Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are a part of daily life for millions of Californians. We use them constantly, trusting them to be a safe way to get around. However, when an accident or an assault happens during a ride, passengers often wonder who is responsible. While the driver is one party, what about the billion-dollar company that sent them? Understanding California Rideshare Law is essential for knowing your rights in these situations.
Recent legal discussions, based on materials from legal presentations, highlight that Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) have significant safety duties. This article will break down the specific safety rules TNCs must follow. We will also explore the important legal concept of a “common carrier” and how it applies to your ride.
According to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the agency that regulates rideshare companies, TNCs must meet several crucial safety requirements to operate in the state. These regulations mean TNCs have a duty to ensure their drivers are safe before they ever pick up a passenger.
These non-negotiable safety requirements include:
A central question in California Rideshare Law is whether TNCs qualify as “common carriers.” This legal term has a very specific and important meaning.
A common carrier is defined as anyone who offers to carry persons or property for the public. Historically, this applied to taxis, buses, and trains. The law holds these carriers to a much higher legal duty than a typical person. According to the official text of California Civil Code § 2100, a carrier of persons for reward must use the “utmost care and diligence” for their safe carriage.
This “utmost care” is a stricter standard than the “reasonable care” required of ordinary drivers. In practice, it means the company must do everything reasonably possible to ensure passenger safety. If a court considers a TNC like Uber or Lyft a common carrier, the company has a heightened responsibility to protect you from harm. This can be a powerful tool in a Personal Injury case.
If a TNC fails to follow the mandated safety rules and that failure leads to a passenger getting hurt, the company itself may be held negligent. This creates liability separate from the driver’s actions at the moment of the crash. For example:
These scenarios focus on the company’s failure to uphold its own safety obligations under the law.
If you are injured while you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle, taking immediate steps can protect your health and your legal rights.
Navigating a claim against a massive TNC like Uber or Lyft can be very intimidating. Their insurance policies are complex, and they have powerful legal teams. At KAASS LAW, our attorneys understand the specific rules and regulations that govern rideshare companies in California. We have experience handling complex Personal Injury cases that involve multiple liable parties.
Our team investigates to see if a TNC failed in its duty to ensure driver safety. We fight to hold these large corporations accountable when their negligence contributes to passenger injuries. If a rideshare accident injured you, please Contact Us for a free, confidential consultation.
While rideshare apps offer amazing convenience, the companies behind them have a significant legal responsibility to keep their passengers safe. California Rideshare Law requires TNCs to vet their drivers and follow strict safety protocols. Furthermore, the argument that they must be held to the high “common carrier” standard of care is a powerful one for protecting victims. If a rideshare accident injures you, remember that the liability may extend beyond just the driver. It can reach the corporation that hired them and put them on the road.
Months after the devastating Eaton Fire swept through Altadena and surrounding communities, Los Angeles County has released its long-awaited after-action…
Road construction is a constant presence on California's busy highways. While these work zones are necessary, they also create temporary…
It’s a common sight on California's roads. A driver flicks a still-lit cigarette butt out of their car window. Many…
When a large commercial truck is involved in an accident, the consequences are often devastating. Furthermore, these incidents are rarely…
What Happened and What It Means for the Community On the morning of September 26, 2025, a BNSF Railway train…
When a large commercial truck is involved in an accident, the consequences are often devastating. Furthermore, these incidents are rarely…