Who Is Liable for an Uber or Lyft Accident in Sherman Oaks?

Arya Firoozmand, Esq. — Founding Partner

Local Sherman Oaks Injury Attorney · UCLA Law

Arya Firoozmand is the founding partner at L&F Brown. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley, graduated from El Camino Real High School and UCLA Law School, and has spent his career representing injured clients across the Valley — including Sherman Oaks and the 405 corridor.

When an Uber or Lyft is involved in a crash in Sherman Oaks, the question of who is legally liable is more nuanced than in a standard two-car accident. The answer can include the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, another driver on the road, or some combination of all three. Understanding how liability works in these cases is the key to recovering full compensation.

The Rideshare Driver

Like all drivers in California, Uber and Lyft drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely. If the rideshare driver caused the crash through negligence, including distracted driving, speeding on the 101 or 405, running a red light on Ventura Blvd, or making an unsafe lane change, they are personally liable for the damages they cause.

In practice, the driver's personal auto insurance and the rideshare company's commercial policy both become relevant depending on the driver's status in the app at the time of the crash.

Uber and Lyft: Corporate Liability

Uber and Lyft classify their drivers as independent contractors, not employees, in an effort to limit their vicarious liability. California has challenged this classification through legislation, but the legal landscape remains complex. What is clear is that both companies maintain commercial insurance policies that apply during active rides:

• $1 million per occurrence in liability coverage when a driver is en route to pick up a passenger or actively transporting one
• Contingency coverage at lower limits when a driver is logged into the app but has not yet accepted a ride

For crashes that happen on Ventura Blvd, Van Nuys Blvd, the US-101/I-405 interchange, or other Sherman Oaks roads during active trips, this commercial coverage is available to injured passengers and third parties.

Third-Party Drivers

Many rideshare accidents in Sherman Oaks are caused not by the Uber or Lyft driver but by another vehicle. If a third-party driver ran a red light at Van Nuys Blvd or rear-ended an Uber on the 405, that driver is primarily liable. As a rideshare passenger or a person in another vehicle, you can pursue claims against that driver directly while also leveraging any supplemental coverage from the rideshare company's policy.

Vehicle Defects

If a vehicle malfunction contributed to the crash, the vehicle manufacturer or a maintenance company may also share liability. Rideshare drivers are required to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition, but systemic failures may involve the manufacturer.

How LAPD and CHP Shape the Liability Analysis

On local Sherman Oaks streets, LAPD Van Nuys Division officers will respond to crashes and generate a report. On freeways like the 101 and 405, CHP handles the investigation. These reports document citations, witness statements, and the officers' assessment of fault. They are critical evidence in establishing liability, though they are not the final word.

Proving Liability Requires Acting Quickly

Rideshare companies have sophisticated claims departments that begin protecting their interests immediately after a crash. Surveillance footage from commercial cameras along Ventura Blvd and Van Nuys Blvd gets deleted. App data can be challenging to retrieve without legal process. The sooner you contact a Sherman Oaks rideshare accident lawyer, the better positioned you are to preserve the evidence that proves your case.

Contact L&F Brown serving Sherman Oaks today for a free consultation and find out who owes you compensation after your Uber or Lyft accident.