State law regulates how rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft operate within state borders. Uber accidents and transportation network company (TNC) laws in San Diego typically determine how much insurance certain companies must carry, who is liable if a driver gets in an accident, and who pays compensation to victims.
At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, our rideshare accident attorneys closely watch laws that could affect our clients’ insurance claims and settlements. When major changes occur, we do our best to keep you informed about what those changes mean and how they could impact your current and future claims.
Uber Accident Laws
Uber is a TNC, not a taxi company like Yellow Cab. This matters because, unlike Yellow Cab or other taxi companies, Uber does not hire drivers. It provides a platform, the Uber app, that drivers can log into when they want to pick up customers. Drivers are independent contractors. This means you cannot sue Uber directly for their drivers causing accidents.
After several accidents and other incidents, the state legislature passed TNC laws, affecting San Diego, regulating how Uber could allow drivers to use the app and what insurance the company must carry in accident cases.
What Are the Current Uber Laws in the State?
Uber drivers must carry personal liability insurance like other California drivers. In San Diego, by law, Uber must have a contingent liability policy of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident of bodily injury and a $1 million commercial liability policy for TNC driver negligence.
When the driver is not looking for passengers and the driver’s app is off, their own policy applies. If they are on the app but have not accepted a ride, the contingent Uber policy applies if the driver’s personal insurance denies the claim or is insufficient. After the driver has accepted the ride and is en route to pick up the passenger, the $1 million liability policy is effective until the ride is completed.
Uber must also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) when an uninsured or underinsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver causes a third-party accident.
Recent Changes to UM/UIM Coverage
SB371 went into effect on January 1, 2026. It cut the required UM/UIM insurance from $1 million to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. This significant reduction applies only to claims involving uninsured or underinsured at-fault motorists and does not affect the $1 million liability coverage available when the rideshare driver is negligent. SB623, which goes into effect in 2027, mandates stricter criminal background checks and increases the number of disqualifying offenses for Uber drivers. Although Uber is not an employer, it can limit who may drive for the company. The law also requires the company to allow female riders to request female drivers.
The bill changes how you can calculate or transfer lien-based medical billing before a settlement or award. This portion of the law only affects cases filed after January 1, 2027. A lawyer in San Diego could help you understand UM/UIM coverage and TNC laws relating to an Uber accident.
Call Us in San Diego To Understand Uber Accidents and TNC Laws
After an Uber crash, both drivers and passengers need an experienced car accident attorney. At Singleton Schreiber Injury Attorneys, we have the current information about California law you need when filing your claim and making a case against a rideshare company. We could help you get the compensation you need for your injuries and property damage.
For a better understanding of Uber accidents and transportation network company (TNC) laws in San Diego that may affect your case, reach out to our office for a free and confidential case review.
