Can You Sue Uber for an Accident or Injury?

In today’s fast-paced world, ridesharing services like Uber have become a staple of urban transportation, offering convenience, affordability, and a wide range of options for commuters. However, despite their widespread use, Uber and other rideshare companies have certain risks — specifically, the possibility of accidents or injuries.

So, what happens if you’re involved in an Uber-related accident? Can you sue Uber for damages? The answer depends on the circumstances.

If you’re involved in an Uber accident, do not wait to consult with a skilled Seattle rideshare accident attorney. A lawyer can thoroughly review the specifics of your case to determine your rights and legal options, which can include filing a lawsuit.

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How Do Rideshare Accidents Happen?

Rideshare accidents, like any other vehicle collision, can occur for numerous reasons. Some of the common causes of rideshare accidents include:

• Distracted driving: The Uber driver may be distracted by their phone, looking at navigation, or handling passenger requests. As Uber drivers often juggle multiple responsibilities, distractions are common in accidents.
• Speeding or reckless driving: Uber drivers might drive aggressively, especially during high-demand periods or when trying to meet ride quotas. This can lead to speeding, tailgating, or other unsafe driving behaviors.
• Fatigue: Uber drivers often work long hours, especially if driving for Uber is their main source of income. This can increase the risk of accidents due to driver fatigue, which can cause reduced reaction time and impaired judgment.
• Poor road conditions: Uber accidents can also occur due to inclement weather, poorly maintained roads, or traffic congestion. When road conditions are poor, Uber drivers may have a harder time operating their vehicles, heightening the chance of collisions. 
• Mechanical failures: Like any other vehicle, Uber cars are susceptible to mechanical problems like brake failure or tire blowouts. If an accident occurs due to a mechanical failure, this may also be a factor to consider when determining fault.

The situation is unique when you’re an Uber passenger and experience an accident. Understanding how your collision occurred is necessary, as this can dictate how you pursue compensation and who can be liable. A rideshare accident attorney can investigate your crash to determine the cause, which can help pinpoint liability.

Understanding Uber Insurance Coverage

Uber drivers are required to have their auto insurance coverage at all times. The extent of insurance should at least meet state minimum requirements. However, Uber also provides additional insurance under certain circumstances.

Uber’s insurance coverage is a key part of its operations, designed to provide financial protection for drivers, riders, and third parties involved in accidents during rideshare activities. The coverage applies depending on the driver’s status in the app and varies by location. Below is a breakdown of how Uber’s insurance coverage works:

The App is Off

When the Uber app is off, it means the driver is not logged in to their Uber app and is not working. In this scenario, Uber does not provide any insurance. The driver’s auto insurance applies in the event of a collision.

The app is on, and we are waiting for a ride request.

In the second scenario, the driver is logged into the Uber app and is waiting for a ride request. Uber provides contingent liability coverage in this period, which applies if the driver’s auto insurance does not cover an accident or provides insufficient coverage. Liability limits include:

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

Depending on state law, Uber may also provide extra coverage, such as coverage for drivers and riders for injuries in hit-and-run accidents or accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured motorists or personal injury protection, regardless of who is at fault for the crash.

En Route to Pick Up a Rider or On a Ride

Under the third phase of insurance protection, a driver has either accepted a ride request and is driving to pick up the rider or is actively transporting the rider to their destination. In these scenarios, uber provides the most insurance coverage, including:

• $1,000,000 coverage for injuries and property damage to riders and third parties when an Uber driver is at fault for the crash
• Coverage that covers the cost to repair a driver’s car, up to the actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible, based on a driver’s insurance

Additionally, based on state law, Uber may provide extra coverage similar to the second phase, such as for hit-and-run crashes and medical payments coverage, no matter who is at fault for the collision. 

Pursuing Compensation After a Rideshare Collision

Pursuing compensation can feel overwhelming after a rideshare accident. However, specific options depend on the accident’s circumstances, the injuries’ severity, and the parties involved. Your options may include:

Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

Whether your Uber driver is at fault or another driver caused the collision, you can file a third-party insurance claim through their auto insurance. Even if Uber provides additional insurance for drivers, if your Uber driver caused the crash, you can still file a claim through their auto insurance.

The compensation you’re entitled to depends on policy limits, so it’s important to determine the coverage type the responsible driver has.

Utilizing Your Insurance

In some cases, you can go through your insurance. You can file a claim to utilize your personal injury protection insurance or medical payments coverage based on the situation and your insurance coverage. Your UM or UIM insurance may apply if the responsible driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Filing a Claim Through Uber’s Insurance

Uber provides insurance regardless of who is at fault for the crash. Sometimes, you may need to file a claim through Uber’s insurance. This is especially true if the liable driver’s insurance is inadequate and you cannot get the full extent of your damages through an insurance claim.

Filing a Lawsuit, if Necessary

If insurance settlements are insufficient or the company denies your claim, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit.

In some states, you can file a lawsuit if available insurance coverage cannot properly compensate you for the full extent of your damages. For example, in Florida, you can file a lawsuit if you’ve suffered a permanent injury, you’ve lost the use of a bodily function, or you have permanent scarring or disfigurement after a crash.

Filing a lawsuit involves the courts and provides another avenue to pursue the just compensation you deserve.

Can You Sue Uber After an Accident?

In some cases, you may have the opportunity to sue Uber. This is usually the case if Uber plays a role in your accident.

For example, Uber has strict requirements that potential drivers must meet before they can work for the company. If Uber hires or keeps a dangerous driver, such as one with a poor driving record, and someone sustains an injury in an accident, they can hold the driver accountable.

In a crash, you can file a claim through Uber’s insurance. Understanding that you may not need to file a lawsuit when you file a claim through Uber’s insurance is helpful. Receiving compensation through the insurance company without filing a lawsuit directly against Uber is possible.

Every situation is unique, and your options for pursuing compensation can vary. You should always discuss your accident with a skilled rideshare accident attorney immediately to better understand the paths you can take to secure a favorable financial recovery.

How to Protect Your Rights Following an Uber Collision

When you’re involved in an Uber accident, what you do in the moments and days following your collision can impact your rights and ability to recover monetarily. After your accident, you should:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Collect evidence concerning your accident
• Report your accident to Uber

Additionally, it’s common to feel uncertain after a rideshare accident, so it’s important to consult with a local accident attorney immediately. Taking these steps and speaking with a lawyer can substantially help safeguard your rights and put you in the best position to secure proper compensation.

How Can a Rideshare Accident Attorney Assist with Your Case?

Rideshare accidents present complications due to the unique legal and insurance issues involved. Hiring an experienced rideshare attorney can be critical to securing fair compensation if you’re an injured passenger. A lawyer can support you with your case in countless ways, including:

Determining Liability

Establishing fault in a rideshare accident can be challenging. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company. An attorney can investigate your collision in many ways, such as:

• Reviewing police reports and eyewitness statements
• Analyzing traffic camera or dashcam footage
• Consulting accident reconstructionists when necessary

Your rideshare accident lawyer can build a strong case to prove liability by gathering and interpreting evidence.

Handling Communications with Insurers

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be stressful and confusing. Insurance companies may use tactics to downplay your injuries or shift blame. A rideshare attorney acts as your advocate, handling all communications with insurers to protect your rights and avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting a lowball settlement offer.

Understanding State-Specific Laws

Rideshare regulations vary by state, and some jurisdictions have specific laws governing rideshare companies and their drivers. An experienced rideshare attorney will have in-depth knowledge of these laws and how they apply to your case, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Pursuing Full Compensation

Victims of rideshare accidents may be entitled to damages for their injuries, expenses, and losses, including:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Property damage

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. An attorney will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive just compensation. Your attorney will take your case to court if you cannot reach a settlement.

Providing Support and Guidance

Victims of accidents often face physical, emotional, and financial challenges in the aftermath. A compassionate attorney provides legal representation guidance and support throughout the process, giving them peace of mind while they focus on healing.

A Rideshare Accident Attorney is Standing By

After an Uber accident, you may have several options to pursue compensation, including filing a lawsuit. While the situation may feel confusing and overwhelming, you don’t have to handle anything alone. A local rideshare accident lawyer can take on your case to protect your rights and best interests from beginning to end. They will work tirelessly to gather evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your recovery.

Don’t wait to take action if an Uber accident harms you. Consult with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case. The sooner you reach out, the sooner your Seattle personal injury lawyer can build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring you don’t miss any critical deadlines. Time is of the essence when it comes to collecting evidence and pursuing compensation. Don’t let the stress of the situation prevent you from getting the support you need—contact a skilled attorney today to take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.