Injured in a Uber Accident: Who Pays My Medical Bills?

People take Uber rides for a variety of reasons. Maybe they don’t have transportation of their own, they are traveling, or their license is suspended. Many people use Uber if they believe they’ll be drinking over the legal limit so they can avoid a drunk driving arrest or accident. Unfortunately, Uber drivers can also drink and drive or have accidents for other reasons.

Rideshare options have become very popular over the past few years with millions using services like Uber to get from one location to another. It is important to remember, however, that riding in an Uber means you are taking a risk as accidents can happen, just like they can in any vehicle. 

Uber drivers do not undergo the same training that other public transportation drivers do which means they are more likely to make mistakes. In addition, rideshare companies approach responsibility for customer safety differently than traditional taxi companies.

After an Accident with an Uber Driver

If you are involved in an accident involving an Uber, you may be able to file a claim against the company. However, you will need to prove that the driver was actually “on the clock” when the accident occurred. 

If a driver was on the way to pick up a ride, waiting for a call for a ride, or they were off duty, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s personal insurance. Uber only covers claims while the driver is transporting a passenger.

As a passenger in an Uber, you are entitled certain protections under the Uber insurance policies. You can file a claim for your damages and injuries sustained while riding in an Uber. 

Keep in mind that Uber may resist paying if a third party is responsible for the accident. For instance, if there is another vehicle involved and that driver is deemed to be at fault, you may have to seek compensation from that driver’s insurance rather than Uber.

Personal Injury Protection

Getting reimbursement from Uber for your personal injury can be tricky, and it may also depend on the state where you live. In states that have no-fault insurance laws, personal injury protection is a required coverage for auto insurance. 

This does not mean that if you live in a no-fault state you are automatically going to get compensation for your injury. States may have specific laws that pertain to ridesharing companies as well.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive

If you are involved in an accident with an Uber in your vehicle or as a passenger, you may be eligible for compensation for the following:

• Diminished value of your car
• Lost income
• Medical expenses
• Mileage to and from medical treatments
• Pain and suffering
• Rental car

You may want to ask a lawyer what the value of your case may be. Online settlement calculators aren’t accurate because the details of each case will vary greatly. 

Hire an Attorney

Because an accident involving an Uber driver, whether you were in another vehicle or a passenger, can be complicated, it is critical that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible. Uber is a very large company with attorneys on hand who will be ready and willing to fight your claim. 

It can be difficult to determine if an Uber driver was actually “on the clock” if you are in a different vehicle when the accident occurs. As a passenger, it may also be difficult to get compensation if you are in a state that does not require personal injury protection. Hiring a lawyer does not mean you plan to sue but that you are trying to protect your rights under the law.