What to Do if You Are Injured in an Uber Accident
Wondering what to do if your uber crashes? Follow these guidelines shared by an uber car accident attorney.
Car Accidents, Safety Tips
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR UBER CRASHES
Ridesharing offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving. Equipped with apps such as Uber and Lyft, it’s easy to get from point A to point B in record time – and without the hassle of parking or navigating traffic. Whether you are waiting for a ride request on Uber, tracking your driver en route through the Uber app, or simply enjoying the ride, one thing remains true: passengers have little control over road conditions or the driver’s behavior. While you trust that your Uber or Lyft driver will follow the rules of the road and keep you safe for the duration of your journey, many fail to meet this basic expectation.
Car accidents are far more common than top ridesharing companies are willing to admit. Below, we explain the most common types of Uber and Lyft crashes – and what to do if you’re involved in one, including how insurance coverage, insurance claims, and the claims process work when rideshare companies are involved.
Common Types of Uber And Lyft Accidents in Connecticut
Ridesharing accidents can take many forms. As with any vehicle collision, negligence often plays a significant role. Even when drivers are using the Uber app responsibly, they may still be distracted while checking directions, picking up new ride requests or navigating traffic. Their negligence could prompt the following types of accidents:
- Front-end collisions
- Fender benders
- Rollovers
- T-bone crashes
- Side-swipe accidents
- Pedestrian or cyclist collisions
These car accidents can lead to a variety of injuries, including everything from whiplash to broken bones. Many victims also suffer long-term emotional distress – especially if the crash occurred during what should have been a simple, routine ride.
Who Is at Fault When Accidents Involve Ridesharing Services?
Determining fault in rideshare accidents is more complex than in standard collisions. While police reports will document who is ultimately at fault for vehicle accidents involving negligence, the involvement of ridesharing services can make the situation more complex. In some cases, blame could rest with multiple parties. The Uber or Lyft driver may be partially or fully responsible for the crash, but other drivers could also play a role.
The role of multiple insurance companies can further complicate matters in Connecticut Uber accident cases. This is especially true when more than one driver is deemed at fault. Depending on the driver’s status in the app-offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger – different layers of insurance coverage apply. In many cases, multiple insurers may be involved including: the driver’s insurance, their personal auto insurance, and/or Uber or Lyft’s company insurance. Ultimately, the determination of liability will come down to numerous factors, including photo evidence, eyewitness testimony, and statements from the drivers. This complexity is why understanding the claims process and working with an uber accident attorney is so important.
Are Passengers Covered in the Event of an Uber Accident?
Rideshare insurance policies are structured around the driver’s activity at the time of the crash.
Driver Waiting for a Ride Request (App On, No Passenger)
If the driver is online but has not accepted a ride request, limited insurance coverage from Uber applies. The first line of coverage is typically the driver’s personal auto insurance, but Uber provides backup liability coverage if the driver’s insurance denies the claim.
Driver En Route to Pick Up a Passenger
Once the driver accepts a ride request and is en route, Uber’s higher-tier insurance activates. This typically includes up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage.
Passenger in the Vehicle
Once a passenger is on board, Uber provides its full $1 million policy for liability and property damage. They also offer underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, which protects riders when another driver involved in the accident is at fault but has inadequate insurance.
If you are hit by an Uber driver while not riding as a passenger, your compensation depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash—including whether they were offline, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting someone involved in the accident.
What To Do If Your Uber Crashes
Those responsible for Uber and Lyft accidents must be held accountable. Victims should pursue the compensation needed to cover the financial fallout of negligence-related crashes, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages that may be covered by available car insurance coverage. Damages may also account for the emotional distress caused by these traumatic collisions. If you’re injured in a rideshare crash, the steps you take immediately afterward can make or break your case—especially when it comes time to file your claim and protect your right to full compensation.
- Call 911 -Do not leave the scene of the accident. Remain calm and on-site until the police show up.
- Seek Medical Assistance -]Your health and safety are paramount; therefore, it’s best to seek medical treatment immediately if necessary. A doctor can also provide valuable documentation of your car accident injuries, which can be called upon as you seek damages.
- Collect Documentation -If you are able to, take a few moments to document the scene of the accident while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement officials and other first responders. If you have a camera or smartphone on hand, snap photos from multiple angles. Be sure to screenshot your Uber app trip details and receipt, as this information can be critical when determining available auto insurance coverage later on. These images can help establish key facts that may influence your case, including evidence of speeding or possible impairment due to drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash. You should also write down the driver’s name if it is not already saved in your phone and keep copies of all ride-related screenshots for your records.
- Obtain Witness’s Contact Information – If there are any witnesses to your accident, be sure to collect their names, email addresses, and phone numbers. That way, your lawyer can contact them for information as they build your case.
- Report the Accident – Within the Uber app, follow the prompts for reporting the accident. This step is important for reporting the crash to Uber, but do not give detailed statements before speaking with an attorney.
- Get in Touch with a Respected CT Car Accident Lawyer -If you’re injured or incur any medical bills and need a rental car, seek help from a personal injury lawyer. The right legal team can help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t speak with your insurance provider or authorities at Uber or Lyft until you’ve secured the services of a lawyer you trust. Without an attorney present, your words might be twisted to imply an admission of fault. This could limit your ability to collect compensation.
Once you’ve taken the steps outlined above, you can trust your CT car accident attorney from McCoy & McCoy to handle the rest. Your lawyer will guide you through the legal process from beginning to end, taking every step necessary to ensure you receive full compensation.
Seek Help from a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Hartford, New Haven, and New London
If you or a loved one were injured in a rideshare accident, time is critical—especially if you need to file a personal injury claim. A knowledgeable car accident attorney familiar with Uber’s insurance policies and crash procedures can significantly strengthen your case. Your lawyer should be thoroughly familiar with the legal implications of Uber car accidents in Connecticut and understand how to properly file a personal injury claim to protect your rights and pursue full compensation. Look to McCoy & McCoy for support as you seek the compensation you deserve. Our board-certified CT car accident attorneys have successfully navigated a variety of cases, including those involving Uber and Lyft. We provide personalized service that takes your unique circumstances into account.
Contact us today for a free consultation or contact us online to learn more about our personal injury services or to schedule your no-obligation consultation.
MCCOY & MCCOY LAW FIRM
CT Personal Injury Lawyers
Established in the 1960, the law firm of McCoy & McCoy continues to provide residents of Connecticut with reliable, sympathetic, and efficient legal help in the areas of accident claims, personal injury, and wrongful deaths. With over 50+ years of combined experience, our team compromises Connecticut natives who have a passion for justice and the local communities we live in.
Few law firms that practice personal injury can truthfully state that 100% of efforts are allocated to cases involving serious injures. We understand these cases involve complex legal theories and that our clients face added obstacles created by catastrophic injuries through no fault of their own.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: Case results and settlements described on this website are for informational purposes only. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee or predict future outcomes. Client names and identifying details may have been changed to protect privacy. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this information.
Understanding Connecticut’s Negligence Laws and How They May Affect Your Personal Injury Claim
Five Important Things a Passenger in a Connecticut Auto Accident Must Know
About case results
Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is unique and must be evaluated based on its individual facts and circumstances.
Resources
Helpful answers, when you need them.
Your first conversation
What to expect from a free consultation, and what to bring.
Understanding your claim
Questions to discuss with an attorney before deciding what comes next.
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Tell us what happened. We will listen, explain where you stand, and help you decide what to do next — at no cost and with no obligation.
Request a free case review
"*" indicates required fields
We use your information to respond to your inquiry. Read our Privacy Policy.