Uber is advancing a statewide ballot initiative in November 2026 that would cripple personal injury victims’ ability to retain competent counsel in many cases. The new proposed referendum would cap contingency fees at 25% in vehicle collision claims and modify how litigation expenses are calculated before attorney compensation is determined. Uber disingenuously maintains that these changes would allow injured victims to retain a greater portion of their settlements while addressing what it characterizes as excessive legal and medical billing practices. Make no mistake. Uber is not “concerned” about personal injury victims. Uber is concerned about lining its own pockets.
Uber has shown a shocking disregard for safety. There are numerous reports of Uber drivers sexually assaulting riders. Uber notoriously fails to make adequate background checks of its drivers. And its drivers frequently drive recklessly, causing numerous accidents. It is no wonder that Uber, instead of addressing its own shortcomings, has chosen instead to attack the true guardians of innocent victims–the personal injury lawyers. Uber’s strategy is to hamstring the
personal injury lawyers so that fewer claims will be made. Fewer claims means more money for Uber. And then, to trick the public into voting for this fiasco, Uber has dressed up the referendum as an effort to protect personal injury victims, when the opposite is true. When voting on this referendum, ask yourself: do you think Uber cares about victims of automobile crashes? Think about it.
The new measure, if enacted, would significantly disrupt the ability of personal injury lawyers to represent accident victims, particularly in lower-value or legally complex cases. Because many injury claims are handled on a contingency basis — where lawyers are paid only if they successfully recover compensation — attorneys warn that reducing allowable fees increases financial risk and may deter representation. They further contend that altering how case-related costs are allocated could result in lawyers absorbing substantial upfront expenses with no guarantee of recovery.
Opposition to the proposal has been swift. Critics assert that the measure could effectively limit access to legal representation for everyday Californians injured in motor vehicle collisions. Medical professionals have also entered the debate, expressing concern that restrictions on recoverable medical expenses could impact patient care.
The Uber referendum is designed to trick the public and to disadvantage everyday Californians. It is critical that victims have experienced advocates on their side. Our firm believes that accountability, transparency, and fair compensation must remain the foundation of personal injury law.
We are committed to representing individuals injured in Uber-related accidents and other ride-share collisions, regardless of the complexity of the case. Whether the claim involves driver negligence, catastrophic injuries, or disputed liability, our team is prepared to aggressively protect our clients’ rights. We will continue to stand with accident victims and fight to ensure they have meaningful access to the courts. If you or a loved one has been harmed in an Uber accident, The Medler Law Firm is ready to advocate for the compensation and justice you deserve.
For free consultations call us at 949-577-8177
