Uber has changed the way the world views public transportation. The global ride-sharing market value is expected to amount to around 185 billion U.S. dollars in 2026. Their business model allows both the riders as well as independent drivers to benefit from the service. The riders can get around conveniently and economically, and the drivers can flexibly earn their income.
However, everything is not hunky-dory in this model. The service has blurred the line between personal and commercial driving and has raised numerous safety and legal concerns. There have been several reports of road accidents involving Uber drivers, and consequent lawsuits that have been filed against the company and the driver.
With regards to Uber and their drivers, the following guidelines will enable you to understand if you may consider holding them liable when you are injured in an Uber accident.
Can You Sue Uber After An Accident?
Yes. You can sue Uber if the accident involving any of their vehicles has caused you an injury. Whether you were a passenger riding in an Uber or hit by a vehicle that works for Uber, you would be liable to take legal action.
However, you may have to consider certain factors to determine whether you should sue the company or the driver and the compensatory amount you may claim.
What Are The Factors To Consider Before Taking The Legal Route?
The legal representatives and insurance companies would look at the following elements of the accident involving Uber, to identify the liable party for settlement.
- Whether the driver was logged into the app and waiting for a passenger to request a ride
- Whether the driver was not logged into the app but driving on their time
- Whether the driver was logged into the app and had a passenger in the vehicle
- Whether the driver was logged into the app and was on the way to pick up a new passenger
The above factors would enable legal practitioners to determine who Uber riders and other road users can sue for an accident.
Things To Do Immediately After An Uber Accident
It is advised to take proper care after an accident. There are a few things that you must do immediately after an Uber accident to ensure your physical and financial safety.
1 Check for any injuries
Everyone involved in an accident can suffer minor or major injuries. As soon as the shock of the accident wears off, check if you and others around you are injured. Are there any visible wounds? Do you feel okay? Do you think there may be any internal injuries? You may even have a concussion if the accident caused your head to strike against any part of the vehicle.
If you feel any pain, try not to move and seek medical assistance immediately.
2 Call the police
You, your driver, or anyone may want to call the police and report the accident. The police officer will write statements of everyone involved in the accident and ensure proper documentation of the details of the accident. Note down the name of the officer, the address of the police station, and the report number so that you may request a copy as soon as it is ready.
3 Gather evidence
All legal proceedings depend heavily on documented evidence. Ensure that you have exchanged names and contact details with everyone involved in the accident and the witnesses. Take pictures and videos of the accident scene covering all injuries and vehicle damages. These would potentially become your proof and help you in claiming a justified compensation.
4 Inform the company
Go to the company website or app, report the accident and wait for their representative to contact you. You may also consider talking to an attorney if you seek any clarifications or are seriously injured, before speaking to the Uber representative.
5 Make notes
Make sure you write down all the details of the accident, as soon as you can. The legal proceedings will take time. Your first-hand account of the incident will help you explain and testify in court about the Uber accident.
6 Get a lawyer
It is a human tendency to avoid or procrastinate legal representation after a road accident. Some may not think about speaking to a lawyer considering they are not liable for any claims. However, it is highly recommended that you seek legal advice immediately after the Uber accident if you want to claim any compensation.
What Does Uber Insurance Cover?
As per the law, Uber Insurance is liable to cover the following:
- All medical and healthcare-related expenses
- All economic losses such as lost wages or salary
- All expenses related to property damage
- All future income losses due to long-term or permanently diminished capacity of making a living
- All expenses related to punitive damages
- Mental anguish, pain, suffering, and physical impairment
- Wrongful death
Conclusion
Accidents may be rare, but they do happen and are unpredictable. Knowing your rights when involved in an Uber accident will help you claim your losses via a systematic legal course, and save you from tremendous financial implications.
