What Is Uber’s Contingency Fee Cap Initiative?
Uber is supporting a proposed law in California that would limit how much attorneys can collect in contingency fees when representing clients in injury cases. A contingency fee allows someone to hire a lawyer without paying upfront. The lawyer only gets paid if the case is successful.
Uber is presenting this proposal as a way to “help victims keep more of their settlements.” While that may sound helpful, the measure is written in a misleading way. The real result could make it harder for accident victims to find legal help at all.
Why the Proposal Is Misleading
The idea of a “cap” might sound fair, but it leaves out important facts.
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Fewer Lawyers Could Take Cases
Personal injury cases are expensive to handle. Attorneys often pay upfront for experts, records, and investigations. If the fee is capped too low, many lawyers will not be able to take on complex or high-risk cases. -
Victims Could End Up With Less
Uber says this proposal would give victims more of their settlement, but if fewer lawyers are available, many victims may never get a settlement in the first place. -
Corporations Benefit Most
Large companies like Uber stand to gain the most. If fewer lawsuits are filed, these companies will face less pressure to improve safety or take responsibility for harm caused by their drivers or policies.
What This Means for Accident Victims
If this proposal becomes law, it could make it harder for injured people to hold Uber or its drivers accountable after a crash.
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Access to Justice Could Shrink
Many victims rely on contingency fee arrangements because they cannot afford to pay hourly legal fees. A fee cap would limit access to skilled attorneys, especially for those with serious injuries or complicated claims. -
Settlements Could Be Smaller
When fewer lawyers are available, insurance companies and large corporations have more control. Victims may feel pressured to accept smaller settlements just to move forward. -
Rideshare Accidents Could Be Impacted the Most
Uber accident claims are already complex. Determining fault, dealing with multiple insurance companies, and proving damages often take months of work. A fee cap would make these types of cases even harder to pursue.
How This Could Affect Uber Riders
Even riders who have never been in an accident could feel the effects.
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Less Accountability for Safety
If Uber faces fewer lawsuits, there is less motivation to maintain strict safety policies or properly vet drivers. -
Reduced Insurance Coverage
Recent changes have already lowered the insurance coverage Uber provides in California for certain accidents. This means riders could receive less compensation if injured. -
More Risk on the Public
When victims cannot recover from the company at fault, the cost often shifts to the victim’s own insurance or public health programs.
Why Hire Fielding Law
At Fielding Law, we believe accident victims deserve fairness and access to justice. Limiting attorney fees might sound like it helps victims, but in reality, it helps large corporations avoid responsibility.
Our team has the experience, compassion, and determination to stand up for injured people and ensure they have a voice against powerful companies. If you or a loved one has been injured in an Uber accident or by a rideshare driver, we are here to help.
Call 833.88.SHARK to speak with a trusted personal injury attorney today.
Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.