Uber-backed ballot measure sparks Super Bowl ad fight with trial lawyers in California

The Uber-backed campaign includes a $1 million statewide Super Bowl advertisement funded by the rideshare company and a group called "A More Affordable California."

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A new California ballot initiative backed by Uber is drawing attention after airing a Super Bowl ad and igniting a political fight with trial lawyers and consumer advocacy groups across the state. The measure, called "Preventing Accident Victims from Self-Dealing Attorneys Act," would change state law by capping attorney fees at 25% in car accident cases. Supporters say the change would help accident victims and reduce costs for consumers, while opposition groups are backing three competing ballot measures aimed at countering Uber's proposal.

Why it matters

The clash pits powerful rideshare companies against influential trial lawyers, both of which have significant political clout and financial resources. The fight is moving directly to voters instead of being resolved through lawmakers, as both sides believe they cannot reach a legislative deal.

The details

The Uber-backed campaign includes a $1 million statewide Super Bowl advertisement funded by the rideshare company and a group called "A More Affordable California." The ad criticizes trial lawyers, saying, 'the billboard lawyers make millions, while Californians are left broke and broken.' The proposed initiative would change state law by capping attorney fees at 25% in car accident cases. Opposition groups are backing three competing ballot measures aimed at countering Uber's proposal -- the People's Right to Contract With Counsel of Choice Act, the Sexual Assault Against Rideshare Passengers and Drivers Prevention and Accountability Act, and the Rideshare Public Accountability Act.

  • The Uber-backed campaign aired a $1 million statewide Super Bowl advertisement on February 10, 2026.

The players

Uber

A rideshare company that is backing the "Preventing Accident Victims from Self-Dealing Attorneys Act" ballot measure in California.

A More Affordable California

A group that is co-funding the $1 million Super Bowl advertisement with Uber in support of the "Preventing Accident Victims from Self-Dealing Attorneys Act" ballot measure.

Alliance Against Corporate Abuse

A group leading the opposition campaign against Uber's ballot measure, backing three competing ballot measures.

Consumer Attorneys of California

A group behind the campaign opposing Uber's ballot measure.

Consumer Watchdog

A coalition member of the opposition campaign, which said the fee cap could prevent victims from getting legal representation or covering medical costs.

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What they’re saying

“Essentially, it makes it harder for people to take Uber to court if they get assaulted or if they get into an accident.”

— Alex Stack, Spokesperson, Alliance Against Corporate Abuse (abc10.com)

“Medical costs and attorneys fees all come out of 25% of the award. And therefore, you're not going to get an attorney to take the case, and you're probably not going to get your medical bills because the insurance company is not going to want to pay you.”

— Jamie Court, President, Consumer Watchdog (abc10.com)

“It is very important that we do not let Uber's ballot measure be the only one moving forward.”

— Alex Stack, Spokesperson, Alliance Against Corporate Abuse (abc10.com)

“For decades, trial attorneys have used millions in campaign cash to block common sense statewide reforms to crack down on this accident liability abuse. It doesn't surprise us that they are frantically trying to avoid accountability and continue their predatory practices that hurt victims and consumers.”

— Nathan Click, Spokesperson, Uber campaign (abc10.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the ballot measures to proceed.

The takeaway

This ballot measure fight highlights the ongoing tension between powerful rideshare companies and influential trial lawyers in California, with both sides using significant financial resources and political clout to sway voters on the issue of attorney fees in car accident cases.