Being trapped in an Uber crash can be a terrible and confusing experience with the flashing lights, startling impact, and abrupt stop to your trip.
Knowing exactly what to do if your Uber crashes can be the most important action in those frantic times as you negotiate shock and perhaps injuries.
It’s not only about the immediate aftermath; it’s about protecting your health, keeping necessary evidence, and setting the foundation for the justice and pay you are due.
This guide will coach you through the crucial steps to follow should you find yourself in this disturbing scenario, thereby ensuring you are ready to defend your rights and yourself.
What to Do If Your Uber Crashes: Immediate Steps to Protect Yourself
Protecting your health and legal rights depends much on knowing what to do should your Uber crash.
The first minutes following an Uber accident are crucial: ensure everyone is safe, call 911 if necessary, and properly photograph the situation.
Whether you’re an Uber driver, a passenger saying “I was a passenger in an Uber accident,” or a driver involved in an Uber crash, these steps set the foundation for future Uber insurance claims and recovery.
Ensure Safety and Medical Care
After any Uber accident, the very first priority is health and safety. Check yourself and all passengers for injuries. Even if you feel fine, hidden injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—may not be immediately apparent. Call emergency services (911) for medical assessment and transport. If you can move safely, shift vehicles out of traffic and turn on hazard lights to prevent secondary collisions.
Once at the scene, seek prompt evaluation from medical professionals. Early medical attention not only protects your health but also creates documentation of your injuries, which is vital for any Uber accident claim.
Document the Crash Scene Thoroughly
Capturing clear evidence at the crash site strengthens your ability to pursue an Uber accident lawsuit or insurance claim. Use your phone (if safe) to photograph:
- All vehicles involved, from multiple angles
- Damage to both the Uber vehicle and other cars
- License plates and Uber decals
- Road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and signage
- Any debris or obstructions that may have contributed to the crash
Note the time, date, and weather conditions. If there are nearby security cameras or traffic-cam cameras, record their locations so your attorney can seek footage later.
Gather Driver, Passenger, and Witness Information
Collect contact and insurance details for everyone involved:
- The Uber driver’s full name, phone number, driver’s license information, and Uber profile details
- Other drivers’ names, contact information, vehicle registration, and insurance policy numbers
- Passenger names and contact information if you’re riding with others
- Independent witnesses who saw the collision
Ask witnesses what they observed and get their phone numbers or emails. Written or video statements can prove invaluable if liability is disputed, especially in cases where an Uber driver accident was not at fault.
Report the Crash to Uber’s Claims Department
As soon as possible—even before leaving the scene—open the Uber app or visit the Help Center online to report the crash under “Safety” → “I was in an accident.” Uber’s claims department will:
Record the crash details
Confirm which insurance coverage applies (personal policy vs. Uber’s commercial policies)
Provide instructions for the next steps.
Prompt reporting ensures that Uber’s liability coverage (up to $1 million for third-party injuries during an active trip) is activated for drivers and passengers.
Notify Your Insurers
If you were a passenger, your health insurance or auto policy’s medical payments coverage (MedPay) can cover immediate treatment costs. If you’re an Uber driver, notify your auto insurer that you were involved in an Uber car accident.
Give only factual details—avoid discussing fault or speculating. This protects you from inadvertently harming your coverage.
Understand Uber’s Insurance Layers
Coverage depends on the app’s status at crash time:
App off:
Your policy is primary; Uber’s does not apply.
App on, waiting for the trip:
Your policy is primary; Uber’s contingent coverage applies secondary—bodily injury up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident.
Ride accepted or in progress:
Uber’s primary liability coverage applies—$1 million per accident for third-party injuries; uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage also available.
Knowing which layer applies helps you direct your claim to the right insurer.
Seek Complete Medical Evaluation and Keep Records
Following up on your health is crucial, and you should see follow-up treatment with your primary doctor or experts for any ongoing discomfort or new symptoms that might develop after you get immediate care at the emergency room.
Remember, some Uber crash injuries are not immediately clear-cut.
Common injuries can include:
Whiplash and neck strains:
These can cause significant pain and stiffness, sometimes with delayed onset.
Head trauma and concussions:
Symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion, or memory issues should be taken seriously.
Broken bones and fractures:
These require proper diagnosis and immobilization for healing.
Soft-tissue injuries and contusions:
These involve damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain and restricted movement.
Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD:
The trauma of an accident can have lasting psychological effects that require professional support.
To build a strong Uber accident settlement claim, it’s crucial to be meticulous about your medical records. Keep detailed documentation of:
- Every doctor’s visit includes the date, time, and findings.
- All prescriptions for medications.
- Dates and details of every physical therapy or rehabilitation session.
- Any related expenses you incur for medical treatment or aids.
These records serve as irrefutable evidence of the full extent of your injuries, the necessary treatment you’ve received, and the associated costs.
They provide the crucial justification for the amount of compensation you are seeking in your Uber accident settlement.
Without comprehensive medical documentation, it becomes significantly harder to demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the impact the accident has had on your life.
Preserving Evidence for Your Uber Accident Claim
Beyond photos and medical records, preserve all relevant evidence:
- The clothing and shoes you wore—do not wash or discard them if stained or torn
- Receipts for medical bills, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket expenses
- Correspondence with insurers, Uber, or repair shops
- Notes on lost wages or missed work due to injuries
Storing these materials in one organized file makes it easier for your attorney to prepare a strong demand package or lawsuit.
When & How to File an Uber Accident Claim
California’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the crash date. To file your Uber claims:
Draft a demand letter outlining your medical costs, lost wages, and pain-and-suffering
Submit to the appropriate insurer (Uber’s commercial insurer or the at-fault driver’s carrier)
If negotiations fail, your attorney will file a lawsuit in Fresno County Superior Court and proceed through discovery—interrogatories, depositions, and expert reports—usually over the next year
Most Uber accident claims settle during mediation or early litigation, often within 12–18 months, but complex cases can extend further.
Special Considerations for Uber Passengers
As an Uber passenger in a crash (“I was a passenger in an Uber accident”), you have essential protection: Uber has a large insurance policy of $1 million that can help pay for your injuries. This is because you are considered a “third party.”
However, there’s something important to know: Uber’s rules often say that if there’s a disagreement, it might have to go to a special private court called “arbitration” instead of a regular court.
Because of this, it’s smart to talk to an experienced Fresno rideshare lawyer who knows a lot about Uber and other rideshare accidents. They understand how arbitration works and can make sure your rights are safe.
They will also fight to get you as much money as possible for your injuries and everything else you’ve been through.
Guidance for Drivers in an Uber Crash Not at Fault
Uber drivers involved in a collision caused by another party can recover:
- Medical expense reimbursement through Uber’s contingency coverage
- Lost earnings for downtime while the vehicle is repaired
- Property damage to their vehicle via Uber’s contingent collision coverage
These claims mirror commercial vehicle accident procedures—see our Fresno truck accident lawyer page for analogous guidance on handling third-party liability claims.
Why Choose Kuzyk Car Accidents & Personal Injury Lawyers?
Fresno Expertise:
We know local courts, judges, and medical experts—vital for successfully resolving Uber accident litigation (learn more on our Fresno car accident lawyer page).
Full-Service Representation:
From evidence gathering to settlement negotiations and trial, we handle every aspect of your Uber accident claim.
Proven Track Record:
View our significant recoveries in verdicts & settlements and read real client stories on our testimonials page.
No Fees Unless We Win:
We operate on a contingency-fee basis—if we don’t recover for you, you owe nothing.
Don’t Wait to Secure Your Rights After a Fresno Uber Accident. Contact Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today.
Don’t face the fallout of an Uber crash alone. Whether you’re wondering what to do if your Uber crashes as a driver or passenger, our Fresno team stands ready to protect your rights and pursue full recovery.
📞 Contact Kuzyk Car Accidents & Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us handle the complex Uber claims process while you focus on healing.
Frequently asked questions about what to do if your Uber crashes:
What is the very first thing I should do if I’m involved in an Uber accident?
Your immediate priority should be safety. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance and the police to file a report. Even seemingly minor pain, like whiplash, should be evaluated promptly.
What kind of information should I collect at the scene of an Uber crash?
Document the scene thoroughly. Use your phone to take photos and videos of all vehicles involved, the Uber’s license plate and any Uber markings, damage to all vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and any debris. Also, get contact and insurance information from all drivers and any witnesses. If you’re the Uber driver or passenger, note if the Uber app was active.
Do I need to report an Uber accident to Uber, and if so, how?
Yes, it’s crucial to report the accident to Uber as soon as it’s safe to do so. You can do this through the Uber app or website by navigating to the safety or help section and reporting the incident. Provide all the details you have. This step is important for initiating Uber’s insurance claim process.
Should I also contact my own insurance company if I’m involved in an Uber accident?
Yes, you should notify your own insurance carrier, even if you were just a passenger. Your personal auto policy (or health insurance) might have coverage like MedPay or PIP that can help with immediate medical bills. When you contact them, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault.
When should I consider contacting a personal injury attorney after an Uber accident?
It’s wise to consult an experienced Fresno personal injury attorney as soon as possible, especially if you sustained injuries, if you were a passenger (“i was a passenger in an Uber accident”), or if you believe the Uber driver was not at fault. An attorney can guide you through the Uber claims process, protect your rights, and ensure you understand the complexities of Uber’s insurance coverage and California’s personal injury laws.
