What Happens If You’re in an Uber Crash on the Way to LAX?

You are on the 405 inching through early morning traffic, suitcase jammed in the back of your Uber. Suddenly the car jolts and your plans screech to a halt, but you and your luggage keep moving. You’ve been in an Uber crash, and now your flight, your luggage and your timeline have been thrown into chaos.

At MKP Law Group, LLP, we understand how disruptive and stressful it is to be involved in a rideshare accident when you’re just trying to make it to your gate. Our Los Angeles Uber accident lawyers have seen it all, from minor fender benders to severe multi-car collisions involving travelers on tight schedules. Whether your crash happened near LAX, Hollywood Burbank Airport, or John Wayne, we are here to guide you through every step.

Immediate First Steps After an Uber or Lyft Accident

If you are involved in an Uber crash near LAX or another Southern California airport, time is not on your side. Here is what to do:

1. Call 911. Report the accident. Even if you are running late for a flight, your health and safety come first. A police report creates vital documentation, and they can send an ambulance if you are hurt.
2. Get medical attention. Nearby hospitals include:
   • Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles)
   • Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (Westwood)
   • Harbor–UCLA Medical Center (Torrance)
   • Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center (Santa Monica)
3. Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, license plates, Uber app screen, and injuries.
4. Get information. Exchange details with the Uber driver and any other parties involved. Ask for insurance information and request witness contacts.
5. Report the crash in the Uber or Lyft app. This helps establish a timeline and ensures Uber’s insurance carrier is notified.

How Airport-Specific Crashes Complicate Uber Claims in CA

Rideshare accidents around airports like LAX present unique challenges for many reasons;

• Traffic Congestion: LAX is infamous for bumper-to-bumper gridlock. Combine that with distracted drivers circling terminals, and you have a breeding ground for collisions.
• LAX-it Zone: Since Uber and Lyft can no longer pick up passengers at the terminal curb, all rideshare pickups happen at the LAX-it lot. This relocation increases pedestrian activity and car volume in a small, confined area. That means more opportunities for crashes.
• Tighter Spaces: Hollywood Burbank Airport has narrow roadways and limited waiting areas. Accidents can happen in a flash if drivers are unfamiliar with the layout.
• Out-of-Town Travelers: Car accident claims can be a bit more complicated when one (or both) parties live out of town, and especially out of state. Working with a local law firm like MKP Law Group, LLP can save you a lot of aggravation.

Claims Against Uber vs. Claims Against LAX

Here is where things get tricky. Not all injuries in or around a rideshare vehicle are Uber’s responsibility.

Let us say you trip while exiting your Uber because the pavement in the LAX-it zone is cracked or poorly lit. That might be a claim against LAX itself or the contractors responsible for the lot’s maintenance.

If you are a pedestrian struck by a rideshare vehicle while walking between terminals or across a loading area, you may have a case against both Uber and the airport. It all depends on who had the duty of care at the moment of impact.

How an Uber Accident Impacts Your Travel Plans and Costs

An Uber accident is more than just a traffic issue when you are en route to an airport. Travel-related damages that may be compensable under California law can include:

• Missed or canceled flights
• Hotel reservations that cannot be refunded
• Lost deposits for tours, rental cars, or event tickets
• Transportation costs for rescheduled flights
• Additional lodging while waiting for a new flight
• Rebooking fees and airport transfer charges

You deserve to be compensated for these interruptions. A skilled Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help quantify these losses and include them in your settlement demand.

Who May Be Liable in an Airport Lyft or Uber Accident

Responsibility in a rideshare crash is not always obvious. Depending on the facts, any of the following may be held liable:

• The Uber or Lyft driver
• Another motorist on the road
• Waymo or other autonomous vehicles
• Uber itself, if the driver was actively using the app, and Uber’s policy applies
• Third parties, such as:
  • Auto manufacturers (defective brakes, tires, etc.)
  • Construction crews or contractors who left the roadways unsafe
  • The airport authority or maintenance providers

Assigning liability in rideshare accident cases properly is critical to ensuring all possible insurance policies are accessed.

What Happens If You Have Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance policies can be a game-changer after an Uber crash near LAX or any other California airport. Still, their coverage depends heavily on the type of policy you purchased. While many travelers skip this coverage for domestic flights, those who opt in may benefit from more than they realize.

Here are some key types of coverage that may apply:

• Trip Interruption or Cancellation: If your Uber crash forces you to miss your flight or cancel a portion of your trip, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for missed flights, hotel bookings, rental cars, and even non-refundable tours. Some policies will cover new travel arrangements made due to delays caused by a crash.
• Emergency Medical Expenses: Even in domestic travel, some plans offer reimbursement for ER visits, ambulance rides, and other immediate healthcare expenses. This is especially helpful if your health insurance has a high deductible or limited out-of-network coverage in California.
• Lost or Damaged Property: If your luggage or personal electronics are damaged in the accident, travel insurance may reimburse you for the repairs or replacements, depending on your plan’s limits.
• Travel Delay Coverage: Policies often include daily allowances for food, lodging, and transportation if your travel is delayed due to an injury or a police investigation following a crash.

If you are unsure how your travel policy applies, MKP Law Group, LLP can review your insurance details as part of your case evaluation.