What happens if I’m in a rideshare car accident?

Rideshare services like Uber offer an easy way to book a ride – and sometimes even free mints – but they also hold a great responsibility to get you safely to where you’re going. While your goal is to arrive at your destination with a five-star rating, car accidents can happen in a rideshare vehicle, just like any other car.

If you’re in a car accident as an Uber passenger or other rideshare passenger, you might be unsure what your rights are if you are injured.

Fortunately, your rights are exactly the same as if you were in a crash in any other vehicle. That is, if you have been injured in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, whether you were a passenger, other driver, rider or pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation.

Three steps to take if you’ve been in a rideshare accident

1. Your health and safety are the most important thing. If you, the driver or anyone else involved is injured in a rideshare accident, call the police and ambulance.
   
   
2. If you can safely exit the vehicle, do so and get the contact details of the drivers. Get the registration numbers of the cars involved, and take photos. The driver of your Uber might not always be the person listed on the app so it’s important to get this information yourself.
   
   
3. Report the accident to Uber, or the rideshare app you were using, via their app or website. This is where you will provide the necessary detail, including selecting the trip when the accident occurred, details about the accident and any photos you took. The rideshare company will then be in touch to gather any further information needed and to check on your wellbeing.

As Uber states on their website: “All rides on Uber are insured. Our claims support team will guide you through the claims process and crash reporting to the insurance coverage provider in your state. There is no need to report to your personal insurance company.”

Do you need a rideshare accident lawyer to make a claim?

As a final step, we recommend getting in touch for legal advice to ensure your rights and entitlements are put first. Our road accident lawyers will explain in simple terms everything you are entitled to if you’ve been injured, ensure you receive your full compensation, and support you throughout the whole process for making a rideshare accident claim.

It’s important to note that the rules around fault and no-fault schemes, as well as time limits for making a compensation claim, can differ between the states and territories. It’s therefore best to seek legal advice from one of our experts as soon as possible. 

We understand how difficult road injuries are, both physically and emotionally. Our lawyers are here for you, get in touch today.