Uber-Backed Ballot Measure Aims to Cap Legal Fees and Payouts

Measure faces criticism from medical providers and personal injury attorneys who warn it could limit access to care for accident victims

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:47pm

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A proposed statewide ballot measure in California backed by Uber is drawing sharp criticism from medical providers and personal injury attorneys. The measure, titled the Protecting Automobile Accident Victims From Attorney Self-Dealing Act of 2026, would cap attorney fees at 25% and limit the amount medical providers can recover for treating patients after a car accident. Supporters say it would protect consumers, crack down on fraud, and help lower insurance costs, but opponents argue it would shift the financial burden of accidents from corporations and insurers onto injured patients.

Why it matters

The outcome of this ballot measure could have wide-ranging impacts on accident victims, medical providers, and insurance costs across California. Critics warn it could make it harder for injured people to receive timely treatment after crashes, while supporters claim it would ensure accident victims keep at least 75% of their award and limit recoveries to the amounts actually paid rather than inflated billed amounts.

The details

The Uber-backed proposal was first introduced in 2025 with an initial campaign investment of roughly $12 million. Supporters say the measure would protect consumers, crack down on fraud, and help lower insurance costs. Opponents argue it would shift the financial burden of accidents from corporations and insurers onto injured patients. The Providers for Patient Care Political Action Committee, a coalition of doctors, patients, and advocates opposing the measure, says the proposal would significantly limit compensation for medical expenses and make it harder for injured people to receive timely treatment after crashes.

  • The Uber-backed proposal was first introduced in 2025.
  • The measure is expected to appear on the November 2026 ballot.

The players

Uber

The ride-hailing company that is backing the proposed ballot measure.

Providers for Patient Care Political Action Committee (PPC PAC)

A coalition of doctors, patients, and advocates opposing the Uber-backed ballot measure.

Pamela Lopez

The lead political consultant for PPC PAC.

Benjamin Drake

The owner of the Drake Law Firm with offices in Fresno and Los Angeles, who has voiced opposition to the measure.

Nathan Click

The campaign spokesman for the Protect California Consumers campaign, which supports the ballot measure.

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What they’re saying

“These limits are so severe that in all likelihood, medical providers will not be able to care for patients after they're injured in an automobile accident.”

— Pamela Lopez, Lead political consultant for PPC PAC (kmph.com)

“You get a $20,000 hospital bill, and the insurance company pays a few hundred dollars based on Medicare rates. Who pays the rest? Uber wants the patient to pay.”

— Benjamin Drake, Owner of the Drake Law Firm (kmph.com)

“Californians deserve a system that prioritizes victims over ambulance lawyers, and that's exactly what this measure does. Capping attorney fees, banning kickbacks, ending inflated medical billing, and putting in place whistleblower protections will protect auto-accident victims, and in addition to reducing costs for consumers.”

— Nathan Click, Campaign spokesman for the Protect California Consumers campaign (kmph.com)

What’s next

The measure is expected to appear on the November 2026 ballot, and both supporters and opponents are preparing for a lengthy and expensive campaign.

The takeaway

This ballot measure highlights the ongoing tensions between corporations, medical providers, and personal injury attorneys over the costs and compensation related to auto accidents in California. The outcome could have significant implications for accident victims, insurance premiums, and access to medical care in the state.