California has adopted SB 623, affecting rideshare injury claims, including claims against Uber and Lyft. The new statute applies to ride-share crashes occurring on or after January 1, 2027. It does not apply to non-rideshare California motor vehicle accidents.

For people injured in a rideshare vehicle, Uber, Lyft, or an app-based driver, SB 623 changes how past medical expenses from lien-based medical providers are valued for settlement or trial.

What Is California SB 623?

SB 623 is a recently adopted statutory change to monetary recovery by rideshare customers injured in auto accidents. The law applies to transportation network companies, their subsidiaries, and app-based drivers. The law involves medical lien reform in cases involving rideshare injury claims. A medical lien is used when a patient cannot afford to pay a provider or elects to get treatment outside of their medical insurance provider network. The provider agrees to be paid from a future settlement or judgment instead of billing health insurance at the time of care.

How SB 623 Affects Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in California

SB 623 may apply to injured rideshare passengers, rideshare drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles when a claim is made against a covered rideshare defendant. SB 623 does not limit or prevent a valid rideshare injury claim. It changes the formula for recovering money damages for medical bills.

Does SB 623 Limit Medical Expenses After an Uber, Lyft, or Other Ride-share Accident?

SB 623 does not eliminate recovery for medical expenses. It affects recovery of past medical expenses asserted by lien-based providers. The law does not change recovery for medical expenses paid through health insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, workers’ compensation, or other benefit programs. It also has no application to future medical care, lost income, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, or other proven damages.

Does SB 623 Apply to Non-Rideshare Car, Truck, Bicycle, or Pedestrian Accidents?

No. SB 623 does not apply to treatment in non-rideshare California car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, or pedestrian accident cases. Those claims are still governed by existing California damages law.

When Does SB 623 Apply to Rideshare Accident Claims?

The limitations on recovery of lien-based medical expense provisions of SB 623 operate in crashes occurring on or after January 1, 2027.

If an Uber or Lyft accident occurred before that date, the new lien-based medical expense provisions do not apply. If a rideshare accident occurs on or after January 1, 2027, the statute will affect the patient’s recovery of monetary damages depending on the medical treatment involved.

Speak With a California Uber, Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer

If you were injured in an Uber, Lyft, or Rideshare accident, SB 623 may affect your financial recovery. It does not eliminate your right to pursue compensation. If you were injured as a rideshare passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or occupant of another vehicle, contact Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About SB 623 and Rideshare Accident Claims

Does SB 623 apply to all California car accident cases?

No. SB 623 does not apply to every California car accident case. The law is directed to rideshare accident claims involving transportation network companies, their subsidiaries, or app-based drivers. Ordinary car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents with no rideshare connection are not affected by SB 623.

Does SB 623 eliminate medical expense recovery after an Uber or Lyft accident?

No. SB 623 does not eliminate medical expense recovery after an Uber or Lyft accident. The law changes how medical expenses from lien-based providers are valued. It does not change recovery for medical expenses paid through self-pay, health insurance, Medicare, Medi-Cal, workers’ compensation, or similar benefit programs.

When does SB 623 affect Uber and Lyft accident claims in California?

SB 623 applies to covered rideshare accident claims arising from crashes occurring on or after January 1, 2027. If an Uber or Lyft crash occurred before that date, the new lien-based medical expense provisions do not apply.