Who Pays for Your Injuries After an Uber Accident?
Riding in an Uber should be a convenient and safe experience. However, accidents can happen even when you’re just a passenger heading home or to work. If you’re injured in an Uber accident in New York City, it’s completely normal to feel confused and overwhelmed. Who pays for your medical treatment? What are your rights as a passenger? This article will walk you through the insurance landscape and legal options available to Uber passengers in NYC, helping you understand what steps to take and how to protect yourself.
Understanding Liability After an Uber Accident in NYC
New York operates under a no-fault insurance system. This means that, generally, each party’s insurance covers their own medical expenses regardless of who caused the crash. For Uber passengers, this typically means your initial treatment is covered under Uber’s insurance policy.
But things get more nuanced depending on the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage Explained
Uber maintains a $1 million liability insurance policy that applies when a trip is active. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- App off: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies. Uber has no liability.
- App on, waiting for ride requests: Uber offers limited liability coverage, including $50,000 per person for injuries.
- Trip accepted to passenger drop-off: Uber’s full $1 million liability policy and additional uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage applies.
So if you’re injured while the trip is in progress or en route to pick you up, Uber’s commercial insurance should cover your injuries. However, the claims process is not always straightforward, and the compensation you receive may fall short of what you actually need to recover fully.
What Happens If the Uber Driver Was Not at Fault?
You might be wondering: “What if my driver didn’t cause the accident?” This is a common concern. Fortunately, as an Uber passenger, your rights to compensation remain intact.
- If the other driver was responsible, their insurance would be the first to respond.
- If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber’s UM/UIM coverage steps in to ensure you are not left paying out-of-pocket.
While these policies exist to protect you, insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. That’s why having a legal advocate, like the team at Cohan Law Firm, can make a significant difference.
What Compensation Can Uber Passengers Seek?
As a passenger, you’re rarely considered at fault. That means you’re in a strong position to claim a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgery, rehabilitation, and prescriptions
- Future medical care if your injuries require long-term treatment
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity if you can’t return to work
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression following the crash
Depending on your case, compensation amounts can vary significantly. Consulting an Uber accident lawyer in NYC, like those at Cohan Law Firm, ensures you’re not undervaluing your claim and helps you access every available form of compensation.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After an Uber Accident
In the moments after a crash, it’s easy to panic or feel disoriented. Here are the steps every Uber passenger should follow:
- Call 911: Safety first. Get medical help for anyone injured.
- Get checked by a doctor, even if you feel okay. Some injuries show symptoms hours later.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicles, license plates, damage, and your injuries. Get the names and contact information of all drivers and witnesses.
- Report the incident to Uber through the app or their support website.
- Keep medical records and receipts for all accident-related expenses.
- Contact a qualified Uber accident lawyer in NYC, like Cohan Law Firm, before speaking with any insurance companies.
Following these steps strengthens your claim and protects your right to fair compensation.
Why Legal Help Makes a Big Difference
Rideshare accidents often involve complex insurance arrangements and legal nuances. It’s not uncommon for insurance companies—whether Uber’s or the at-fault driver’s—to try to minimize payouts or deny claims. You shouldn’t have to face this alone.
A seasoned Uber accident lawyer in NYC, especially one from Cohan Law Firm, can:
- Investigate the accident thoroughly and determine liability
- Identify all available insurance policies (including Uber’s commercial coverage)
- Handle paperwork, claims, and negotiations
- Fight for fair compensation if a lawsuit is needed
Even when Uber’s policy appears sufficient, the process of actually receiving your compensation can be filled with obstacles. At Cohan Law Firm, we advocate for your rights from start to finish, ensuring you’re not taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.
Real Case Example: Midtown Manhattan Crash
To illustrate how these cases work in practice, consider this real-world scenario:
In 2024, a Brooklyn woman was riding in an Uber near Midtown Manhattan when a speeding delivery van ran a red light and struck her vehicle. She suffered a fractured wrist and a concussion. Initially, she struggled to get a straight answer from insurance adjusters. But once she hired a personal injury lawyer from Cohan Law Firm, her legal team secured coverage under both Uber’s policy and the delivery company’s commercial insurance. Her total settlement was over $135,000, covering her medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Know Your Rights as a Passenger in New York
Many Uber passengers are unaware that they have rights very similar to those of private vehicle passengers. New York law protects you. You’re entitled to seek damages if you’re injured, and Uber’s insurance is designed to protect riders.
Some important facts to keep in mind:
- You can file a claim under Uber’s policy even if the other driver was at fault.
- You do not need to sue your Uber driver to get compensation.
- You may still receive benefits under New York’s no-fault system for initial medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault.
These protections aim to ensure that injured passengers aren’t left footing the bill for someone else’s mistake. However, to take full advantage of these protections, having an experienced legal team like Cohan Law Firm by your side is essential.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer in NYC Today
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, time is critical. Insurance claims must be filed promptly, and evidence can fade fast. At Cohan Law Firm, we focus on helping injured Uber passengers across New York City understand their rights and claim what they’re owed.
Don’t assume Uber’s policy alone will take care of everything. Let our legal team fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today. Call us or use our secure contact form to speak directly with a lawyer experienced in Uber passenger accident compensation in NYC.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship.