The firm says rideshare collision exposure is concentrated in major California counties where millions of Latino and Spanish-speaking residents live, work and rely on app-based transportation
LOS ANGELES — Mendez & Sanchez APC has released a new review of California rideshare collision and safety data, highlighting how rideshare collision exposure is concentrated in major California counties with large Latino populations.
The firm's review found that California's most complete public audit of rideshare collision records remains the San Francisco County Transportation Authority's analysis of Transportation Network Company data from September 2019 through August 2020. That audit documented nearly 27,000 reported vehicle collisions across California, including approximately 14,800 involving Uber drivers and approximately 11,200 involving Lyft drivers.
The review also found that rideshare activity in California is highly concentrated in a small number of major counties. Nearly two-thirds of California Transportation Network Company trips occur in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego counties. These regions include dense urban corridors, congested highways, airport pickup zones, downtown streets and pedestrian-heavy areas where rideshare vehicles frequently interact with passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.
Mendez & Sanchez says this concentration has particular relevance for Latino and Spanish-speaking communities. California is more than 40% Hispanic or Latino, and several of the state's largest rideshare markets are also home to some of the largest Latino communities in the country, including Los Angeles County, San Diego County and surrounding Southern California regions.
"This is not about saying Latino passengers are inherently more likely to be injured in a rideshare crash," said Michael Sanchez, co-founder and managing partner at Mendez & Sanchez APC. "It is about recognizing that rideshare collision exposure is concentrated in counties where millions of Latino and Spanish-speaking residents live, work and use app-based transportation. That makes access to clear legal information in English and Spanish especially important."
The firm's review also found that public access to more recent California rideshare safety data remains limited. Although rideshare companies report certain safety information to the California Public Utilities Commission, public reporting requirements for 2021 through 2024 Transportation Network Company annual reports have been suspended, creating a multi-year gap in standardized public auditing.
"Passengers deserve transparency," said Sanchez. "If someone is injured in an Uber or Lyft crash, they should not have to guess what insurance applies, what evidence they need to save or whether they have the right to pursue a claim."
The findings come as California's rideshare insurance rules have changed. Under SB 371, California reduced the uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that rideshare companies must provide during the passenger phase from $1 million to $60,000 per person and $300,000 per incident. While the $1 million third-party liability policy remains in place when a rideshare driver causes a crash, the reduction in UM/UIM coverage may significantly affect passengers injured by uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run drivers.
Mendez & Sanchez says the change makes it even more important for passengers to understand their rights after an Uber or Lyft crash, especially in communities where language barriers may make the insurance process more confusing.
"Rideshare cases can be complicated because insurance coverage may depend on the driver's app status, the phase of the ride and who caused the crash," said Sanchez. "For Spanish-speaking families, those questions can feel even more overwhelming if no one explains the process clearly."
About Mendez & Sanchez, A.P.C.
Mendez & Sanchez, A.P.C. is a contingency-fee law firm representing individuals and families in serious personal injury and civil litigation matters throughout Southern California, Nevada and Honduras. It has successfully handled more than 5,000 cases and recovered over $1 billion in compensation, fighting for clients' justice through complex negotiations and at trial. The firm also proudly provides bilingual legal services to ensure Spanish-speaking clients receive clear communication and strong advocacy at every stage of their case. For more information, visit www.mendezsanchezlaw.com.