Rideshare apps like Uber have changed the way people get around. But what happens when the ride doesn’t go as planned? Accidents happen, and when they do, Uber and its insurance company are not looking out for you. They’re protecting their bottom line. You, the passenger, are left injured, confused, and caught in a claims process designed to wear you down.
Here’s what you need to know when an Uber ride turns into a nightmare.
Who Pays for Your Injuries?
Uber touts its $1 million insurance policy, but that doesn’t mean getting compensated is simple. The company provides commercial liability insurance, but coverage depends on who caused the accident.
- If your Uber driver is at fault – Uber’s commercial insurance should cover your injuries.
- If another driver is at fault – You’ll need to file a claim against that driver’s insurance first. If they don’t have enough coverage, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may step in.
- If your driver wasn’t actively engaged in a ride – The driver’s personal auto insurance might apply, but most personal policies exclude coverage for commercial use.
These distinctions matter because insurance companies will fight to shift blame and minimize payouts. That’s where an attorney makes the difference.
What You Should Do Right Away
You don’t have time to second-guess your next steps. Insurance companies will use any delay or lack of documentation against you. Protect yourself by acting fast:
- Call 911 – Make sure police respond and file an accident report. Even minor injuries should be documented.
- Get medical attention – Some injuries don’t show up immediately. Delaying treatment can hurt your health and your claim.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get names, contact info, and insurance details from all drivers and witnesses.
- Report the accident in the Uber app – This creates a record of the crash and starts the claims process.
- Keep everything – Medical bills, missed work records, emails from insurance companies—every piece of documentation helps build your case.
Insurance companies bank on injured passengers being too overwhelmed to handle the process correctly. Don’t give them that advantage.
Uber’s Insurance Adjusters Are Not Your Friends
After an accident, you’ll hear from an insurance adjuster working on Uber’s behalf. They’ll sound helpful, maybe even sympathetic. But their job is to save the company money, not to get you what you deserve.
Expect lowball settlement offers, delays, and tactics designed to make you give up. They might:
- Question whether your injuries were serious
- Suggest you don’t need as much medical treatment as your doctor recommends
- Claim that another driver (or even you) is partially to blame
- Push you to accept a fast settlement that won’t cover long-term costs
Once you accept a settlement, you can’t go back and ask for more—no matter how bad your injuries turn out to be. That’s why legal representation isn’t optional. It’s necessary.
What Compensation Can You Get?
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
These damages are real, and they add up. The insurance company’s job is to minimize them. Your attorney’s job is to maximize them.
Get the Legal Representation You Deserve
Uber and its insurers have an army of lawyers working to protect them. You need someone fighting for you. Robin Frazer Clark, P.C. has built a career holding powerful companies accountable and making sure injured victims get justice.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call (404) 873-3700 today for a free consultation.