Deal Reached in Uber’s California Ballot Initiative
What California Rideshare Consumers Should Know
Competing Measures by Uber and by California Consumer Advocates
Last year, the rideshare company Uber launched a controversial ballot initiative in California for a measure that would, among other things cap contingency fees charged by personal injury attorneys at 25% in many auto-accident cases. Uber framed this measure as pro-consumer, arguing that so-called “billboard attorneys” and doctors inflate fees for victims who were injured in rideshare car accidents, thereby increasing the costs for all of Uber’s California consumers.
Many consumer advocates countered that this would actually reduce access to legal options for accident victims and conveniently shield the company from responsibility. From federal class actions over sexual assault allegations to FTC lawsuits for deceptive billing, Uber’s track record has raised valid concerns about corporate accountability.
In the wake of Uber’s ballot initiative, The Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC), a professional organization that represents the interests of 39 million Californians, launched their own measure, which included provisions to
- Increase Uber’s legal exposure for misconduct by drivers;
- Impose stricter safety and background-check requirements for Uber’s drivers;
- Remove roadblocks for victims of sexual assault or other misconduct to pursue claims against Uber and other similar rideshare companies.
Deal Reached Between Uber and California Attorneys: What This Means For California Consumers
From 2025 to 2026, both Uber and CAOC poured millions of dollars into their respective campaigns, plastering billboards across Los Angeles, placing extensive social media ads on popular platforms like Instagram, and even sending direct cell phone texts to California residents.
The end result was that both measures qualified for the November 2026 election. However, they will likely not be on the ballot. That is because Uber and CAOC have reached a last-minute deal to remove the measures from the upcoming election altogether.
According to Uber and CAOC spokespersons, Uber has promised to improve safety measures for consumers, while California trial attorneys have agreed to limit how much they can claim for lien-based medical treatment of victims in Uber or Lyft accidents.
“Californians deserve a system that’s safe, fair, and accountable. This agreement protects patients from unnecessary treatment or getting overcharged, ensures access to medical care and legal representation, and strengthens safety measures,” read a joint statement from Uber and the CAOC.
Senate Bill 623
The compromise, Senate Bill 623, will not cap attorney fees but will limit how much plaintiffs can recover for medical costs for treatment from lien-based providers. The law would also prohibit the sale of such liens. In addition, lawyers will be prohibited from referring clients to medical providers with whom they have close ties. The deal will also require annual criminal background checks for drivers, and expands the types of criminal offenses that precludes them from driving for a company such as Uber.
Injured in a Rideshare Accident? Contact a California Rideshare Injury Lawyer
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we have spent over two decades advocating for the rights of injury victims across California. Our team is well-versed in the ever-changing landscape of rideshare liability, and we are committed to helping victims stay informed and navigate these new legal challenges.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare accident, don’t wait to explore your options.