Why Uber’s Proposed California Fee-Limiting Law Hurts the Injured
In California, Uber is pushing for a new law that would limit the fees attorneys can charge in cases involving rideshare-related injuries. While this proposal is being framed as a “consumer protection” measure, the reality is far different. The people who stand to lose the most aren’t big law firms or insurance companies — it’s the injured.
Why This Proposal Exists
Uber and other large corporations are always looking for ways to reduce their financial exposure. One effective tactic is limiting the ability of injured people to hire qualified legal representation. By capping fees or restricting how attorneys can be compensated, they make it harder for victims to find an advocate willing — or able — to take on a complex case against a billion‑dollar company.
Make no mistake: when corporations advocate for “consumer protection,” it usually means protecting their bottom line.
How Fee Limits Hurt the Injured
Personal injury cases involving rideshare companies can be extremely complicated. They often include multiple insurance carriers, disputed liability, and corporate legal teams that work aggressively to minimize payouts. For an injured person, having a strong attorney is essential.
When laws limit attorney fees, here’s what really happens:
- Fewer attorneys can afford to take these cases. Complex cases require significant time, resources, and upfront costs. Capped fees make many cases financially impossible to pursue.
- Victims are pushed to settle for less. Without proper representation, injured people are pressured into quick, low settlements that don’t cover long-term medical care or lost income.
- Corporate defendants gain even more power. Uber already has extensive resources. Weakening the injured person’s access to counsel tips the scales even further.
What’s Really at Stake
Access to justice isn’t just a legal concept — it’s a lifeline. When someone is seriously hurt in a rideshare crash, they’re facing medical bills, time off work, physical pain, and emotional trauma. They deserve the ability to hire the lawyer they want, negotiate a fair fee, and fight for the full compensation they need to rebuild their life.
A law limiting fees doesn’t make the system fairer. It makes it harder for everyday people to stand up to corporate power.
The Bottom Line
Uber’s proposed California law is not about protecting injured consumers — it’s about protecting Uber from financial responsibility. If this measure moves forward, the people who will suffer most are the ones who can least afford it: those hurt by rideshare drivers and left fighting an uphill battle for justice.
At Halpern & Assoc, we believe every injured person deserves strong, experienced representation — not new laws designed to limit it. We’ll continue to stand with victims and oppose policies that strip away their rights.