Uber reported over 2.1 billion rides in the U.S. last year. That’s more than 5 million rides per day. With numbers that high, car accidents are inevitable. But when one happens, especially if you're injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, the biggest question becomes:
Who pays for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages?
The answer isn’t always simple. Here’s what you need to know.
How Uber’s Insurance Coverage Works
Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees. That detail limits Uber’s direct liability. However, Uber does provide tiered commercial insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
- Driver Offline: Uber’s coverage does not apply. You’ll need to file through the driver’s personal insurance.
- Driver Online but No Ride Accepted: Uber provides limited liability coverage, including: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver Accepted a Ride or Has a Passenger: Uber’s $1 million commercial insurance policy applies. It includes: liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist protection, and contingent comprehensive and collision coverage
Knowing the driver's status at the time of the accident is crucial. This determines whether Uber’s policy applies or whether you’re stuck dealing with a private insurer.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability in Uber accidents can involve multiple parties:
- The Uber Driver, if they were speeding, distracted, or otherwise negligent
- Another Motorist, if a third party caused the crash
- Uber, but only if the driver was on duty and met specific coverage conditions
- Other Entities, such as a government agency for poor road conditions or a manufacturer for a vehicle defect
A rideshare crash is rarely straightforward. An experienced rideshare attorney can investigate every possible angle to determine who’s at fault and who has insurance coverage.
What If You’re an Uber Passenger?
If you were injured while riding in an Uber, you have one of the strongest claims.
As long as the Uber driver had accepted your ride, the $1 million policy applies, even if another driver caused the crash.
Uber’s uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also protect you if the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little of it. To protect your claim:
- Take photos at the scene
- Get medical attention immediately
- Request the police report
- Ask for the driver’s information
- Save any communication with Uber
Uber will not contact you to offer help. You must take action.
What If You’re Hit by an Uber While Driving or Walking?
If an Uber hits you, whether you're driving, biking, or walking, you may still be eligible for compensation. Again, liability depends on the Uber driver’s activity:
- Offline? Only their personal auto insurance applies
- Online but No Ride Accepted? Uber’s limited coverage may apply
- On a Ride? You can access Uber’s $1 million policy
Because you weren’t a passenger, Uber may try to avoid responsibility. This is where legal support becomes essential. An attorney can gather evidence, verify app status, and fight to make sure your claim is taken seriously.
Challenges with Uber Insurance Claims
Uber’s insurers are not on your side. Common obstacles include:
- Claims that are delayed or denied
- Blame shifted to other drivers
- Low settlement offers
- Demands for excessive proof
- Denials based on the driver’s status
You must file a formal claim. Uber will not offer help unless you ask. If the claim is denied or mishandled, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to receive fair compensation.
How Liability Varies by State
Your legal options can depend on whether you live in a no-fault or at-fault state.
- No-Fault States (e.g., Florida, Michigan, New York): Your own insurance pays regardless of who caused the accident. You can only sue if your injuries are severe.
- At-Fault States (e.g., Alabama, Tennessee): The at-fault party pays. You must file a claim with their insurer to be compensated.
In Alabama, there’s a strict rule called pure contributory negligence. If you are found even 1 percent at fault, you may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
Whether you were a passenger, pedestrian, or driver, follow these steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Collect driver and vehicle information
- Take photos of the scene, damage, and injuries
- Request the police report
- Seek immediate medical care
- Avoid discussing fault with others or Uber
- Speak with an attorney before dealing with insurance companies
Local Uber Accident Trends in Alabama
According to Uber’s 2019–2020 Safety Report, there were:
- 101 Uber-related fatalities in 2019
- 97 in 2020
In 94 percent of these cases, the at-fault driver was not the Uber driver. It was someone else on the road.
In Alabama, rideshare-related crashes continue to rise. In 2022, the Alabama Department of Transportation recorded over 134,000 crashes. Many were tied to issues common in rideshare driving, such as distraction and fatigue.
Cities like Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville report more Uber injuries, especially on nights and weekends.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you’re injured in an Uber car accident, you may be able to recover:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death compensation (in fatal cases)
- Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence)
You will need proof and persistence. Uber does not make this process easy. Having the right legal help can make all the difference.
Injured in an Uber Accident? Cory Watson Attorneys Can Help
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we recognize that Uber accident cases can be particularly intricate and challenging. These complexities often arise from the interplay between various parties involved, including the rideshare driver, the passenger, other motorists, and the rideshare company itself.
We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive the compensation you are owed, whether it be for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other damages. With our expertise and commitment to your case, you can trust that we will fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win. Let us handle the legal process so you can focus on recovery. Call us today to get started.