What happens if you get into a car accident in an Uber? It’s a question most riders don’t consider until the unexpected happens. Understanding your rights and the steps to take in this situation is crucial for protecting your health and ensuring you receive any compensation you may be entitled to. In this guide, we outline everything you need to know, from addressing injuries to navigating insurance claims.
What Happens if You Get into a Car Accident in an Uber?
If you’re involved in a car accident while riding in an Uber, your safety and legal rights are the top priorities. Uber’s liability insurance typically covers up to $1 million for damages, but the at-fault party and specifics of the accident can affect how claims are handled. State-specific laws may also impact your case. For example, in Florida, you may first rely on your personal injury protection (PIP) insurance before accessing Uber’s coverage. In Tennessee and Texas, fault-based systems determine liability, and compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault.
Each state has different statutes of limitations: two years for Florida and Texas, and one year for Tennessee. Documenting the accident, seeking medical attention, and knowing your legal options within these timeframes are critical steps to ensure fair compensation. Each step will be detailed in the sections below.
Does Uber Cover You in an Accident and How Does It Work?
Uber provides insurance coverage for accidents involving their drivers, but the level of protection depends on the circumstances and the driver’s activity at the time. Uber’s insurance operates in three distinct periods:
- Offline: When the driver is not using the app, only their personal insurance applies, and Uber’s coverage does not activate.
- App On, No Passenger: During this period, Uber offers limited contingent liability coverage—up to $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage—only if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply.
- Active Ride or Passenger Pickup: Once the driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the car, Uber’s full $1 million liability policy activates.
For passengers, Uber’s $1 million liability insurance covers injuries and damages sustained during a ride. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the Uber driver is at fault or if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In states requiring personal injury protection (PIP), such as Florida, drivers, and passengers may also access no-fault coverage for immediate medical expenses and lost wages. Now, let’s examine specific cases of Uber accidents based on different scenarios, including whether you’re a passenger, or a driver, and the determination of fault.
What Happens if You Get into a Car Accident in an Uber?
Accidents involving Uber are complex, with various outcomes depending on your role in the incident. Here are some of the most common scenarios of Uber crashes, along with your rights and potential compensation options in each:
You Were a Passenger in an Uber Accident
Scenario 1: Uber Driver at Fault
If the Uber driver caused the accident, Uber’s liability insurance policy provides up to $1 million in coverage for passengers. This includes compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You may need to file a claim with Uber’s insurer directly. If damages exceed Uber’s policy limit, the driver’s personal insurance may not apply, as most personal policies exclude coverage during rideshare activities.
Scenario 2: Another Driver at Fault
When another driver causes the accident, their auto insurance is primarily responsible for covering passenger injuries.
You Were the Uber Driver in an Accident
Scenario 1: Not at Fault
If another driver caused the accident, their insurance should cover the damages. If the at-fault driver’s policy does not fully compensate you, Uber’s contingent liability policy will activate to cover the remaining costs, up to the policy limits.
Scenario 2: At Fault
If you are at fault, Uber’s liability insurance will cover damages to passengers and third parties only if you were actively transporting or en route to pick up a passenger. Damage to your own vehicle requires you to have collision coverage through your personal policy, which Uber will supplement with a deductible.
Hit-and-Run Accident Involving an Uber
In a hit-and-run scenario, whether you are a passenger or an Uber driver, Uber’s uninsured motorist coverage will cover injuries and damages caused by the unidentified driver. Passengers can claim medical expenses and lost wages, while drivers can also receive compensation for vehicle damage if they carry personal collision coverage.
Injured in an Uber Accident
If you were injured in an Uber accident, the specifics of the case determine your compensation. Passengers are covered under Uber’s $1 million liability insurance for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Drivers may claim under Uber’s policies depending on their activity, while pedestrians and other victims rely on the driver’s app status to determine whether Uber’s or the driver’s personal insurance applies.
Other Scenarios
Scenario 1: Uber Vehicle Defect
If a mechanical defect caused the accident, you might pursue a claim against the vehicle manufacturer or maintenance provider. Passengers, drivers, and other victims can all be eligible for compensation under product liability laws.
Scenario 2: Rideshare Driver Without Insurance
If the Uber driver was off-duty or not using the app at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance will not apply, and compensation will depend entirely on the driver’s personal insurance coverage. If they lack coverage, you may need to explore legal action to recover damages.
Scenario 3: Multi-Vehicle Accident
In accidents involving multiple vehicles, determining liability can be complex. As a passenger, you may claim against both Uber’s insurer and the at-fault driver’s insurance. An experienced attorney can help navigate these disputes to maximize your compensation.
Having analyzed your role and the circumstances of the accident, you can take the necessary steps to protect your rights. In the event of an Uber crash, stay calm, assess your situation, and take the next crucial actions.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, or another driver, taking the right steps is crucial to protect your health and your legal rights.
- Ensure Safety and Report the Accident
Check for injuries and call 911.
Report the accident to the police, even for minor collisions. - Seek Medical Attention
Get a medical evaluation, even if you don’t feel hurt right away.
Document all treatments and keep medical records. - Gather Evidence
Take photos of the vehicles, damages, injuries, and the accident scene.
Collect contact information from the Uber driver, other involved parties, and witnesses.
Request the police report for your records. - Notify Uber
Report the accident through the Uber app or claims portal.
Provide basic facts but avoid detailed statements to insurers without legal advice. - File an Insurance Claim
File claims with Uber’s insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance, depending on the circumstances. - Keep Detailed Records
Save all related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurers or Uber. - Consult a Lawyer
Seek legal advice to ensure your rights are protected and to navigate any disputes in the claims process.
Acting quickly and taking these steps ensures you preserve evidence and comply with the statute of limitations in your state, which could impact your ability to recover damages when filing an Uber accident claim with your insurance.
Uber Accident Claim: How to File and What to Expect
Filing a claim after an Uber accident involves navigating multiple layers of insurance. As we’ve mentioned, begin by reporting the accident to Uber through the app or their online claims portal. Uber’s insurer will contact you for details. Provide factual information but avoid making statements about fault without consulting legal advice.
The applicable insurance depends on the circumstances. If the Uber driver caused the accident, you’ll claim under Uber’s $1 million liability coverage as stated above. However, for accidents caused by another driver, their insurance is the primary source of compensation, with Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist policy covering shortfalls. Uber drivers must ensure they were logged into the app and actively on a trip for Uber’s coverage to apply.
Strengthen your claim with the police report, medical records, photos of the accident scene, and repair estimates. If you face delays, disputes, or inadequate settlement offers, consult a car accident lawyer to advocate for fair compensation. Timely action is essential to meet your state’s statute of limitations for filing claims.
When You Need an Uber Accident Lawyer and Why
Hiring an Uber accident lawyer can be crucial when dealing with the complexities of rideshare accident claims, particularly in states like Florida with specific legal requirements. Florida’s no-fault insurance system requires personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of fault. However, serious injuries often exceed these limits, necessitating claims against Uber’s $1 million liability policy or the at-fault driver’s insurance. Florida’s comparative negligence rule, which reduces compensation based on your percentage of fault, adds further challenges.
In some cases, suing Uber directly may be necessary. While Uber generally avoids direct liability by classifying drivers as independent contractors, lawsuits can be pursued if the company’s negligence—such as failing to vet drivers or enforce safety protocols—contributed to the accident. These cases require legal expertise, as state-specific rideshare laws and legal precedents heavily influence outcomes.
Navigating disputes over fault or dealing with insurers who undervalue or deny claims can be overwhelming, especially in accidents involving multiple parties. A lawyer ensures your case is accurately presented, negotiates with Uber’s insurer to maximize compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or long-term care, and addresses delays or denials. If Uber’s insurer refuses to provide fair compensation or policy limits are exceeded, a lawyer can help explore legal action against both Uber and the at-fault driver. Additionally, Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, recently reduced to two years, makes timely action critical.
Whether you’re a passenger, driver, or pedestrian, our Steinger, Greene & Feiner lawyers team is here to help. We will gather evidence, consult experts, evaluate damages, and ensure compliance with state-specific laws. If a settlement isn’t possible, our Uber car accident lawyers will advocate for you in court to secure the fair compensation you deserve. Contact us today for personalized guidance and a dedicated ally to protect your rights.