What Happens If My Uber Driver Gets in an Accident?

If your Uber driver gets in an accident, you should check yourself for injuries, seek medical help if needed, report the incident through the app, and consider seeking legal help with a compensation claim. 

Depending on who is at fault for the crash, you may need to file claims through Uber’s insurance, the driver’s insurance, or the insurance of another driver involved. When multiple parties get into a traffic accident, completing the insurance process can be challenging. 

Our Raleigh Uber accident lawyer understands rideshare accidents and can manage your case for you. We can help you with insurance claims, negotiate for fair compensation, and protect your legal rights. You can learn more about your options during a free consultation.

What to do Immediately After an Uber Accident Happens

After an accident, your immediate priority should be safety and getting medical help. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to have a medical professional examine you, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away. 

Once you confirm that everyone is safe, you should gather information about the accident, such as taking photos of the scene, the vehicles involved, and any visible injuries. You’ll also want to exchange contact information with the Uber driver, any other drivers or parties, and witnesses.

Here are other things that should happen if your Uber driver gets into an accident:

• Report the accident: You should report the crash to Uber through the app. Uber has a system for handling accidents involving their drivers.
• Insurance coverage: Uber’s insurance may cover your injuries, depending on the situation. If your driver was actively transporting you when the collision happened, Uber typically provides some level of coverage through its insurance.
• Filing an insurance claim: You may need to file a claim with Uber’s insurance or the driver’s insurance, depending on who was at fault. You can also pursue compensation for your damages if necessary.
• Consult a lawyer: If you suffered injuries or have questions about the accident, you can speak with our car accident lawyers in Raleigh, who will advise you on your next steps.

How Uber’s Insurance Works in an Auto Accident

Uber provides insurance coverage for accidents, but how this coverage applies depends on what the driver was doing when the crash occurred. Here’s a breakdown:

• When the driver is offline: If your Uber driver is not signed in to the Uber app at the time of the accident, Uber’s insurance does not apply. In this case, the driver’s personal car insurance would be responsible for covering any damages or injuries.
• When the driver is signed in and waiting for a ride request: If the Uber driver is logged in to the app but hasn’t accepted a ride yet, Uber offers limited liability coverage. If the driver causes an accident during this time, Uber provides up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 total per accident for injuries, and $25,000 for property damage.
• When the driver is on the way to pick up a rider or has a rider in the car: Once a driver accepts a ride request or has a passenger in the vehicle, Uber’s full insurance coverage applies. This includes up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, which can cover injuries and damages caused to others. 

Additionally, Uber provides uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which helps if another driver with insufficient insurance is responsible for the accident. This coverage can help cover medical expenses, property damage, and other accident-related losses. 

However, the challenge often revolves around determining which insurance was in effect when the crash happened and who to file an insurance claim against. Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers can handle these matters for you.

Filing a Claim After Your Driver Gets Into an Uber Crash

To seek compensation after an Uber accident, you’ll likely need to file a claim with Uber’s insurance or the insurance provider of the at-fault driver. Start by reporting the accident through the Uber app, which will initiate the process. 

From there, you may be asked to provide medical records, accident details, and other evidence to support your claim. When multiple insurance companies are involved, this process can become complicated, so it is important to know how to file your claim correctly.

Who Can You Hold Responsible in an Uber Accident?

Determining who is responsible for the accident can be complex in a rideshare accident case. Any of the following parties can be liable if you are in an accident in an Uber:

• The Uber driver: If the Uber driver caused the accident by breaking traffic laws or driving carelessly, they may be held responsible. Uber’s insurance may cover damages depending on the driver’s status at the time.
• Another driver: If another driver is at fault for the accident, you can file a compensation claim against their insurance. If they don’t have enough coverage, Uber’s insurance may step in to help.
• Uber (the company itself): While Uber usually is not directly responsible because drivers are independent contractors, exceptions may apply if Uber fails to screen the driver properly.
• A pedestrian or cyclist: If a pedestrian or cyclist caused the accident by acting recklessly, they could be held liable for your injuries or damages.
• A third party: Poor road conditions, faulty traffic signals, or vehicle defects could make a government entity or manufacturer responsible for the accident.

Our legal team can identify the liable parties and pursue compensation from the right sources.

Common Recoverable Damages in an Uber Accident Case

If you are recovering from an Uber accident, you can seek compensation for various losses. These include:

• Medical bills (for emergency and ongoing care)
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity (if your injuries affect your ability to work)
• Pain and suffering

The amount you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, how the accident affected your life, and the insurance coverage available. A lawyer can help you calculate the full extent of your damages and advise you on how much you can seek from the negligent party.

If our attorney cannot settle your case, we may be able to file a lawsuit by your state’s statute of limitations deadline so you can seek financial compensation in civil court. 

This deadline depends on where you live. In North Carolina, plaintiffs generally have two years to file a lawsuit for damages, per G.S § 1-52.

We Can Help With What Happens Next if Your Uber Driver Had an Accident

If your Uber driver gets into an accident while you’re a passenger, it can be a confusing and stressful situation. Whether you’re unsure how to file a claim or wondering who will cover your expenses, Whitley Law Firm can explain what happens if your Uber driver gets into an accident.

For 50 years, we have answered the call of seriously injured individuals who seek to recover damages. If you hire us, we will work to identify who is responsible for the Uber accident, handle the insurance companies, and fight for a financial award that covers your needs.

Let us handle the tough parts while you focus on your recovery. Call us now for a free consultation to discuss your case. We aim to answer calls within 24 hours.