What happens if your Uber crashes? Most riders assume they’re automatically protected, but one wrong step could leave you without compensation. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading home from a night out, accidents involving rideshare vehicles raise tough questions about liability, insurance, and your rights.
Let’s unpack what really happens after an Uber crash and the common mistakes riders make that can derail a potential claim.
1. Who’s Actually Liable in an Uber Crash? It’s Not Always Clear
Unlike private vehicle accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple layers of liability. In a typical Uber ride, at least three parties could be involved:
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The Uber driver
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The Uber platform/company
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Another third-party driver
If your Uber driver was at fault, their rideshare insurance policy will likely cover injuries to passengers. But if another car caused the crash, their insurer becomes the liable party. The situation becomes more complex when both drivers share fault, or if the Uber driver wasn’t logged into the app at the time of the crash.
2. The One Mistake That Could Cost You the Entire Claim
Failing to report the crash properly. Many riders forget (or choose not) to report the crash to Uber, assuming the driver will handle it. Others delay seeing a doctor because they feel “fine” at the time.
Here’s the problem: If you don’t report the crash and document your injuries early, insurers may claim your injuries were unrelated or exaggerated. This is one of the most common reasons claims are rejected.
What to do instead:
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Report the accident in-app to Uber immediately
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Take screenshots of the ride details
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Get a medical check-up even if symptoms seem minor
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Speak to a personal injury lawyer before speaking to any insurer
3. What Compensation Can You Claim?
If you are injured as a passenger in an Uber, you may be eligible for compensation under Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme or through Uber’s contingent liability cover. This could include:
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Medical expenses
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Loss of income
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Pain and suffering
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Ongoing rehabilitation costs
However, compensation depends heavily on how the crash is reported, whether fault is established, and if you meet all necessary timeframes for submitting a claim.
4. Do You Need a Lawyer After an Uber Crash?
If you’ve suffered more than just a few bruises, it’s wise to speak to a personal injury lawyer—especially if:
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There’s confusion about who’s at fault
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You’ve been unable to work
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Uber or the driver is unresponsive
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You’re unsure which insurer to claim against
Lawyers can help you navigate the insurance minefield and ensure you don’t miss out on compensation due to a technicality.
Uber has become one of the most popular brands in Australia thanks to its convenience and price point, but many riders for whom Uber forms an important aspect of their work or social life may not be fully aware of their rights should they become involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Did you know that if you are involved in a traffic accident while riding in a registered Uber you may be able to claim compensation?
Here’s what you need to do if your Uber driver is involved in a traffic accident.
What should I do if I’m injured during an Uber ride?
If, as a passenger, you find yourself injured during an Uber ride you should take the same approach as you would after being injured in any type of motor vehicle accident. First and foremost, you should seek assistance from a medical professional, obtain as much information about the at-fault driver and their vehicle as possible and inform both the police and Uber of the accident.
Not all injuries are apparent immediately, so even if it feels minor you should speak to a medical professional who can make a record of any initial damage. This record could be used later to prove that your injuries progressed hours, days, or even weeks after the accident.
If you can, try to gather the contact details of any other parties involved in the accident and any witnesses, including photos or video footage they may have captured that will help piece together what happened or prove who was at fault.
Even if they do not attend the scene, an important part of your claim will be whether you have reported the accident to the police, so it is imperative that you do so and that you obtain a copy of the police report.
To report the accident to Uber, you can contact them on the Uber app under the ‘Your Trips’ tab, followed by ‘Trip Issues’ and then ‘I was involved in an accident’.
Is there insurance to cover an Uber passenger?
A decade ago, concerns were raised about the legality of ride sharing apps in Australia. Compared to the taxi industry, where passengers must be covered by insurance and should be able to safely assume they are travelling in commercially registered vehicles, Ubers are essentially privately-owned vehicles and therefore it was unclear who should pay compensation to an injured passenger if an accident occurred.
This issue has now been resolved and Uber’s insurance covers both personal injury and damage to personal property when passengers book through the app. As a passenger, you are automatically covered for any physical and psychological injuries sustained as the result of an accident under a registered Uber driver’s compulsory third party (CTP) insurance policy.
Uber also carries $20 million vehicle liability for all trips, so if the driver’s CTP has lapsed or their insurance company refuses to pay out your injury claim then Uber’s overarching policy should cover the compensation.
Am I entitled to compensation if I am in an accident on an Uber ride?
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured and/or had your personal property damaged during a traffic accident in which you were an Uber passenger.
It is impossible to provide an estimated compensation payout figure without assessing your personal circumstances. The amount of compensation awarded factors in medical and care expenses, loss of income (including future earnings), and any physical pain, psychological trauma, and loss of quality of life you may have endured.
If you have been injured during an Uber ride and need advice on how to make a claim for the compensation, our experienced personal injury lawyers can be contacted on (07) 4052 0770 to discuss this.
Know Your Rights Before You Ride
What happens if your Uber crashes? Ideally, you’re covered, but don’t rely on that assumption. Rideshare liability isn’t always straightforward, and overlooking key steps after a crash could cost you thousands in medical bills or lost wages.
Protect yourself by reporting the crash, seeking medical advice, and getting legal guidance early with a uber car accident lawyer. Your Uber ride might have been smooth—but if the journey ends in a crash, knowing what to do next makes all the difference.