I Was in an Uber Accident While Driving for Uber - What Should I Do?

You have rights after your rideshare accident. At Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we help Uber drivers in Queens and New York. We understand the complex insurance coverage issues you face.

Immediate Actions After Your Uber Accident

Stay calm and check for any bodily injury first. If anyone needs medical assistance, call emergency services immediately. Your safety and health come before everything else in a car accident.

Move your Uber vehicle to a safe location if possible to avoid further incidents. Start taking photos of all vehicles involved, including property damage, vehicle damage, and license plates. Be sure to take a screenshot of your Uber app to document your status at the time of the accident—this is crucial to proving whether you were waiting for a ride or en route to pick up passengers.

Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, the at-fault driver if applicable, and any other parties involved. Also, collect witness contact details. Avoid discussing fault with the opposing party, as this can complicate insurance claims. Even minor Uber or Lyft accidents require thorough documentation to support your claim.

If your vehicle sustained damage, understanding the actual cash value of your car is important for insurance claims, especially regarding contingent comprehensive and collision coverage. Proper documentation of vehicle damage and medical bills will help you pursue compensation.

Remember, you have the right to sue Uber if negligence on their part contributed to the accident. Keeping detailed records and following these steps will strengthen your case in any Uber car accident or Lyft accident claim.

Understanding Uber's Insurance Coverage

Understanding these coverage periods helps determine which insurance applies. This affects your Uber accident claims and the claims process. Uber accident claims depend entirely on your app status during the accident.

When Uber's $1 Million Policy Applies

Uber's $1 million liability coverage applies from the moment you accept a ride request until the trip is completed. This covers you from pickup through passenger drop-off. You get comprehensive protection during active rides.

This period offers the most comprehensive coverage for Uber drivers. It includes liability coverage and uninsured motorist protection. This is the best insurance coverage period for any Uber or Lyft driver.

Coverage During Different Driving Periods

When your driver app is off, only your personal insurance applies. Many personal insurance companies exclude rideshare coverage. This creates gaps that leave you exposed to financial loss.

When you're an Uber driver waiting with the app on but no ride request, you get limited coverage. Uber provides basic liability coverage, but much less than during active periods. Your personal injury protection may not apply.

After accepting a ride request but before pickup, you get higher coverage levels. This includes collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. The minimum insurance requirements increase significantly during this period.

Filing the Necessary Reports

You must report the accident to the authorities and Uber. Proper reporting protects your insurance claims. File your police report promptly to document the accident scene.

Report the accident through your driver app immediately. Uber requires quick reporting. Late reporting can affect your insurance coverage and driver status.

How to File a Police Report in NYC

NYC requires police reports for serious accidents with injuries or major property damage. For minor accidents, you can file an MV-104 form online. Get your report number before leaving the accident scene.

Include accurate details about all parties and vehicles involved. The police report helps establish liability status. This document strengthens your insurance claims and legal case.

Reporting to Uber Through the Driver App

Open your driver app and report the accident immediately. Provide required information about the accident and other parties. Include photos and witness contact information.

Uber expects prompt reporting from drivers involved in accidents. Delays can impact your coverage and ability to file claims. Quick reporting protects your interests.

Seeking Medical Attention

Medical documentation is crucial for your claim. Seeking early medical attention creates important records. This helps prove your injuries are accident-related. Common injuries, such as whiplash, often appear hours or days later. Follow all treatment recommendations from your doctor. Skipping treatment can hurt your claim and your health.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

You'll deal with multiple insurance companies after your accident. This includes your personal insurer, Uber's insurance, and the other driver's insurance company. Each insurer tries to minimize its liability.

Stick to basic facts when talking to insurance adjusters. Don't speculate about fault or discuss detailed injuries. Avoid admitting responsibility for the accident. Get all communications in writing. Keep records of every conversation. Don't accept quick settlement offers before understanding your full damages.

Preserving Evidence for Your Claim

Strong evidence is essential for fair compensation. Take photos at the accident scene. Get witness statements and official reports. Document everything related to your accident.

Keep all medical bills, repair estimates, and lost wages records. Save correspondence with insurance companies. Track your Uber earnings before and after the accident. Back up digital evidence, such as photos and app screenshots from the Uber app. Evidence can disappear over time. Act quickly to preserve everything that supports your claim.

Understanding Your Compensation Rights

The full value of your claim often exceeds the insurance company’s initial settlement offer. Understanding your rights helps you get maximum compensation. Don't settle for less than you deserve.

Types of Damages Available to Uber Drivers

Economic damages include:

• Medical bills and treatment costs
• Lost wages from missed work
• Property damage to your personal vehicle
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Non-economic damages include emotional distress, physical pain, and diminished quality of life. These damages can be substantial, but they require specialized legal expertise to be properly assessed and valued.

Calculating Lost Income from Missed Rides

Calculating lost income for Uber or Lyft drivers is challenging. Your earnings vary by time and season. Use your historical Uber earnings data to establish income patterns.

Consider the peak earning periods you missed due to injuries. Document your inability to work normal hours. Proper documentation helps recover fair compensation for all income losses.

When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Contact a lawyer immediately for serious accidents with major injuries. Call us if insurance companies dispute fault or refuse fair compensation. Complex cases involving multiple parties need legal help.

Early legal help protects your rights and preserves evidence. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.

Legal representation often results in higher compensation. Don’t let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking help. The complex nature of rideshare accidents requires specialized knowledge.

Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We work on a contingency fee basis with no upfront costs. We fight for maximum compensation while supporting you through the entire process.