deal with insurance companies.
The Role of Other Drivers in Rideshare Accident Cases
Collisions involving Uber vehicle passengers can be caused by other drivers as well. If another driver fails to stop at a red light, changes lanes unsafely, or rear-ends a vehicle, that driver may be liable for the injuries sustained by those in the Uber vehicle, not the driver of the Uber or Uber itself.
It’s possible that Uber’s insurance will be required to pay, but it may also be possible to file a claim with the insurance of another negligent driver. This is why it’s so important for your attorney to conduct a comprehensive investigation of any accident. The principles of comparative negligence under California law influence the outcomes of both types of claims.
FAQs
Are Rideshare Accidents Increasing in San Bernardino?
Rideshare crashes are responsible for a 3% increase in fatal traffic crashes nationwide. In light of these statistics, and with rideshare vehicles becoming increasingly common on Inland Empire roadways, it’s important to understand how liability is determined, along with what legal options are available to Uber crash victims in need of fair compensation.
Who Is Liable If an Uber Driver Is Off Duty in San Bernardino?
If a San Bernardino Uber driver is off duty, their own auto insurance policy would typically be liable for any damages. Uber only provides coverage while the driver is logged in and either waiting for a passenger or actively transporting one. Injured parties can file a claim directly with the driver’s insurer for compensation.
Does Uber Provide Insurance Coverage for San Bernardino Accidents?
The insurance coverage provided by Uber in San Bernardino varies according to the status of the driver. Drivers are covered by limited liability when logged into the app without a passenger. After a ride is accepted or in progress, Uber’s $1 million commercial policy can compensate for injuries and damages. The app does not provide coverage when the driver is offline.
Can Another Driver Be at Fault in an Uber Accident?
Yes, it is possible for another driver to be at fault in an Uber accident. If the accident was caused by the actions of a third-party motorist, they may be liable for the damages rather than the Uber driver. In that case, the victim may file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance and/or Uber’s insurance if appropriate.
Contact a San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyer
Collisions involving Uber vehicles in San Bernardino present complicated legal challenges. It’s not always clear who is liable for an accident, whether it’s the Uber driver, Uber’s insurance, or another motorist.
At Gonzales Law Offices, our team is familiar with these types of rideshare claims, so we can work to determine liability on your behalf. We can advocate for our clients’ rights and achieve the fairest outcome when pursuing compensation. Let the team at Gonzales Law Offices work with you toward recovery if you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident. Hire a car accident lawyer today.
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