When an Uber ride ends in a crash, the circumstances behind that collision shape every step of the legal process. Two of the most serious risk factors are driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving. If you were hurt as an Uber passenger or while sharing the road with an impaired or aggressive Uber driver, the path to compensation can become both more promising and more complex. Working with an experienced Uber accident lawyer Los Angeles residents trust is critical to protecting your claim.
How California Law Treats DUI and Reckless Driving
Under California law, a driver who operates a vehicle while intoxicated or engages in conduct like street racing, tailgating, or excessive speeding is considered negligent. DUI is not just a traffic violation — it’s a criminal act. When a driver breaks a safety law and injures someone, courts often treat this as negligence per se, meaning the illegal act itself can prove fault. For victims of an Uber crash, this legal standard can help establish liability quickly.
Reckless driving covers a wide range of behavior: weaving through traffic, ignoring signals, or driving far above the speed limit. These actions often lead to devastating rideshare accidents and strengthen claims against both the individual driver and potentially Uber’s insurance coverage.
Insurance Coverage in Uber Crashes Involving DUI or Reckless Driving
One of the most important steps after an Uber accident is identifying which insurance policy applies. Uber’s coverage depends on the driver’s status in the app:
- App Off — Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App On, Waiting for Ride Request — Contingent coverage: up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
- En Route or Transporting a Passenger — Uber provides $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
If a drunk or reckless driver caused your injuries while transporting you or heading to pick you up, the $1 million policy can help cover medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. But insurers will look for ways to limit what they pay, especially if there are questions about whether the driver was “on the app” or if another vehicle contributed to the crash.
Why DUI and Reckless Driving Evidence Matters
When alcohol or drugs are involved, proving impairment strengthens your position. Police reports, breathalyzer or blood test results, witness statements, and even the Uber trip data can confirm that a driver was unfit to operate the vehicle safely. In reckless driving cases, video footage, dashcam recordings, and speed data from Uber’s telematics help show dangerous conduct.
This type of proof does more than show negligence — it can also open the door to punitive damages. These are additional financial penalties meant to punish extreme recklessness and deter similar behavior.
Common Challenges Victims Face
Even when the at-fault driver was clearly impaired or driving aggressively, rideshare accident claims can still be complicated. Uber’s insurers may argue the driver was not logged into the app or dispute whether the crash occurred during an active trip. In multi-vehicle collisions, determining which actions caused your injuries is often contested.
Victims also face tactics to reduce payouts, such as shifting blame by alleging you were distracted, not wearing a seatbelt, or exaggerating injuries. Having an attorney who understands Uber’s coverage tiers and how DUI findings affect liability is critical for avoiding these traps.
How a Los Angeles Uber Accident Lawyer Protects Your Case
Legal experience matters when facing well-funded insurance teams. A dedicated Los Angeles Uber accident attorney will:
- Gather digital evidence like trip logs, GPS data, and dashcam footage.
- Work with crash reconstruction experts to prove how intoxication or reckless actions caused the wreck.
- Monitor the criminal DUI case while preserving your right to civil compensation.
- Handle negotiations to pursue the full value of your medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Push for punitive damages when justified by gross negligence or intoxication.
Bojat Law Group has built a strong track record taking on complex rideshare accident claims across Los Angeles. The team understands how to counter insurance strategies, use California’s negligence laws effectively, and secure fair outcomes for crash victims.
Steps to Take After an Uber DUI or Reckless Driving Crash
Your actions after an accident can make or break your claim. If you are physically able:
- Call 911 and seek medical care right away.
- Report the incident through the Uber app.
- Gather photos or videos of the scene, including road conditions and vehicle damage.
- Get contact details for witnesses and request a copy of the police report when available.
- Avoid making recorded statements to insurance adjusters before you have legal advice.
Because DUI and reckless driving cases often involve criminal proceedings, timing is crucial. Evidence can disappear fast — surveillance footage is overwritten, and electronic data can be lost. Contacting a lawyer early ensures critical proof is preserved.
Why Choose Bojat Law Group
Uber accident cases require more than a standard personal injury approach. Bojat Law Group has deep knowledge of rideshare regulations, insurance frameworks, and California negligence law. The firm uses aggressive evidence-gathering strategies, partners with accident reconstruction experts, and stays ahead of Uber’s defense tactics. They fight to make sure victims of impaired or reckless rideshare drivers aren’t left with unpaid bills or lowball settlement offers.
The team’s commitment goes beyond paperwork — they help clients navigate medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and the stress of litigation. Their approach is personal, strategic, and proven to get results in high-stakes Uber accident claims.
Speak With an Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Today
If a drunk or reckless driver caused your rideshare crash, don’t wait to seek help. Deadlines to file claims can be short, and vital evidence may fade quickly. An experienced uber accident lawyer Los Angeles victims can rely on will help you pursue every available insurance option, including Uber’s $1 million policy and punitive damages for egregious conduct.
Bojat Law Group offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis — meaning no fees unless they win compensation for you. Call (818) 877-4878 or fill out the contact form on their website to get started. Your recovery matters, and the right legal team can make all the difference.
