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In the age of convenience, we’ve traded yellow taxis for apps, dispatchers for GPS, and hailing for swiping. Rideshare giants like Uber have reshaped transportation in Connecticut and across the country. But when a seemingly routine ride ends in a crash, the question hits fast and hard: Who pays for the injuries?
If you’re injured in an Uber accident, the legal answers don’t come from the app—they come from experience, strategy, and the law. And understanding who is responsible for covering your medical bills, lost wages, and pain isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Let’s break down what you need to know if you’ve been injured while riding in an Uber, especially when the unexpected becomes the unavoidable.
Unlike taxi drivers, Uber drivers are independent contractors using personal vehicles. This complicates liability when a crash occurs. So, how do you know who pays?
There are three possible sources of coverage in an Uber accident:
Uber’s Corporate Insurance Policy
Another At-Fault Driver’s Insurance (if the Uber driver isn’t to blame)
Let’s unpack each one and explain what applies—because rideshare coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Uber’s insurance coverage changes based on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s the breakdown:
If the driver isn’t logged into the Uber app, then Uber has no responsibility. The driver’s personal auto insurance applies, and in many cases, it may not cover passengers at all. This is the most vulnerable scenario.
When the driver is online and waiting for a request:
Uber provides limited liability coverage:
$50,000 per person for bodily injury
$100,000 per accident total
$25,000 for property damage
That may help if the driver is at fault—but this won’t help much if the injuries are severe.
This is where things get serious—and where Uber’s big $1 million insurance policy kicks in. If you’re injured while the ride is in progress, Uber provides:
Up to $1 million in liability coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection
Contingent collision coverage for vehicle damage
This policy is designed to protect both riders and the public. But just because it exists doesn’t mean Uber will hand it over without a fight.
If a third-party driver crashes into your Uber, their insurance is supposed to cover your injuries. But what if:
In these cases, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. This part of the policy is what steps in when the at-fault party can’t or won’t pay.
Just like any car crash, injuries in rideshare collisions vary—from mild to life-altering:
Whiplash and neck strain
Fractured bones
Concussions or brain trauma
Soft tissue injuries
Spinal damage and herniated discs
Psychological trauma and PTSD
Even low-speed accidents can leave passengers with long-term complications. The key? Get examined—even if you feel “okay” right after the crash. Some injuries hide for days.
When the dust settles, what you do next can make or break your claim:
Your health comes first. Not only is treatment critical, but so is documentation. Delayed care gives insurers ammunition to downplay your injuries.
Document everything:
The crash scene
Vehicle damage
Injuries
Driver’s information
Contact info of witnesses
If you’re too injured to gather this, try to have someone do it for you.
Use the in-app tool to report the accident. Uber will ask for details and may launch an internal review.
Don’t expect Uber or their insurers to hand you compensation willingly. The system is built to protect the company—not you. That’s where legal firepower comes in.
Getting injured in an Uber crash isn’t just an inconvenience—it can derail your life. Medical bills pile up. You miss work. You’re left chasing insurance companies who hope you’ll just give up. A personal injury attorney does more than file paperwork. They:
Investigate liability and obtain black box trip data
Handle all communication with Uber and insurance carriers
Calculate the real value of your losses—not just what’s convenient for the insurer
Negotiate aggressively or take your case to trial if needed
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we don’t just know the system—we know how to beat it.
Here’s the tough truth: rideshare companies like Uber are built on ambiguity. The driver’s a contractor, the car is personal, and the platform insists it’s just a “marketplace.” This structure is intentional—it makes assigning liability harder for the average person.
But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
You just need someone who knows how to hold these companies—and their insurers—accountable.
Getting injured in an Uber crash is frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian hit by an Uber, you have rights—and you deserve compensation.
Uber’s insurance may provide coverage, but claiming it isn’t easy. And the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.
Let a legal team that understands the rideshare battlefield fight for you. Protect your health. Secure your compensation. And make sure your voice is heard.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident in Connecticut, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to help.
Free consultations—no fees unless we win
Decades of combined legal experience
We fight back when corporations try to dodge responsibility
Call us today at (475) 529-2634 to schedule your free case review.
Don’t let confusion or red tape stop you from getting what you deserve. We’ve got your back.
