Key Takeaways
- New York law sets Uber insurance by app status. The driver’s personal policy applies when the app is off, a contingent policy of $75,000 per person, $150,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage applies while the driver waits for a request, and $1,250,000 in liability coverage plus matching supplementary uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage applies once a trip is accepted or a passenger is aboard, under Vehicle and Traffic Law 1693.
- Injured passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers claim against the coverage tier is in effect at the moment of the crash.
- No-fault benefits pay initial medical bills and lost earnings while fault is sorted out.
- William Mattar Accident Lawyers handles rideshare injury claims across New York State from locations in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and on Long Island. A free case review is available 24/7 at (844) 444-4444.
Since it launched in 2009, Uber has transformed the transportation industry all over the world. With the touch of a button, customers can request and pay for a ride to anywhere they want to go. The existence of Uber ridesharing has made finding a ride for a night out on the town, or a trip to the airport, that much simpler.
While taking an Uber is convenient and easy, it does not come without its risks. Uber drivers are not specifically trained for the work that they do – they have a standard driver’s license, just like any New York State motorist. But the nature of working for Uber can be challenging. It requires long periods of time behind the wheel and navigating unfamiliar locations.
That is why, as a passenger, you should be aware of the possibility of an Uber rideshare accident. These incidents can happen at any time, resulting in serious injuries to those involved. If you have suffered a serious injury in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The car accident attorneys at William Mattar have the required knowledge to tackle your Uber accident case. You should not have to go through this difficult situation on your own. Call (844) 444-444 today.
Are Uber drivers covered by insurance?
Uber requires anyone who wants to become a driver to meet a few basic criteria. Potential drivers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and be able to pass a standard background check. Individuals that work for Uber must also use their own registered vehicle.
Although Uber drivers use a personal vehicle for work, their private insurance policy will likely not cover accidents that occur while on the job. Under certain circumstances, however, drivers may be covered by Uber’s own liability insurance policy. The exact coverage is set by state law and depends on what the driver was doing in the app when the crash happened. The tiers below apply to Uber drivers across New York State outside of New York City.
Uber insurance coverage by app status in New York
Vehicle and Traffic Law 1693 sets the minimum insurance a rideshare company must provide at each stage of a trip. The moment of the crash determines which tier applies.
| Driver status at the moment of the crash | Coverage that applies |
| App off. The driver is not logged in. | The driver’s personal auto policy applies, the same as for any private driver. |
| App on, waiting for a ride request. | Contingent liability coverage of at least $75,000 per person and $150,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. |
| Trip accepted, en route to pick up, or passenger aboard. | At least $1,250,000 in liability coverage, plus $1,250,000 in supplementary uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. |
For a deeper walkthrough of how these tiers play out in a real claim, read our guide to whose insurance pays after a New York rideshare accident. If your crash happened in Western New York, our Buffalo rideshare accident lawyer page covers the local claim process.
What you should know if you have been injured in an Uber accident
Uber accidents can be complicated from a legal standpoint, especially if there are third parties or passengers involved. When a driver, passenger, or pedestrian is seriously injured in an Uber accident, it can be difficult to determine who is responsible for paying damages.
If an Uber driver is negligent, resulting in a serious injury, they cannot use their personal insurance policy to offer compensation. However, Uber may provide uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance coverage to any passengers who were injured in an Uber vehicle.
Third parties, such as other motorists and pedestrians, may have a more difficult time getting compensation when injured as a result of an Uber driver’s negligence. If this is your predicament, a personal injury lawyer can fight on your behalf to protect your legal rights.
Can I lose access to Uber if I file a claim?
Some passengers that have been injured in an Uber accident may be cautious about seeking compensation. They may rely on the Uber platform to get to work or to travel, and worry that filing a claim will cause Uber to remove their user abilities.
The good news is, there is no example where a customer has lost access for bringing a claim. If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident, do not hesitate to contact our Uber accident attorneys to start the claim process.
Can I receive compensation if I have been injured in an Uber crash?
Due to the complexity of Uber accident cases, the help of a personal injury attorney is highly recommended. The rideshare accident attorneys at William Mattar can analyze your case, and identify the various insurance companies that are involved, to find the best source of compensation for you. The types of compensation you may be entitled to receive will depend on the details of your case.
Those who have been seriously injured in an Uber rideshare crash may be entitled to one, or more, of the following forms of compensation:
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of consortium, or reduced quality of life;
- Medical expenses and treatment;
- Loss of income or lost profits; and
- Damages, such as property damage.
To learn more about which types of compensation may apply to your case, schedule a free consultation with William Mattar law offices today.
Uber FAQs
Is Uber or the Uber driver responsible for my injuries after an accident?
It depends on the circumstances. Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees, which may limit the company's direct liability for a driver's negligence. However, Uber maintains insurance policies that apply during active trips and while a driver is waiting for ride requests. The available coverage depends on the driver's status on the app at the time of the crash.
What if the Uber driver's personal insurance denies my claim?
Personal auto policies frequently exclude coverage for accidents that occur while a driver is working for a rideshare platform. When a personal insurer denies a claim on that basis, Uber's own insurance coverage may apply depending on whether the driver was logged into the app or actively transporting a passenger. Navigating overlapping coverage denials is one of the more common complications in Uber accident cases, and it is one reason legal review early in the process may be valuable.
Does Uber's $2,500 deductible affect my claim as a passenger or other driver?
Uber requires its drivers to pay a $2,500 deductible for collision and comprehensive claims filed under Uber's policy. This deductible is the driver's responsibility and does not reduce the amount of liability coverage available to injured passengers or third parties. Your claim for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering is separate from the driver's property damage obligations.
What evidence from the Uber app may help support my accident claim?
The Uber app generates data that may be relevant to a claim, including:
- Trip confirmation and route details
- Driver identification and vehicle information
- Timestamps showing when a ride was requested, accepted, and completed
- GPS tracking of the vehicle's location and speed
This digital evidence may help establish the driver's status on the platform and reconstruct the circumstances of the crash. Because Uber controls access to much of this data, an attorney may need to request it through formal legal channels.
Can I file a claim against Uber if another driver caused the crash while I was a passenger?
Yes. As an Uber passenger during an active trip, you may have claims against both the at-fault third-party driver and the insurance coverage Uber provides for its drivers. Uber's policy includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that may apply if the other driver lacks adequate insurance. Pursuing compensation from multiple sources at the same time is common in these cases.
How much insurance coverage applies if the Uber app was on?
It depends on the trip stage. While a driver is logged in and waiting for a request, at least $75,000 per person and $150,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage applies, plus $25,000 for property damage. Once a trip is accepted and until the passenger is dropped off, at least $1,250,000 in liability coverage applies, along with matching supplementary uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, under Vehicle and Traffic Law 1693.
Can I sue Uber directly after an accident?
Usually the claim proceeds against the driver and the insurance that Vehicle and Traffic Law 1693 requires for that stage of the trip, rather than against Uber as a company. Uber classifies drivers as independent contractors, which limits its direct liability for a driver's negligence. Direct claims against the company can still arise in limited situations, such as negligent screening of a driver, and the required group policy responds even when the driver's own coverage fails. A lawyer can identify every policy that applies to your crash.
Contact our Experienced Uber Accident Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident, you may need the help of an experienced Uber accident lawyer. The personal injury lawyers at William Mattar Accident Lawyers will examine your case and fight to help you receive the best possible recovery. At William Mattar Accident Lawyers, we offer our No Fee Until We WinSM, a promise that you will not need to pay any attorney’s fees unless we settle or win your case. Call us today at 844-444-4444. We help injured rideshare passengers, drivers, and pedestrians across New York State, with locations in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and on Long Island.
Contact our Experienced Uber Accident Attorneys
If you have been seriously injured in an Uber accident, you may need the help of an experienced Uber accident lawyer. The personal injury lawyers at William Mattar law offices will examine your case and fight to help you receive the best possible recovery. At William Mattar, we offer our No Fee Until We WinSM, a promise that you will not need to pay any attorney’s fees unless we settle or win your case. Call us today at 844-noswap444-4444.