Rideshare services came from obscurity and supplanted the traditional taxi industry to become a staple in transportation in just a decade. By 2022, Uber had secured a 68% share of the American ride-hailing market and was by far the most popular rideshare service in the US. However, with Uber drivers ferrying thousands to hundreds of thousands of passengers across the country per day, Uber accidents are bound to occur.

Such accidents can result in injuries and cost Uber passengers and other motorists a ton in medical fees and lost income. Depending on the specifics of the crash and local traffic laws, you may be entitled to compensation from one or more parties. Consider reaching out to an attorney if you have been involved in an Uber accident to discuss your legal options.

Liability in an Uber Accident

Liability is legalese for responsibility or fault. It is used to determine which parties involved in a crash were directly responsible for the accident. The party found to be at fault for the accident will be held liable for any damages sustained. Determining liability can be a long and complicated process that requires collecting and extensively examining the evidence as well as interviewing potential eyewitnesses.

In most cases, Uber drivers will be held liable for accidents as they are responsible for operating their vehicles. You may also be able to sue another driver if their negligent or reckless actions contributed to the crash. Some common examples of driver negligence include the following:

Distracted driving
Speeding over the posted speed limit
Ignoring traffic lights and stop signs
Tailgating
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Reckless or aggressive driving

An Uber driver or another motorist may be held liable for damages if they were engaging in any of these actions before the crash. You may be able to secure compensation if your accident occurred under the following circumstances:

The Uber App Was On

If an accident occurs while the Uber app is on, Uber's insurance coverage will typically cover any damages the driver causes. The amount of coverage available will depend on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident, however. Although there are circumstances where the Uber driver's personal insurer may be involved, Uber will generally cover most rideshare-related accidents from its liability cover.

The Uber App Was Off

Here is where things get a little tricky. If you are involved in a crash with an Uber driver while they have turned off the app, Uber will not be liable for the crash. The company only provides accident coverage to their drivers while the Uber app is active and the drivers are on the job.

In this case, you will have to contact the driver’s personal insurer to secure compensation. You may also be able to sue any other drivers involved if they contributed to the crash.

Insurance Coverage for Uber Drivers

Uber requires each of its drivers to have auto insurance covers that meet the minimum financial responsibility in their respective states. Rideshare drivers operating limo or livery businesses must also carry all their state’s commercial insurance and licensing requirements. On top of that, the company also provides its drivers with liability insurance coverage in case they crash while on the job. Uber’s liability insurance coverage applies as follows:

When the Uber App is Offline

Uber accidents that occur while the driver app is offline are covered by the driver's personal insurance policy.

When the App is Online, or the driver is waiting for a ride request

Uber’s third-party liability provides $50,000 in bodily injury per person, $100,000 in bodily injury per car accident, and $25,000 in property damage per accident. This coverage only kicks in in cases where personal auto insurance doesn’t apply.

When the Driver is En Route to Pick Up Passengers or Transporting Riders

Uber provides $1,000,000 in third-party liability insurance for accidents that occur while the Uber app is on and the driver is picking up riders or transporting them. It provides a contingent comprehensive collision coverage of up to the vehicle’s value with a $2,500 deductible for property damage.

Compensation in an Uber Accident

Determining liability is the first step toward securing compensation. Once your attorney has sufficient evidence against the plaintiff, they will move on to the negotiations stage. This stage is crucial as a majority of car accident suits settle during negotiations before heading to court. You may receive the following damages if you are involved in an Uber accident in the US:

Past, present, and future medical expenses - This includes emergency treatment, ambulance costs, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medication, follow-up doctor visits, rehabilitation, home care costs, and medical equipment like wheelchairs.
Physical scarring, disfigurement, and impairment
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Physical pain and suffering
Loss of quality of life
Loss of companionship
Loss of consortium
Property damage
Wrongful death damages
Punitive damages

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help You?

Although Uber accident victims are entitled to compensatory damages, securing this compensation isn’t always easy. A lawyer will represent you throughout the personal injury claim while you focus on healing from your injuries and getting back on your feet. They will investigate your claim and collect all the evidence you need to build a solid case.

Furthermore, they will negotiate with insurers for a favorable settlement on your behalf and represent you if your case heads to court. Hiring an attorney will give you the peace of mind you need to focus on rest and recovery while increasing your chances of securing fair compensation.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation With a Personal Injury Attorney

Have you or your loved ones been involved in an Uber accident? Don’t handle the legal and financial fallout on your own. You may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical costs and lost wages. Call 818 650 9985 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation.

We’ll do our best to help you!