Uber and other rideshare apps have become a normal part of getting around New York. Most rides end without any problems. But when a crash happens and you’re sitting in the back seat, you may not know what to do next. Unlike a regular car accident, an Uber crash brings extra questions about insurance, who pays for what, and how to protect your right to compensation.
Here is what you should do if you get hurt in an Uber accident as a passenger.
Check Yourself for Injuries and Get Medical Care
Your health comes first. Right after the crash, check your body for pain, swelling, cuts, or anything that feels wrong. Adrenaline can hide pain for a while, so you might feel fine at first and then start hurting hours or even days later. This happens a lot with injuries like whiplash, which can take 24 to 48 hours to show up.
Because of this, get checked out by a doctor or go to the emergency room, even if you think you’re okay. A medical record made close to the time of the crash also helps your case later. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may try to say your injury wasn’t from the accident at all.
Call 911 and Report the Accident to the Police
New York law says the driver has to report the crash to the police. But you shouldn’t count on that happening right away. If no one has called yet, call 911 yourself. Tell the dispatcher if anyone needs an ambulance.
When the police show up, write down their names and badge numbers. Ask for a copy of the accident report or find out how to get one later. A police report is one of the strongest pieces of proof you can have, especially if the other driver broke a law like running a red light or driving drunk.
After you call the police, report the crash through the app too.
- For Uber, open the app and go to Trip and Fare Review, then select the option for reporting an accident.
- For Lyft, tap the purple Report an Accident button and follow the steps on the screen.
Doing this right away creates a record with the rideshare company that matches your story.
Collect Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able to move around safely, gather as much proof as you can before you leave. Evidence tends to disappear fast. Skid marks fade, witnesses leave, and memories get fuzzy.
Try to get the following:
- Names, phone numbers, and insurance information from both drivers
- License plate numbers for all vehicles involved
- Photos of the damage to each car, plus any street signs or traffic signals nearby
- Pictures of your own injuries
- Names and contact information for any witnesses who saw what happened
- A screenshot of your Uber or Lyft trip screen showing the ride details and receipt
If you can, write down what happened in your own words while it’s still fresh. Include the date, time, location, weather, and which direction each car was traveling. This kind of detail is easy to forget once time passes, and a lawyer will likely ask you about it later.
Be Careful About What You Say
After the accident, you’ll probably hear from an insurance adjuster or someone from Uber or Lyft’s support team. Be careful with your words. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that can make your injuries sound smaller than they are, or to get you to say something that hurts your claim.
Stick to the facts. Don’t guess about fault, and don’t say you’re fine if you’re not sure yet. It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer before you give a recorded statement or accept anything from the insurance company.
File an Insurance Claim
Filing a claim after an Uber accident works differently than a normal car accident. You usually won’t file with your own insurance the way you might after a regular crash. Instead, you may have more than one source of coverage to look into.
Start by reporting the accident to Uber through the app, which was covered above. Uber’s claims team should walk you through what happens next. From there, you may be able to seek compensation from:
- The Uber driver’s personal auto insurance
- Uber’s own liability coverage, which can provide up to 1.25 million dollars in coverage to injured riders in certain situations
Insurance companies don’t always offer a fair amount right away. They may try to settle fast and cheaply before you know the full extent of your injuries. Don’t sign anything or accept a settlement offer until you’ve spoken with a lawyer who handles Uber accident claims.
Keep Track of Your Medical Treatment
Your case doesn’t end once you leave the hospital. Keep every paper connected to your recovery, including:
- Hospital and doctor bills
- Notes about your symptoms and how they change over time
- Names of every doctor or specialist you see
- Instructions for follow-up visits, physical therapy, or testing
If new symptoms show up later, go back to the doctor and get it documented. Insurance companies often look for gaps in treatment as a reason to pay less, so staying on top of your care protects both your health and your claim.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer
Dealing with an insurance claim on top of injuries and missed work can feel like too much at once. A personal injury lawyer who handles Uber accidents can take that weight off your shoulders. They know how the claims process works, what your injuries might really be worth, and how to deal with adjusters who try to lowball you.
A lawyer, like R. Ariel Poltielov, can also help figure out which insurance policy applies to your situation, since Uber accidents often involve more coverage options than a regular crash. Getting legal help early, before you say anything to an adjuster or sign paperwork, gives you a better shot at getting paid what you actually deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my injuries if I’m hurt as a passenger in an Uber accident?
It depends on the details of the crash. In many cases, the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy applies first. If that isn’t enough to cover your injuries, Uber’s own insurance policy may provide additional coverage. A lawyer can help sort out which policy applies and how much coverage is available in your case.
Do I need to report the accident to Uber if I already called the police?
Yes. Calling the police creates an official report, but Uber needs to know about the crash separately. Reporting it through the app starts Uber’s own claims process and creates a record that can support your case later.
How long do I have to file a claim after an Uber accident in New York?
Time limits can vary based on who you’re filing a claim against, and deadlines can be shorter than you expect. It’s best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident so you don’t miss an important deadline or lose evidence that could help your case.
Get Help After Your Uber Accident
Getting hurt in an Uber accident as a passenger can leave you dealing with pain, missed work, and a confusing insurance process all at once. You shouldn’t have to sort it out alone. The team at Poltielov Law Firm can look at what happened, explain your options, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call 718-880-2911 today for a free consultation about your Uber accident case.