By Ben Marmont
You rely on Uber and Lyft to get you home safely. You trust the apps. You trust the drivers. But as of January 1, 2026, the safety net you thought you had has been slashed.
California’s new SB 371 rules have completely rewritten the playbook for rideshare accidents. If you are injured in an Uber or Lyft today, the path to recovery looks much different than it did just a few months ago. The rules are tighter. The insurance limits are lower. The stakes have never been higher.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we see how these changes affect real people every day. A simple ride to the airport or a quick trip across town can turn your life upside down in seconds. You need an advocate who understands these new laws and knows how to fight back against the insurance giants.
The Massive Reduction in Your Protection
For years, California required rideshare companies to carry a $1 million insurance policy for accidents. That was the gold standard. It ensured that if you were seriously hurt, there was enough money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
SB 371 changed everything. Now, that $1 million requirement has vanished. In its place, the law only requires $60,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Think about that for a second. That is a 94% reduction in the coverage available to you if an uninsured driver hits your Uber. A single night in a California hospital can easily cost more than $60,000. If your injuries are catastrophic, that small amount won't even scratch the surface of what you owe.
We believe this change is a direct attack on your safety. It puts the financial burden back on you, the victim. That is why you need a personal injury lawyer California trusts to navigate this new, leaner landscape.
Why This Matters for E-Bike Riders
The rise of e-bikes has changed how we move through cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. But e-bike riders are incredibly vulnerable. When a rideshare vehicle collides with an e-bike, the results are often devastating.
Under the new SB 371 rules, the legal complexity of these accidents has skyrocketed. Are you covered by the rideshare company's insurance if you’re hit while on an e-bike? What if the driver was "off the clock" but still had the app open?
These questions don't have simple answers anymore. The tech companies want to pay as little as possible. They will use the new lower limits to try and settle your case for pennies on the dollar. We don't let them. We hold them accountable for every cent you deserve.
How SB 371 Shifts Responsibility
One of the biggest shifts in SB 371 is who holds the insurance policy. Previously, individual drivers often had to juggle their own policies with the company's coverage. Now, the transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft are directly responsible for maintaining the coverage.
While this might sound like it simplifies things, it actually gives the big corporations more control. They have massive legal teams dedicated to protecting their bottom line. When they are the ones holding the policy, they have even more incentive to deny your claim.
If you are looking for a car accident lawyer near me, you need a firm that isn't intimidated by these tech titans. We know their tactics. We know how they use SB 371 to shield themselves from liability. Our job is to pierce that shield and get you the compensation you need to heal.
What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident
The moments after a crash are chaotic. You are in shock. Your adrenaline is pumping. But what you do in those first thirty minutes can make or break your case under the new California rules.
Step 1: Check for injuries and call 911. Your health is the absolute priority. Never "tough it out."
Step 2: Ensure a police report is filed. Under SB 371, documentation is your best friend. Without a report, the rideshare company will claim the accident never happened.
Step 3: Take photos of everything. Capture the damage to the cars, the surrounding street signs, and your own visible injuries.
Step 4: Screenshot your ride details. Open the Uber or Lyft app and take a picture of the driver’s name, the vehicle plate, and your trip status.
Step 5: Contact Fairmont Law Firm. Do not talk to the insurance adjusters alone. They are looking for reasons to use the new lower limits against you.
Your Evidence Checklist
To win a case in the post-SB 371 era, you need an airtight file of evidence. Use this checklist to stay organized:
[ ] Official Police Report number and officer name.
[ ] Names and phone numbers of any witnesses who saw the crash.
[ ] Photos of the Uber/Lyft decal on the driver’s windshield.
[ ] All medical records and bills related to the accident.
[ ] Documentation of any missed work or lost income.
[ ] A copy of your own auto insurance policy (for UIM coverage).
Navigating Your Compensation Options
With the lower mandatory limits, we have to be more creative and aggressive in finding ways to pay for your recovery. We look at every possible avenue for compensation.
Option 1: Pursuing the rideshare company's primary liability policy. If the driver was at fault and on a trip, this is usually the first stop.
Option 2: Tapping into your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Since SB 371 lowered the TNC limits, your own policy might need to bridge the gap.
Option 3: Investigating third-party liability. Was there a mechanical failure? Was the road poorly maintained? We leave no stone unturned.
Why Fairmont Law Firm is Your Best Advocate
We don't just "handle" cases. We fight them. Josh Yaghoubzadeh and our entire team are dedicated to one goal: getting you the maximum possible settlement. We have recovered hundreds of millions for our clients because we don't back down.
The legal world is changing fast. You need a team that stays ahead of the curve. We have studied SB 371 from every angle. We know exactly how to counter the arguments the insurance companies will use to try and devalue your life.
We serve clients across all 58 counties in California. Whether you were hit in a small town or a major metro area, our expertise is just a phone call away. We bring the resources of a powerhouse firm to every single client we represent.
Zero Fee Until We Win
We know you're stressed. You’re dealing with pain, car repairs, and mounting bills. The last thing you should worry about is how to afford a lawyer.
That is why we operate on a Zero Fee Until We Win basis. You don't pay us a single cent out of pocket. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you. It’s that simple. We take on all the financial risk so you can focus on getting better.
Frequently Asked Questions About SB 371
Does SB 371 apply to food delivery apps like DoorDash or UberEats?
The rules specifically target transportation network companies (rideshare). However, the legal landscape for delivery drivers is also shifting. If you're hit by a delivery driver, call us immediately to discuss the specific laws that apply to your crash.
Can I still sue for more than $60,000?
Absolutely. The $60,000 is just the mandatory minimum for specific types of coverage. If your damages exceed that, we will pursue every available asset and policy to make sure you are made whole.
How long do I have to file a claim in California?
Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident. However, with rideshare companies and the new SB 371 rules, waiting is a huge mistake. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be.
Take Control of Your Future Today
The new laws in California were designed to protect the bottom lines of billion-dollar companies. They weren't designed to protect you. But you don't have to face them alone.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we are your shield and your sword. We provide a Free Case Evaluation and we are available 24/7 to answer your questions. Don't let a rideshare accident ruin your financial future.
If you’ve been injured, the clock is ticking. The insurance companies are already building their defense. It’s time to build yours.
Contact Fairmont Law Firm now. We fight. We win. You recover.
For more information on California traffic laws and your rights, visit our website at https://www.fairmontlawfirm.com.