How Does Uber’s Insurance Work After an Accident?

Getting into an accident involving an Uber driver can complicate things considerably. Whether an Uber driver crashed into your car or caused an accident while you were their passenger, you may be wondering who you should seek compensation from. Is it the Uber driver’s insurance or Uber itself?

The answer to that question depends on a few different factors. To recover the compensation you deserve, you’ll want to understand what those factors are, which ones apply to your case, and what legal help a skilled car accident lawyer has to offer.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage

The insurance coverage that applies to your Uber car accident depends on the Uber driver’s activity when the accident occurred. Here’s a breakdown:

The Driver Is Offline

When the driver’s Uber app is off, Uber treats the driver as a regular motorist rather than a company representative, so their insurance does not apply. The at-fault driver’s personal auto insurance should cover the accident.

Driver Is Online and Waiting for a Ride Request

Once the driver turns on the app and waits for a ride, Uber’s limited liability insurance takes effect. If a crash happens during this time, Uber provides:

• $50,000 per person for bodily injury
• $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

This coverage acts as secondary insurance. It only applies when the driver’s personal policy does not fully cover the damages or their carrier denies the claim.

Driver Is En Route or Has a Passenger

After the driver accepts a ride request or starts transporting a passenger, Uber provides the highest coverage available:

• $1 million in third-party liability coverage
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage
• Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage

What if You’re a Passenger in an Uber Crash?

Passengers in rideshare crashes can feel overwhelmed and powerless, particularly when both drivers blame one another. Fortunately, Uber’s $1 million liability policy protects passengers in most situations.

If your Uber driver caused the crash, Uber’s insurance covers your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If another driver caused the crash but lacks enough insurance, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can fill the gap.

Passengers should always report the accident through the Uber app and seek immediate medical attention. You should also save all medical records, bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, and other documents that show how the accident has impacted your finances and your daily life. A skilled personal injury attorney can guide you through this process smoothly and help you avoid critical mistakes.

What if You’re Another Driver or Pedestrian in an Uber Accident?

If an Uber driver hits your vehicle or injures you, Uber’s insurance coverage may apply, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash. If Uber’s insurance does not apply, then you’ll need to seek compensation through the driver’s personal insurance.

To hold the negligent driver accountable, you should gather as much evidence as possible at the accident scene. Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, accident debris, skid marks, traffic signs and signals, road and weather conditions, the surrounding area, and visible injuries. If anyone witnessed the accident, collect their names and contact information.

How a Lawyer Can Help

All car accident claims are challenging to pursue independently, but Uber claims have multiple extra layers of complication. Working with an attorney can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. Your attorney can help by:

• Reviewing your case for free
• Identifying every available insurance source
• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
• Calculating for maximum compensation
• Dealing with insurers
• Negotiating and litigating

Your attorney can determine which insurance policies apply to your case and then fight to recover the compensation you deserve from them. The sooner you contact one, the stronger your case can be.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Today

You don’t have to face the fallout of an Uber accident caused by someone else’s negligence on your own. The Law Offices of Goldfine & Bowles, P.C., has served the people of Central Illinois for over six decades, and we’re prepared to fight for the payout you deserve. Contact our law firm today for your free consultation.