Free Consultation
Call Us (720) 379-6363
Text Us (719) 534-3132
Call Us (720) 379-6363
Text Us (719) 534-3132
Page Banner Page Banner Image One Page Banner Image Two Page Banner Image Three

What to do if I was a passenger in an Uber accident?..

Written by Remington Fang

June 10, 2025

Rideshare accidents bring a different kind of complexity. I was a passenger in an Uber accident and didn’t know what to do next. Who’s liable? Does Uber’s insurance apply? Can you even file a claim? These are just a few of the questions we hear far too often from people who suddenly find themselves injured, confused, and facing a complicated insurance process. It’s easy to feel powerless when you’re not the driver, but you still have rights. At Fang Accident Lawyers, we help passengers navigate the legal aftermath clearly and confidently.

 

Steps to take after an Uber accident

Being a passenger in a rideshare collision puts you in a unique situation. You’re not responsible for the crash, but are affected by it. What you do in the moments and days following the accident can make or break your personal injury claim.

Here’s what we advise our clients to do:

  • Call 911 immediately. Even if the driver says it’s minor, always request medical assistance and law enforcement. A police report is vital.
  • Get the names of everyone involved. That includes both drivers, all passengers, and any witnesses.
  • Take photos and video. Capture the vehicle damage, your injuries, road conditions, and anything else relevant.
  • Report the crash through the Uber app. To ensure your complaint is logged correctly, follow Uber’s official crash guidance.
  • Seek medical treatment right away. Delayed pain can still signal serious injury. Medical records serve as crucial evidence.
  • Do not accept early settlement offers. Insurance companies might minimize your payout. Always speak to a car accident attorney before signing anything.

As the injured passenger, your main job is documenting everything and getting to safety. From there, we help build your case and handle the insurance negotiations.

i was a passenger in an uber accident

Is Uber responsible for passenger injuries?

Yes, Uber can be held financially responsible depending on the driver’s status during the accident. That’s because rideshare companies like Uber carry liability coverage—but only in certain circumstances.

The three main coverage periods are:

  1. The driver is offline or using the car personally. Uber’s insurance is not active; the driver’s personal auto insurance applies.
  2. The driver is online and waiting for a ride request: Uber provides limited liability coverage, typically up to $50,000 per person for injuries.
  3. The driver is actively transporting a passenger or on the way to pick one up: Uber offers up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage. This is where most injured passengers fall.

Understanding which period the driver was in during the crash is key. Uber’s commercial policy applies if you were already inside the vehicle and en route.

In multi-vehicle accidents, liability may be split between several drivers. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning each party’s share of fault could impact the compensation available. Collecting detailed evidence and witness information from the scene is essential.

Considerations if you are a passenger in an Uber accident

Being the passenger adds a layer of complexity to car accident claims. You weren’t at fault, but you must still deal with insurance companies, liability disputes, and sometimes multiple parties pointing fingers.

Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Multiple claims may be involved. You might be eligible to recover from the Uber driver’s insurance, the other vehicle’s insurance, or Uber’s third-party liability policy.
  • You can pursue pain and suffering. It’s not just about medical bills. If you’ve experienced emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, or long-term effects, those damages count.
  • If your driver was at fault, Uber may still pay. Don’t assume you’re out of luck if your rideshare driver caused the crash. Uber’s commercial policy can still apply.
  • You can still file a claim even if there was no other driver. Single-car accidents—like swerving off the road or hitting a pole—still qualify if you were injured.

It’s common for passengers to hesitate to file a claim, especially when they know the driver. But this isn’t about punishment; it’s about ensuring your recovery is covered. Medical bills, lost wages, and rehab costs can add up quickly.

Recent verdicts and settlements

How long do Uber accident claims take to resolve?

Timelines vary, but most Uber-related injury claims take several months to over a year to resolve fully. The duration depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, whether liability is contested, and how cooperative the insurance companies are. Cases involving multiple parties, like the Uber driver and another vehicle, can take longer due to overlapping investigations. Legal representation helps prevent unnecessary delays by keeping insurers accountable and pushing the case forward efficiently.

Do Uber drivers have to have insurance?

Uber drivers must carry personal auto insurance, and Uber supplements that coverage while working. However, that doesn’t mean the claims process is straightforward.

Uber requires its drivers to maintain personal auto coverage that meets state minimum requirements. In Denver and across Colorado, that includes:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • $15,000 for property damage.

Uber provides additional commercial coverage when a driver is logged into the Uber app and on duty. However, that coverage is only active during specific ride phases. If there’s a lapse or the driver didn’t disclose their rideshare work to their insurance provider, the claim can get delayed or denied.

This is where legal representation is crucial. We regularly deal with cases where:

  • The driver’s insurer refuses coverage because ridesharing wasn’t disclosed.
  • Uber disputes when the driver was officially “on the clock.”
  • Injured passengers are bounced between multiple insurance companies.

Colorado law mandates that transportation network companies maintain specific insurance coverages, including primary liability and uninsured motorist protection, as detailed in Colorado Revised Statutes § 40-10.1-604.

Talk to a Denver Uber Accident Lawyer Today

Suffering injuries as a passenger in an Uber accident raises a wave of questions and uncertainty. Understanding your legal options and potential for compensation requires more than just online research—it demands experienced legal guidance. Fang Accident Lawyers has secured significant recoveries for victims of rideshare and auto accidents throughout Colorado. Let’s review your case and work toward the justice and compensation you deserve. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation by calling (720) 379-6363.

Remington W. Fang

A Colorado Springs native with a lifelong passion for standing up to bullies, Remington fights for the injured against corporations that put profit over people. Raised in a family devoted to service and healing, he brings compassion and grit to every case.

A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Arkansas School of Law, Remington has recovered millions for clients with Fang Accident Lawyers. He believes no injury should silence the human spirit — and he won’t stop fighting until justice is served.

fact-checked-icon

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. It was approved by Remington W. Fang, our Founding Partner, who brings over 10 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.