Many of us place automatic trust in Uber drivers these days — sometimes overlooking that they are just as human as we are. Whether your driver runs through a red light, comes across a sleep-deprived trucker, or encounters a speeding driver, car accidents are, unfortunately, far too common and Uber vehicles are no exception. In California alone, the number of traffic fatalities surged by approximately 7.6%, rising from 3,980 in 2020 to 4,285 in 2021.
If you are involved in an Uber crash, either as an Uber driver or passenger, there are certain steps you should take to report the accident. As always, safety comes first. It is also advised that you connect with a personal injury attorney in Los Angeles.
Prioritize Safety and Collect Details
If you are involved in an accident with an Uber or as a passenger in an Uber, call 911 immediately if anyone at the scene is injured or harmed. If possible, move the car to safety off the road and out of traffic. Once everyone is safe, ensure the driver collects the necessary information of all parties involved in the accident. This includes:
- Driver’s name, address, and birthday
- Driver’s license number and state
- Vehicle license plate number and state
- Driver’s insurance company name
- Insurance policy number and expiration date
- Policy holder’s name and address
- Vehicle owner’s name and address
- Injuries or property damage
- Date, time, and location of the accident
It is highly recommended to take photos or videos of the accident scene to document vehicle damage, license plates, street signs, and any relevant road conditions. This evidence can be helpful when filing insurance claims or dealing with legal matters.
Contact Uber
If you are the driver, report the Uber crash on the app by filling out the appropriate claims form, including photos of the vehicle and the police report number if possible, by following the steps below:
- Click “Contact Us” in the Help section of the Driver app.
- Select “Trip Issues and Adjustments.”
- Select “I was in a crash.”
Uber riders can report an Uber accident with the steps below:
- Click “Account” in the bottom right corner of the Rider app.
- Select “Help,” then scroll down to “Help with a trip.”
- Choose the appropriate trip.
- Select “Report safety issue” under the Help section.
- Click “I was involved in an accident.”
- Begin the report.
Does Uber Cover Accidents?
If you are not logged into the Uber app as a driver, you are considered “off the job,” and therefore required to use your own insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Uber is not liable unless you have accepted a ride and/or have a passenger in your car.
Once you are online with Uber, the app provides you with auto insurance to protect you and your passengers in case of a covered accident. If you are available or waiting for a ride request, Uber offers third-party* liability, which includes:
- $50,000 in bodily injury per person
- $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage per accident
If you are in the middle of a ride or on your way to pick up a passenger, Uber offers the following auto insurance on your behalf in case of a covered accident:
- $1,000,000 third-party liability
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and/or first-party injury insurance
- Contingent comprehensive and collision
- Up to the actual cash value of the car with a $2,500 deductible
As of December 2020, Uber drivers and deliverers in California have Injury Protection insurance paid for by Uber.
Stay Safe on the Road
There are precautions you can take to mitigate the risk of an accident on the road. Make sure everyone in the car wears a seatbelt (lap and shoulder belt) to improve your chances of surviving a crash. As an Uber driver, remind your passengers to buckle up before driving off. Stay focused, don’t text, and drive within the speed limit, even at night when there are fewer cars on the road. Be sure to watch traffic signs and signals carefully and stay alert at all times, especially when driving long hours. Unfortunately, even if you are driving cautiously, those around you may not be.
Speak to a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney
In California, you must file an Uber claim within two years of your accident, as stated by the statute of limitations. The court can ban you from filing the lawsuit if you miss the deadline, preventing you from getting Uber accident insurance. Bottom line: A personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles can help you get the compensation you deserve.
The Law Office of John J. Perlstein can help you navigate the process and advocate on your behalf for the monetary recourse you deserve. Working with an experienced Los Angeles injury attorney following an accident will help you get the most out of your claim.
With over 25 years of experience, John J. Perlstein is one of the best personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles, securing fair and just outcomes in personal injury and wrongful death cases. He will ensure accurate compensation for the victim and their family.
To set up a free consultation with a top personal injury law firm regarding your auto accident insurance claim, fill out our form online or give us a call at (213) 583-5786.