Injured While Driving for Amazon or Uber? Your Legal Options Explained
What is California’s Proposition 22?
Our inaugural blog previously discussed California’s Proposition 22 and what it would mean for Californians involved in motor vehicle collisions with drivers who work for companies such as Amazon or Uber. In short, Prop 22 is a law that allows these app-based companies to classify their drivers as independent contractors, a.k.a. “gig” drivers, rather than traditional, full-benefit employees. One of these companies’ goals is to minimize their liability by shifting responsibility to the individual drivers in case of an accident.
Can drivers who are injured on the job claim compensation from Amazon, Uber, and other app-based companies?
Occupational Accident Insurance
California Prop 22 requires app-based companies to provide Occupational Accident Insurance for their drivers. This mandatory insurance generally covers:
- medical costs,
- lost income, and
- survivor benefits
for accidents that occur
- On the job, and
- When drivers are logged into the app and engaged.
On the other hand, Occupational Accident Insurance excludes:
- property damage
- permanent disability
- unemployment benefits,
- pain and suffering
- emotional distress
- any damages stemming from accidents that occurred during offline time or idle waiting periods
Commercial Auto Insurance
In California, rideshare companies used to be required to maintain commercial auto insurance policies up to $1 million to cover third-party claims and provide a defense for liabilities incurred during active driving periods, However, this all changed as of January 1, 2026, when Senate Bill 371 (SB371) reduced those minimum requirements to $300,000 per incident, $60,000 per individual.
Personal Auto Insurance
It is important to note that Prop 22 does not replace the mandatory auto liability coverage every California driver must have, regardless of the fact that they work for Uber, or Amazon, or at a traditional job. If the app-based company denies coverage, for example by arguing that the driver was not “engaged” in their job at the time of the accident, this would leave an injured party with only the coverage provided by their personal auto insurance.
Can Amazon and Uber drivers claim damages from the person whose negligence caused the accident?
Prop 22 does not prevent app-based drivers who are injured on the job from claiming damages against the person whose negligence caused the accident. If another driver or a third party caused the accident, an Amazon or Uber driver can potentially pursue a personal injury claim against them, including a civil lawsuit. Unlike Occupational Accident Insurance, a personal injury claim could cover things like the damage to their vehicle and their pain and suffering.
Injured on the job while driving for Amazon or Uber? Contact The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour
At The Law Offices of Ali Taheripour, we have spent over two decades advocating for the rights of injury victims across California. We are well-versed in dealing with app-based companies that may unfairly try to avoid or shift legal responsibility in case of an accident. Our team is committed to helping injured parties navigate these legal challenges and obtain compensation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an Amazon, Uber, or other app-based rideshare or delivery service accident, don’t wait: Contact our office today for a consultation and let us help you understand your rights under California law.