Getting into a car accident is stressful under any circumstances. When it happens in an Uber, things get more confusing fast. Who is responsible? What do you do next? Does your regular car insurance even apply?
The good news is that there are clear steps you can take right after an Uber accident to protect yourself and your legal rights. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what to do after an Uber accident, from the moments right after the crash to deciding whether to speak with an attorney.
What to Do Immediately After the Crash
The first minutes after an accident matter. Your actions at the accident scene can directly affect your safety and any claim you may file later.
Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
Before anything else, check whether you or anyone around you is hurt. Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention. Even if injuries seem minor, emergency responders can document the scene, which becomes important later.
Move to a Safe Location if Possible
If the vehicle is in a dangerous position and you can move safely, do so. Stay at or near the scene until police arrive and a report is filed. Leaving before a report is completed can create gaps in the official record of the accident.
Call the Police
Request a police report even if the crash seems minor. Officers will record statements, document conditions, and create an official account of what happened. That report is one of the most important documents in any rideshare accident claim.
Documenting the Accident
Good documentation does a lot of the work for you when it comes time to file a claim. The more you capture at the scene, the stronger your record will be.
Take Photos and Video
Use your phone to photograph vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get wide shots of the full scene as well as close-ups of specific damage. Timestamps on your photos create an automatic record of when documentation was made.
Collect Information from Everyone Involved
Get the names, contact information, and insurance details of the Uber driver and any other drivers involved. Note the Uber driver’s name as it appears in the app and screenshot the trip details before the ride session closes. Witness contact information is also worth collecting, as eyewitness accounts can support your version of events.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
See a doctor even if you feel fine after the crash. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal bruising, do not show symptoms right away. A medical visit creates a record that connects your injuries to the accident, which matters if you later pursue a personal injury claim.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Claim Coverage
Uber maintains insurance coverage for trips in progress, but how that coverage applies depends on where in the trip the accident occurred.
Coverage During an Active Trip
When you are a passenger in an Uber, and the app shows a trip in progress, Uber’s commercial liability policy applies. Uber’s insurance policy provides up to $1,000,000 in third-party liability coverage during an active trip. That coverage can apply to passengers injured in a crash, whether the Uber driver was at fault or another driver caused the accident.
Coverage Between Trip Requests
If the driver had the app open but had not yet accepted a ride when the accident occurred, a lower tier of coverage applies. In that scenario, the driver’s personal insurance is the primary policy, with Uber providing limited supplemental coverage. The distinction between these periods matters because it determines which policy responds to your claim first.
New York’s Comparative Negligence Rule
New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR Article 14-A. Under this standard, your ability to recover compensation is not eliminated even if you were partly at fault for the accident. Your recovery is simply reduced in proportion to your share of fault, so a finding that you were 20% at fault would reduce a $100,000 award to $80,000.
When to Consider Legal Representation
Not every Uber accident requires legal representation, but there are situations where speaking with an attorney early can make a meaningful difference.
Serious or Lasting Injuries
If your injuries required hospitalization, surgery, or ongoing treatment, the value of your claim increases, and so does the importance of handling it carefully. Insurance companies often make early settlement offers that do not account for future medical costs. An attorney can help you understand the full scope of what your injuries may cost over time before you accept anything.
Disputed Liability or Denied Claims
Sometimes Uber’s insurer, the driver’s insurer, or the other driver’s insurer all point fingers at each other. When liability is disputed, or a claim is denied, having someone familiar with rideshare insurance structures in your corner is worth considering. These cases involve multiple policies and competing interests, which can be difficult to manage on your own.
You Are Unsure of Your Rights
If you are unsure what steps to take after an Uber accident, speaking with an attorney early costs you nothing and gives you a clearer picture of your options. Many personal injury attorneys, including those at our firm, offer free initial consultations. Understanding your rights from the start puts you in a better position no matter what you decide to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents
If you still have questions after reading this guide, the answers below address some of the most common concerns people have after an Uber crash.
Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation on Seeking Maximum Compensation in Your Injury Claim
Steps to take if your Uber crashes are clearer when you know your rights going in. If you were injured in a rideshare accident and have questions about your options, our team at Jacoby and Meyers is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and let us review the details of your situation.