How Dolan Law Firm Changed California Rideshare Law
"Who changed California rideshare insurance rules after the first Uber wrongful death case, and what does that mean if I am injured by an Uber or Lyft driver?"
We Helped Change How Rideshare Law Works in California
Dolan Law Firm represented the family of Sofia Liu, the first pedestrian killed by a negligent Uber driver on December 31, 2013. At the time, Uber said it was not responsible because the driver did not have a passenger. That position would have left the family without meaningful recovery, since the driver carried only minimal personal insurance while the family’s medical bills already exceeded hundreds of thousands of dollars.
We filed the first wrongful death lawsuit against Uber and challenged the idea that a company could avoid responsibility when its driver was logged into the app and available to accept rides. As Chris Dolan told the press, new technology does not erase well-established legal principles. The case resolved the following year.
What Changed After The Sofia Liu Lawsuit?
- Company policies expanded: Uber (and shortly after, Lyft) announced additional insurance coverage for drivers who are logged in and available, even if they have not yet accepted a ride.
- Clearer coverage during trips: Longstanding $1,000,000 coverage during an active trip remained the benchmark.
- Legislative action: With the Liu family’s support, and while serving as President of the Consumer Attorneys of California, Chris Dolan successfully advocated for a state law requiring rideshare companies to carry robust liability insurance for their drivers.
These changes helped close the “insurance gap” that once left riders, pedestrians, and even drivers exposed.
Why It Matters Today
If an Uber or Lyft driver injures you while logged into the app, coverage can apply even if no passenger is in the car. Policy language and limits evolve, so it is important to get legal guidance quickly.
Watch Our New Video: California Rideshare Injury Law
We break down how coverage works when a driver is off-app, logged in and available, en route to a pickup, or carrying a passenger, and what that means for your claim. Click here to watch the video
If You Are Hurt By an Uber or Lyft Driver, DO THIS NOW
- Call 911 and get medical care.
- Document the scene: photos, vehicle positions, damage, skid marks, street signs, lighting, and weather.
- Get information: driver’s name, license, plates, app screenshots showing driver status, and insurance details.
- Collect witnesses and preserve any rideshare receipts or trip records.
- Speak to an attorney early. Statements to insurers can affect your claim.
Why Families and Injured Californians Choose Dolan Law Firm
- We filed the first wrongful death case against Uber and helped drive real-world policy and legislative changes that protect the public.
- We understand how to prove driver app status and trigger the correct layer of insurance coverage.
- We handle rideshare crash cases across San Francisco, Oakland, Los Angeles, Redondo Beach and throughout California.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.
Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, contact Dolan Law Firm for a free case evaluation. We can explain the coverage that may apply and the next steps to protect your rights.
