Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If an Uber driver hits the vehicle you are riding in, Uber’s commercial insurance policy may be responsible for covering your injuries. However, exactly who pays depends on how the crash happened, whether the Uber driver was at fault, and which insurance policies apply.
You might think the claims process will be straightforward since you didn’t cause the accident. However, insurance companies may look for ways to underpay or deny your claim. These disputes can delay your compensation. It’s smart to get help from an attorney.
Our Uber accident lawyers in New York have recovered more than $1 billion for our injured clients. We can protect your right to recover the compensation you deserve. Every Borough, Every Block, New York, We Got You. Call today for your free consultation.
Who Is Responsible If an Uber Driver Hits Another Vehicle?
If an Uber driver caused the crash, you may have a claim against that driver and the insurance coverage available through Uber. Because you were a passenger, liability will usually rest with one or more of the drivers involved rather than with you.
Even when it seems clear who is at fault, insurance companies may still dispute responsibility to lower their payouts. A thorough investigation can help clarify who is liable and make your claim stronger for a better resolution.
We look into the details of the collision, assess the evidence, and determine if the Uber driver was negligent. Our team will work to identify all liable parties, including another driver who caused the accident, in order to recover maximum compensation for your hardships.
Does Uber’s Insurance Pay for Passenger Injuries?
Uber provides liability insurance that may apply when one of its drivers causes an accident while using the app. Whether that coverage is available depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision.
For example, the available insurance may differ if the driver was waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting someone. The driver’s status within the Uber app can significantly affect the coverage available to injured victims.
Identifying the correct insurance policy is an important part of building your case. We work to determine which coverage applies so you can pursue compensation from the appropriate insurer.
How Does the Uber Driver’s Status Affect Insurance Coverage?
Insurance coverage after an accident often hinges on the Uber driver’s actions at the time of the collision. Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage based on whether the driver was using the app and actively working.
- If the driver wasn’t signed into the Uber app, the driver’s personal car insurance is generally responsible for covering a claim. Uber’s insurance typically does not apply in this situation.
- If the driver was logged into the app and waiting for an assignment, Uber provides contingent liability coverage that may apply if the driver’s personal insurance does not fully cover the claim. The available coverage is more limited than when a ride has been accepted.
- Once the driver accepts a trip and continues through the trip until the passenger leaves the vehicle, Uber generally provides up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, along with certain additional coverages that may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Determining the driver’s status is not always simple. Electronic trip records, app activity, and other evidence may be needed to establish exactly when the driver logged in, accepted a ride, or completed a trip.
How New York No-Fault Insurance Can Affect Your Claim
New York’s No-Fault insurance system helps most people hurt in car accidents, including passengers. After an accident, your medical bills and some lost wages are usually paid by the vehicle owner’s Personal Injury Protection, regardless of who caused the crash.
While No-Fault benefits offer useful financial support, they don’t cover all losses. If your injuries qualify as serious under New York law, you can also file a personal injury claim against the Uber driver responsible for the accident.
Be aware of significant deadlines and filing dates. You must file a No-Fault insurance claim within 30 days of the crash date. Under New York CPLR § 214, you generally have three years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Get Help After Your Uber Accident
If you were a passenger in a car that an Uber driver hit, that sounds simple. Still, the amount available depends on what the Uber driver was doing at the moment of the crash, and insurers don’t always make that easy to determine.
The situation is complicated because you don’t have a direct connection with Uber. Our team can explain how we will help you with your claim and whether you qualify as having a serious injury under New York’s No-Fault rules.
At Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers, we help injured passengers throughout New York understand their options and pursue the financial recovery they need. We know how Uber’s insurance tiers work and how to hold the right parties accountable. Call us today for a free consultation.