Serving Every Corner of California: From San Diego to Siskiyou
The legal landscape in California is complex, and SB 371 makes it even more fragmented. Whether you are in a high-traffic area like Los Angeles or a more rural part of the state, the new insurance caps apply to you.
Many firms only take cases in the big cities. At Fairmont Law Firm, we represent victims across all 58 California counties. We understand that a rideshare accident in Redding is just as life-altering as one in San Francisco.
Our reach includes:
- Southern California: Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
- The Bay Area: San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and the surrounding tech hubs.
- Central Valley: Fresno, Sacramento, Bakersfield, and Modesto.
- Northern California: From the coastal redwoods down to the wine country.
No matter where you are, our "fast and aggressive" representation is just a phone call away. We use the latest technology to handle your case remotely when possible, or we can meet you where you are. You are never alone in this fight.
"What If" Scenarios: How SB 371 Plays Out in Real Life
To truly understand the danger of these new secrets, let's look at how the law actually functions in common accident scenarios.
Scenario A: The Reckless Red-Light Runner
You are in an Uber heading home from dinner in downtown San Diego. An uninsured driver blows a red light and T-bones your Uber. You suffer a broken pelvis and require surgery. Your medical bills hit $150,000.
- Before SB 371: You could claim up to $1,000,000 from Uber’s UM/UIM policy. Your bills are paid, and you have money for recovery.
- After SB 371 (2026): You can only get $60,000. You are now $90,000 in debt before you even start physical therapy.
Scenario B: The Multi-Car Pileup
A truck accident on the I-5 causes a chain reaction. Your Lyft is one of four cars hit. Several passengers are injured.
- Before SB 371: A $1 million per-accident cap was often available.
- After SB 371: The "per accident" cap for UM/UIM is now $300,000 total. If five people are seriously hurt, that $300,000 is split between everyone. You might end up with just a few thousand dollars for a life-changing injury.
Scenario C: The Rideshare Driver is at Fault
Your Uber driver is speeding and hits a tree.
- The Good News: In this specific case, SB 371 did not lower the $1,000,000 liability cap. Because your driver caused the accident, the higher limit still applies. This is why determining fault is the most important part of your legal case.
Why "Right-Sizing" is a Myth for Victims
The companies behind this law argue that $1 million in UM/UIM coverage was "excessive." They say that most people don't have that much coverage on their own cars, so why should Uber have to provide it?
Here is the truth: Uber and Lyft are multi-billion dollar corporations. They are common carriers that transport thousands of people every hour. Comparing a massive commercial transportation network to a private citizen's sedan is like comparing a Boeing 747 to a bicycle.
The $1 million cap wasn't excessive: it was a gold standard for safety. It sent a message that if you pay for a service, you are protected. By slashing this, California has essentially told riders: "You're on your own."
As your personal injury lawyer California, we refuse to accept this. We look for every possible avenue of recovery, including:
- Suing the at-fault driver’s personal assets.
- Checking for "excess" or "umbrella" policies.
- Investigating the rideshare driver’s history to see if the company was negligent in hiring them.
FAQs: Your SB 371 Questions Answered
Is SB 371 already in effect?
The law was signed in 2025, but the major changes to insurance caps are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. If you were in an accident in 2024 or 2025, you likely still have the $1,000,000 protection. Call us immediately to confirm which limits apply to your case.
Does this law affect Uber Eats or DoorDash drivers?
SB 371 specifically targets "Transportation Network Companies" (TNCs) that carry passengers. However, insurance for delivery drivers is a separate, equally messy world. If you were hit by a delivery driver, you need a car accident lawyer near me who understands the specific "Period" rules for couriers.
What if I have my own health insurance?
Your health insurance will likely pay for your initial medical care, but they will also likely place a "lien" on your settlement. This means they want to be paid back out of the money you win. With the $60,000 cap, there might not be enough left over for you after the insurance company takes their cut. We negotiate these liens to put more money in your pocket.
Can I sue Uber directly for more than $60,000?
It is difficult but not impossible. Under Proposition 22 and subsequent laws, rideshare companies have significant protections. However, if we can prove the company was negligent: for example, if they knew the driver was dangerous but let them stay on the app: we may be able to go beyond the insurance caps.
The Fairmont Law Firm Difference
When the laws change to favor big corporations, you need a law firm that isn't afraid to get aggressive. We have seen these tactics before. We know how the insurance companies operate, and we know how to beat them.
We don't just handle car accidents. Our expertise extends to:
- Truck Accident Cases: Holding massive shipping companies accountable.
- Motorcycle Accident Cases: Protecting riders who are often unfairly blamed.
- Pedestrian & Bicycle Cases: Fighting for the most vulnerable people on the road.
We are not a "settlement mill." We don't just take the first offer and move on. We treat every client like family. When you call us, you aren't just a case number. You are a person whose life has been turned upside down, and we are the people who are going to help you set it right.
Don't Wait Until the Clock Runs Out
California has strict "Statutes of Limitations." If you wait too long to file a claim, you lose your right to recover anything: regardless of how much insurance coverage is available.
Conclusion: Protect Yourself Today
SB 371 is a wake-up call for every rideshare user in California. The "secret" is out: the safety net you once relied on is shrinking. But that doesn't mean you have to be a victim.
By choosing the right legal team, you can level the playing field. At Fairmont Law Firm, we provide the strength and expertise you need to fight back against insurance caps and corporate greed.
Ready to get started?
It only takes a minute to secure your future. We are standing by 24/7 to give you the answers you need.
☑ Step 1: Call our office or fill out our online form.
☑ Step 2: Get your Free Case Evaluation.
☑ Step 3: Let us handle the insurance companies while you focus on healing.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm now. Zero Fee Until We Win. Millions Recovered. We are on your side.