In 2021, 6.3 billion Uber rides were completed by their drivers. Not long ago, most people couldn’t imagine hopping into the back of the car of a virtual stranger.

Yet, now Uber has become a useful form of transportation, especially in cities and for travel. Much of the time, these rides are convenient and fast and help you avoid the need for having to drive and find parking. A small percentage of the time, an Uber driver’s vehicle is involved in a car accident. An Uber accident is quite a bit different than a car accident where you’re the driver.

This makes the question of liability much more complex. You might not even know what to do if your Uber driver gets in an accident while you’re a passenger.

Read on for all you need to know about what to do if your Uber driver’s vehicle gets into a crash.

Rules Related to Uber Accidents

When you carry car insurance, it helps cover losses including property damage in the event of a car accident. So, you might wonder about coverage when you are in an Uber accident.

There are some general Uber laws you should be aware of if you’re a rider in an Uber driver’s vehicle.

Generally, a passenger in an Uber accident, may not face liability. No matter what the driver of the Uber vehicle or the other vehicles says, you should always call the police and seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re injured.

Even though you’re not the driver, you’ll need to make some claims and report the accident to Uber. This can quickly get complex, which is why you need to seek the help of an Uber accident attorney.

Liability Coverage With Uber

Uber requires its drivers to carry liability insurance on their vehicles. After a rideshare accident, it’s important to report the incident to your insurance company. Uber maintains auto liability insurance for riders in case of an accident. This includes a $1,000,000 third-party liability policy. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and first-party injury insurance for passengers in the event of an accident.

Their coverage system is unique and depends on the following periods:

Period 0

During this period the Uber driver’s app is off and the driver’s insurance policy is active. In the case of an accident, the Uber driver would file a claim with their insurance company.

California law requires each driver to carry this auto insurance minimum:

• $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person injured in an accident
• $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident
• $5,000 of property damage per accident

Period 1

The Uber app is on, and the driver is available to give rides but hasn’t matched with a user yet. During this period, both Uber provides coverage for their drivers in the following amounts:

• $50,000 per person
• $100,000 per accident
• $25,000 property damage

Periods 2 and 3

During period 2 the Uber driver is matched with a rider and during period 3 the rider is in the vehicle. Both periods 2 and 3 trigger Uber’s $1 million dollar insurance policy. It also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage is active when you enter the Uber vehicle until the ride has ended in its system. It also covers drivers’ liability while they’re en route to pick you up.

Know What to Do Following an Uber Accident

While it’s nice to know the Uber vehicle you’re in has essential liability coverage, you still need to know what to do when an accident occurs.

With many parties involved, it can get complicated who’s liable. Let’s take a closer look at some smart steps to take following an Uber accident.

Report Accident to Authorities

You’ve probably heard of drivers who ask the other vehicles in an accident not to call the police. It will be important for Uber and any involved insurance companies to have a police report.

The first step is to call the police to the accident scene. Then you will also need to file an Uber accident claim with the company. You can do this by visiting the Uber website.

Document Events of the Uber Accident

It’s essential to document if you were in the car at the time of the accident and document how the accident occurred.

Take pictures of your injuries and any damage to your vehicle in the car following the Uber accident. If you’re able, once you’re out of the car, snap some photos.

It also makes sense as soon as possible to write down every detail you recall leading up to and around the accident.

Gather Information

Gathering as much information as possible when you’re at the accident scene is essential.

Often witnesses will leave the scene once the authorities arrive. If you are able to, get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.

You will also want to record the names, contact information, and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident.

Get Medical Attention

When you’re in an auto accident, it’s critical to be checked out by medical professionals. Often accident victims want to downplay the situation and think they don’t need care.

It’s also not uncommon to not realize the full extent of injuries following an accident. Your body has adrenaline amped up, and you’re likely in shock. You may not feel an injury that will be painful once you’re past the shock of the accident.

Refuse Settlement Offers

It’s not uncommon to be contacted by an insurance company or even Uber after an accident, especially when you sustained injuries. They may try to offer a low settlement.

If you’re getting quick settlement offers, you need to consult an Uber accident lawyer.

It’s best not to accept a quick settlement. You may not be able to anticipate your long-term medical needs or the complications following the accident.

Get a Lawyer to Help You

Even if you think the accident is minor, it can be complex because many parties are involved including the driver of the Uber vehicle, Uber, and the insurance companies.

It won’t be uncommon for each party involved to want the other to take responsibility for the accident.

An Uber accident lawyer can help you navigate the process and protect your interests following the accident. Each of the other parties will have lawyers. You need to be represented and protected.

Get the Help You Need Following an Uber Accident

When you hop into an Uber, you expect a smooth trip to where you need to go. An Uber accident can not only be frustrating, but it can also leave you with injuries and subsequent medical bills from the accident.

Get an Uber accident attorney who will protect your interests following the accident.

If you’ve been in an accident while in an Uber vehicle, we can help. Contact Common Wealth Accident Attorneys today so we can get started working for you following your Uber accident.