Injured in an Uber Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know
You called an Uber for a simple reason—maybe a safe ride home after a night out, a quick trip while your car was in the shop, or a ride to the airport. What you didn’t expect was to be injured in a rideshare accident.
Unfortunately, Uber accidents happen more often than many people realize—and when they do, the legal and insurance issues can quickly become complicated.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we help injured rideshare passengers understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
Why So Many People Use Uber
Uber has changed the way people travel. With just a few taps on your phone, you can request a ride almost anywhere, often within minutes. It’s convenient, typically more affordable than taxis, and provides flexibility with different vehicle options.
For many, Uber also offers peace of mind—especially when avoiding driving under the influence or navigating unfamiliar areas.
But convenience doesn’t eliminate risk.
What Happens When an Uber Ride Goes Wrong?
Even with safety features and driver screening in place, Uber accidents still occur. When they do, determining who is responsible—and which insurance policy applies—is not always straightforward.
Unlike traditional taxi services, Uber drivers are classified as independent contractors. This distinction can affect your ability to recover compensation and adds another layer of complexity to your claim.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber provides insurance coverage, but it depends entirely on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:
- App off: Uber provides no coverage. The driver’s personal insurance applies.
- App on, waiting for a ride request: Limited liability coverage applies.
- En route to pick up a passenger or during a ride: Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, along with additional protections in certain situations.
Because coverage changes based on timing, identifying the driver’s status at the moment of the crash is critical to your case.
Who Pays for Your Injuries?
If you were injured as an Uber passenger, there may be multiple sources of compensation available, including:
- Your own auto insurance policy (such as Personal Injury Protection, if applicable)
- The at-fault driver’s insurance (whether it’s the Uber driver or another motorist)
- Uber’s insurance policy, depending on the circumstances
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Each case is unique, and insurance companies often try to shift responsibility to minimize payouts. That’s why having an experienced attorney matters.
Can You Sue Uber?
In most cases, Uber itself is not directly liable for accidents involving its drivers. Because drivers are independent contractors, the company is generally shielded from lawsuits.
However, there are exceptions. For example, Uber may be held accountable if there is evidence of negligence—such as failing to properly screen a driver with a dangerous history.
An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate whether additional claims may apply in your situation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
The value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
What Should You Do After an Uber Accident?
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident:
- Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor
- Report the accident through the Uber app
- Gather information from drivers and witnesses
- Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney
Taking the right steps early can protect your health—and your claim.
Get Legal Help You Can Trust
Uber accident cases are rarely simple. With multiple insurance policies and corporate protections involved, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we fight for injured passengers and know how to hold the right parties accountable. We’ll handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Contact us today for (855-Call-Paul)
a free consultation and let us help you move forward with confidence.
