California just changed the game for rideshare accidents. If you use Uber or Lyft, you need to know about Senate Bill 623. Governor Newsom signed the "Fair Medical Billing & Rideshare Safety Act" into law this year. It is one of the biggest shifts in California personal injury law in a decade.
This law changes how much money you can recover after a crash. It also changes how we hold rideshare companies accountable for your safety. While some parts of the law are rolling out now, the major changes to your injury claim apply to accidents happening on or after January 1, 2027.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we aren't just following these changes. We are leading the charge to ensure you still get every penny you deserve. If you have been hurt in a crash, don't wait for the laws to change more. Call a car accident lawyer near me today.
Why SB 623 Matters to You
Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have fought hard to limit what they pay injured victims. They wanted to cap what you could recover for your pain and suffering. They failed. However, SB 623 does change the "math" behind your medical bills and how we prove your case.
We represent people across all 58 California counties. From San Diego to Eureka, these new rules will affect how insurance companies look at your file. You need a personal injury lawyer California who understands the fine print of this 2026 legislation.
Here are the five most critical ways SB 623 changes your rideshare accident claim.
1. New Caps on Medical Lien Recoveries
For years, insurance companies complained about "inflated" medical bills. They claimed that doctors charged too much for treatment on a lien. A lien is when a doctor treats you now and waits to get paid until your case settles. SB 623 changes the rules for these bills in rideshare cases.
For any rideshare accident on or after January 1, 2027, recoverable medical damages are capped. They cannot exceed the 70th percentile of billed charges for similar services in your area. This is based on a database called FAIR Health.
This means the insurance company can try to lower your settlement by pointing to this cap. We don't let them. We use the law to ensure your treatment is covered and your doctors are paid fairly. Our goal is always to keep more money in your pocket, not the insurance company’s.
2. Mandatory Transparency in Attorney-Doctor Referrals
Transparency is the new standard. SB 623 requires doctors to disclose if a law firm referred you to them. They also have to disclose how many patients that law firm has sent them in the last two years.
Some people worry this looks bad in court. It doesn't. It is simply a new rule we must follow. We take pride in our relationships with top-tier medical specialists. These doctors provide the care you need to heal.
We handle the paperwork and the disclosures. You focus on getting better. By being 100% transparent, we remove the "gotcha" moments that insurance defense lawyers love to use in depositions.
3. Strict Bans on Financial "Kickbacks"
SB 623 creates a wall between lawyers and doctors. A personal injury lawyer California can no longer have an ownership interest in the medical clinic where they send you. They also cannot split fees with the doctor.
We think this is a good thing. It protects you. It ensures your lawyer’s only goal is your legal success, and your doctor’s only goal is your physical recovery. At Fairmont Law Firm, we have always maintained the highest ethical standards.
If your current lawyer seems more interested in where you go for physical therapy than the facts of your crash, be careful. You deserve an advocate, not a business partner with your doctor. We fight for you, and only you.
4. Enhanced Driver Safety and Background Checks
Safety was a major part of the SB 623 compromise. Uber and Lyft must now perform background checks before a driver ever turns on the app. They also have to re-check every driver every single year.
The law expanded the list of crimes that disqualify someone from driving. These include:
- Violations of protective or restraining orders.
- Specific weapons offenses.
- Child abuse convictions.
- More types of DUI convictions.
If a rideshare company lets a dangerous driver on the road, we hold them accountable. We use these new background check requirements to prove the company was negligent. If they skipped a check, they are responsible for your injuries. This is how we secure millions for our clients.
5. The "Women-to-Women" Matching Feature
Safety isn't just about crashes. It is about feeling safe during the ride. SB 623 allows rideshare apps to offer a "Women-to-Women" matching option. This lets women riders request women drivers.
This is a direct response to the thousands of reports of harassment and assault in rideshare vehicles. If you have been a victim of a rideshare assault, this law acknowledges the risks you faced.
While this feature is a step forward, it doesn't fix the trauma of a past incident. We represent victims of rideshare-related crimes with the same aggression we use for car crashes. We are available 24/7 to hear your story and start your case.
What to Do After a Rideshare Accident: Your Action Checklist
The minutes after a crash are chaotic. Your adrenaline is pumping. You might not feel pain yet. But what you do right now determines the success of your claim. Follow this checklist to protect your rights:
☑ Check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
☑ Take photos of everything. Take pictures of both cars, the license plates, and the driver's ID.
☑ Screenshot the app. Take a picture of your Uber or Lyft screen showing the ride is active.
☑ Get witness info. If someone saw the crash, get their name and phone number.
☑ Do not apologize. Do not say "I'm sorry" or "I didn't see you." The insurance company will use it against you.
☑ Seek medical care. Go to an urgent care or ER even if you feel "okay." Many injuries like whiplash take days to show up.
☑ Call Fairmont Law Firm. Do not talk to the rideshare insurance adjuster until you talk to us.
Choosing the Right Representation
When a new law like SB 623 passes, insurance adjusters try to use it as a weapon. They will tell you that your case is worth less because of the new medical caps. They are lying. You need a team that knows how to fight back.
You have choices when it comes to your legal team. Here is how we compare:
Option 1: The "Generalist" Firm
These firms handle divorces, wills, and the occasional car crash. They don't have the resources to fight Uber or Lyft. They will likely settle your case for the first lowball offer.
Option 2: The "Settlement Mill"
You will never speak to your attorney. You are just a number. They want to settle your case as fast as possible so they can move to the next one. They won't fight for the maximum value.
Option 3: Fairmont Law Firm
We focus exclusively on injury cases. We are fast, aggressive, and we have recovered millions for our clients. You get a Free Case Evaluation and you pay ZERO Fee Until We Win. We are available 24/7 to start your fight.
How We Win Your Rideshare Case
Winning a rideshare case is harder than a standard car crash. You are fighting a billion-dollar tech company. We use a proven 3-step process to secure your compensation.
Step 1: Immediate Investigation
We don't wait for the police report. We send our own investigators to the scene. We pull the digital "black box" data from the rideshare app to prove exactly what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Step 2: Maximizing Medical Evidence
We work with top doctors who understand SB 623. We ensure your injuries are documented perfectly so the insurance company cannot dispute them. We fight to ensure the 70th percentile cap doesn't leave you with unpaid bills.
Step 3: Aggressive Negotiation and Litigation
We don't accept lowball offers. If the insurance company won't pay what you deserve, we take them to court. Our reputation for being "Fast & Aggressive" means they know we aren't afraid of a trial.
Your Recovery is Our Priority
A rideshare accident turns your life upside down in seconds. You are facing medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. You shouldn't have to worry about complex new laws like SB 623. That is our job.
We are your protectors. We are the shield between you and the insurance companies that want to pay you nothing. Whether you were a passenger, a driver, or a pedestrian hit by an Uber, we are ready to help.
Remember, our services are available California-wide. We speak your language: Se Habla Español. We are here for you 24/7.
Stop worrying and start fighting. Contact Fairmont Law Firm now for your FREE case evaluation. Call us at (800) 513-1111 or visit our website to chat with us live. You pay nothing until we win your case!