Ridesharing services like Uber have revolutionized the way we travel, making transportation faster and more convenient than traditional taxis. However, despite the ease and popularity of these services, accidents can still happen—and when they do, the aftermath can be confusing. Who is responsible for your injuries and losses? What are your rights as a passenger, and can you sue Uber for an accident?
The short answer is yes, you can sue Uber if you get in an accident, but it is important to understand why this type of case might be particularly complex and how an attorney can help if you decide to file a claim against Uber. By understanding these key issues, you can protect your rights if you’ve been in a rideshare accident.
What Happens if My Uber Gets in an Accident?
If you experience an Uber accident, the first thing you should do is call the police and report the accident. Remain on the scene and check yourself and others for injuries. When it is safe to do so, document the accident by taking photos and exchanging contact information.
Also, report the accident through the Uber app’s Help Center or call their support line. Make sure you include when and where the accident happened, who else was involved and any injuries or vehicle damage. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of every conversation you have with Uber.
Don’t forget to inform your insurance company, even if you believe Uber or the driver’s policy will cover the incident. It’s best to check with your personal insurer to understand how your policy works alongside Uber’s coverage. If you do need to pursue a claim later, following the proper procedures and creating a clear record of your injuries, treatment and all communication can greatly strengthen your case.
What Are My Rights as an Uber Passenger?
As an Uber passenger, the company and the driver have an obligation to uphold your safety. You have the right to enjoy a safe trip guarded by Uber’s safety regulations and passenger protection policies. Of course, this also means that you have the right to sue Uber for damages if the Uber driver, the company or any other party is liable for violating their duty of care toward you.
However, there are certain passenger obligations that you should also uphold when you ride in an Uber. These include wearing a seatbelt, making sure to ride in the backseat and reporting any safety concerns as quickly as possible. Not only will these actions minimize your risk of injury, but they will also help you refute any claims of negligence on your part.
Does Uber Cover Accidents?
Uber covers accidents that occur both during a ride and between rides. When an Uber driver is “online” and available to accept a trip, the company covers any accidents with third-party liability insurance of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries. Accidents that occur during a rideshare trip have coverage of $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries when the Uber driver is at fault.
This coverage theoretically makes it easy to recover your damages without having to sue Uber for your accident or engage in lengthy legal battles. However, you should think carefully before accepting any settlement offer.
Make sure the compensation fully covers your current and future expenses. If Uber’s standard coverage policies do not adequately compensate you for the damage caused by their negligence, then suing may be the best option.
Can a Passenger Be Liable in an Uber Accident?
Passengers are rarely blamed for Uber accidents; typically, either the driver or the rideshare company would be liable. The only situation in which a passenger would be liable is if their actions directly contributed to the crash, such as by distracting the driver.
However, if a passenger’s behavior increases their injuries—for example, if they neglect to wear a seatbelt—comparative negligence laws can reduce the amount of compensation they receive. Under these laws, each party’s responsibility for the injury is taken into account, so the more a passenger’s conduct contributes to their harm, the lower their potential settlement becomes.
What Happens During an Uber Accident Settlement?
The Uber accident settlement process is designed to help you resolve your claim without heading to court. Determining liability is the first step in any car accident settlement, but it can be difficult in an Uber accident. Multiple parties might share the blame for your damages. The Uber driver is liable if their reckless driving caused the accident. Uber itself may be to blame if its policies contributed to the accident. There might also be other drivers who are partially responsible for causing the crash.
Once liability is established, you and your legal team negotiate with each responsible party’s insurance provider, presenting evidence of both fault and damages. This negotiation phase can be drawn out, sometimes lasting several months, until a satisfactory compensation package is reached.
If the settlement offer does not reflect the full extent of your losses, you have the option to reject it and continue negotiating—or, if necessary, you can sue Uber for your accident.
How Can an Attorney Help After an Uber Accident?
Hiring a lawyer means having an experienced professional by your side who can provide guidance and help you maximize the compensation you receive after a car accident. Proving liability is one of the most difficult aspects of an Uber accident claim, but your attorney can leverage their expertise and resources to find and present compelling evidence in your favor.
At Sargon Law Group, our rideshare accident lawyers can support you by:
- Investigating all involved parties to determine liability
- Collecting evidence to establish rideshare negligence
- Filing a claim on your behalf and sending demand letters
- Negotiating with the rideshare company, their insurers and their lawyers
- Representing you in court if necessary
Choosing to represent yourself in a car accident case can make it difficult to get the compensation you rightfully deserve. This is especially true when one of the at-fault parties is a rideshare company with vast resources and large legal teams at its disposal. When you decide to sue Uber for an accident, it is worthwhile to have a lawyer who can negotiate with them on even terms.
Sargon Law Group Can Help You Sue Uber for an Accident
Sargon Law Group proudly handles rideshare accident cases all across Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and California. We can advise you on whether you can sue Uber for your accident and help you determine if you have a strong case.
Contact our Uber & Lyft accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation, and let us fight to secure the compensation you deserve.