What to do if your rideshare crashes in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Whether you were a passenger in the back seat or someone hit by a rideshare vehicle while driving, walking, or biking, it can be a shocking and confusing experience. And just like any other car crash, after an incident, the goal is simple: protect your health, preserve the evidence, and avoid mistakes that can complicate a potential claim. In this article, we’ll provide you with a “what to do if your rideshare crashes” checklist, details on what to save from the app, and directions on when legal guidance may be helpful in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Step 1) Protect your safety and your health.
Move to a safe location if you can.
If the crash is minor and it’s safe to do so, the rideshare driver should move out of traffic. If you’re on a busy LA roadway, near an on-ramp, or in low visibility, prioritize getting to a safer spot before you worry about photos or phone calls.
Call emergency services when needed.
If anyone is hurt, if there is significant damage, or if the scene feels unsafe, it may be wise to call 911. Emergency responders, under some circumstances, can help alleviate the stress from the situation and put together documentation that may be relevant to an insurance claim or a lawsuit.
Step 2) Document the crash while the details are fresh.
After safety and medical concerns are handled, documentation should be one of your next priorities. Rideshare accident claims may involve multiple people, multiple versions of events, and multiple insurance layers. When safe to do so, use your phone to document and capture what you can.
Photo and Video Checklist for Rideshare Accident
Vehicle positions, damage, plates
Wide shots showing where each vehicle ended up
Close-ups of damage from multiple angles
License plates for all vehicles involved
Road conditions, signage/signals
Traffic lights, stop signs, lane markings
Skid marks, debris, and road hazards
Weather and visibility conditions, such as rain, fog, or glare
Visible injuries
Photos of visible bruising, cuts, swelling (only if you’re comfortable)
If symptoms appear later, take photos over time
Participant & Witness Details for Rideshare Accident
Drivers’ full names, phone numbers, email addresses, a photo of their driver's licenses, and insurance information.
Passenger names, phone numbers, email addresses, a short description of what they saw, and if they are agreeable, maybe even a quick voice memo.
Witnesses’ names, phone numbers, email addresses, a short description of what they saw, and, if they are agreeable, maybe even a quick voice memo.
Voice memos can be an easy way to collect information in a stressful situation.
Rideshare App Specific Details
This could be an important part of what to do if your rideshare crashes while you are a passenger. Preserve what the app shows while the particular ride is still accessible. These details can help confirm that you were a passenger, confirm the ride status, and put together a timeline of events.
Some Rideshare App Screenshots & Documents to Save
Trip confirmation/receipt
Driver and vehicle details visible in the app
Pickup/dropoff, route/time markers
Any in-app messages/notifications
Any emails or text confirmations connected to the ride
Any in-app incident report confirmation screen or reference number
Saving your app documentation can be one of the easiest and most useful steps you can take.
Step 3) Request the Right Reports for Your Rideshare Accident
Law enforcement report
Obtaining a report from law enforcement can be helpful when there are injuries, fault is disputed, a driver leaves the scene, the crash caused significant damage, or you expect insurance questions later. If officers respond to the rideshare accident, ask how to obtain a copy of the report.
California DMV reporting rules
California has specific reporting requirements after certain collisions. Don’t assume the rideshare company, your driver, or an insurance adjuster will handle this for you. Review the California DMV’s official guidance on who must report and when.
Report the Crash Inside the Rideshare App
If you were a passenger, under certain situations might make sense to report the collision inside the rideshare app. If you do, keep a confirmation of your report, save reference numbers, and save any follow-up messages inside the app or sent to your email/text.
Rideshare Accident Quick Checklist - Save this!
Download our rideshare accident checklist, print it, and place it in your wallet or purse. Hopefully, you will never need it, but if the situation arises, it may come in handy and provide you with information on what to do if your rideshare crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Rideshare Accident Attorneys
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Rideshare crashes can be more complicated because more than one insurance policy may apply, and insurers may disagree about who should pay. Coverage can also depend on the stage of the ride. For example, whether the driver was offline, available, en route to a pickup, or transporting a passenger. These cases can involve additional friction points, such as disputed fault, recorded statements, conflicting accounts, missing documentation, or multiple vehicles. A rideshare accident attorney can help identify what evidence matters most and keep the process organized.
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After a rideshare crash, insurance representatives may contact you quickly, and it’s normal to feel pressure to resolve things fast. Be cautious with recorded statements, especially if you’re in pain, medicated, or still unsure about details, because early comments can be misunderstood later. Watch for broad medical authorizations that ask for extensive records. Also, be careful with releases, since signing one can close your claim and limit options if symptoms worsen later. If you’re unsure about what you’re being asked to provide, a rideshare accident attorney can help explain the request and its potential impact.
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If you were hit by a rideshare vehicle as a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, the steps are similar. Prioritize medical evaluation, take photos/video of the scene and damage, try to obtain witness contact information, and document the driver’s details. Also, if possible, note whether the vehicle appeared to be actively engaged in rideshare activity. Preserve evidence that supports fault and damages, including noting losses and symptoms. A seasoned rideshare accident attorney can help identify additional evidence sources, such as traffic cameras, nearby business footage, or digital records.
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There is no average settlement for rideshare accident passengers. Factors include medical documentation, the nature and extent of your injuries, financial losses, and fault.
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Assuming “minor crash” means “minor injury”. Vehicle damage doesn’t always reflect what the body experiences.
Posting about the crash or injuries on social media. Even harmless posts can be misinterpreted or used to downplay injuries.
Signing paperwork without understanding the scope. Consider speaking with a rideshare accident attorney before signing releases or broad medical authorizations.
Letting insurers control the narrative early. Early statements and framing can affect how a claim is evaluated.
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A DMV SR-1 report must be filed within ten days if anyone was injured or killed or if property damage is over $1,000.
Personal injury lawsuit (general rule) must be filed within two years from the date of injury.
Property damage lawsuit (general rule) must be filed within three years from the date the damage occurred.
If a government entity may be involved (roadway defect, city vehicle, etc.), a government claim is typically due within six months of the injury/damage.
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Start with safety and medical care, then, if possible, document the scene, collect witness info, save proof from the app, and request the right reports. If injuries are serious or fault is disputed, legal guidance may help you avoid common mistakes.
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You may still have a valid claim. What matters is preserving evidence, getting medical care, and documenting the ride status and timeline. Fault questions can be disputed in rideshare cases, which is why early documentation could be important.
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A claim may involve multiple parties and multiple insurance policies.
Take the Next Step & Get Answers Today
If you’re still wondering, “is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident?” Give us a call. You deserve clear, compassionate guidance. At Akaragian Law, injury lawyer Armen Akaragian gives guidance and personal attention to every client represented across Los Angeles and Orange County. Your focus should be on healing; we’ll handle the legal details. Consultations are free, and you won’t owe anything unless we obtain a recovery.
Call (818) 922-8522 and schedule your consultation.