What Does Uber Cover in an Accident? Insurance and Compensation Details

Michael S. Callahan | | Uber Accident
what does uber cover in an accident

Uber is the most popular rideshare app, with about three-fourths of the rideshare market in the United States. The Uber platform has about 150 million customers and over seven million drivers, and these numbers are likely to increase as ridesharing services continue to expand.

When an Uber ride results in a traffic accident, understanding what to do next can impact the outcome of a personal injury case. Focus on identifying all contributing factors and consult with a knowledgeable attorney to ensure you build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.

You likely have more questions than answers after an Uber accident in Texas. Call The Callahan Law Firm for a complimentary consultation with a Houston Uber accident lawyer.

Insurance Coverage for Drivers in Texas

Texas requires motorists to purchase minimum liability insurance in the following amounts:

  • $30,000 for bodily injury/death to one person ($60,000 per accident)
  • $25,000 for property damage coverage

Liability insurance coverage compensates individuals injured in accidents caused by an at-fault driver.

Car insurance companies must offer PIP coverage (Personal Injury Protection), but customers may still decline coverage. Texas does not require drivers to purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. However, Uber drivers must have additional insurance coverage.

Uber’s Liability and Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Texas Insurance Laws require Uber drivers to have rideshare insurance coverage that exceeds the state’s minimum insurance requirements for motorists. In addition to purchasing the minimum personal auto policy for Texas drivers, Uber drivers in Texas must also have the following insurance requirements based on their status within the Uber app:

Insurance Required When Offline

Uber drivers’ personal insurance coverage applies when they are not online using the Uber app. Therefore, the driver must maintain the minimum insurance requirements for their personal vehicle as required by Texas. The driver’s personal insurance will apply if the driver causes an accident during this period.

Insurance Required When Online

Uber provides insurance required by the state when a driver is online with the app waiting for a ride request. The insurance requirements are:

  • $50,000 for bodily injury/death in an accident
  • $100,000 for bodily injury/death of a person per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage
  • Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage as required by Texas Insurance Code §1952.101
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage as required by Texas Insurance Code §1952.152

Uber also provides insurance coverage, which is required when the driver has a passenger in the vehicle. Those insurance requirements are:

  • Liability insurance with an aggregate limit of $1 million for bodily injury, death, and property damage for each accident
  • Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage required by state law
  • PIP coverage required by state law

Uber’s insurance coverage may apply if your Uber accident occurred while the driver waited for a rider or had a rider in the vehicle. The critical element of collision coverage is whether the driver had the Uber app on and was holding themselves out to be an available driver for Uber at the time of the crash, or was carrying a passenger at the time of the crash.

Figuring out who’s at fault in an Uber accident is key to the claims process. Only those who played a part in causing the crash can be held responsible for the damages, so identifying all contributing parties is essential. Our Houston Uber accident lawyers at The Callahan Law Firm can help, so call us for a no-cost consultation with an experienced rideshare attorney.

Types of Damages Covered by Uber for an Uber Crash in Texas

Damages caused by an Uber crash can be life-altering and overwhelming. The crash could cause catastrophic physical injuries, emotional distress, and other non-economic damages. You may also incur significant medical expenses and other economic damages.

Examples of damages you may recover in an Uber accident claim include:

  • Past and future medical bills, including costs of rehabilitation therapies and surgeries.
  • Emotional distress, pain, and suffering.
  • Out-of-pocket expenses.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life and diminished quality of life.
  • Past and future loss of earnings, including benefits, earning capacity, and lost wages.
  • Loss of consortium.
  • Disfigurement and scarring.
  • Property damage.
  • Impairments and disabling conditions.

The amount you receive for an Uber accident claim in Texas depends on many factors. Call our Houston car accident lawyers for a no cost case evaluation.

Claims Process and Legal Actions for an Uber Crash

Uber allows for drivers, passengers, and other parties involved in an Uber crash, through links on its website and the app, to report an accident. ​​However, actually getting full compensation under the law in a case against Uber isn’t as straightforward. To do so, you must not only prove that the Uber driver or another party was at fault for the accident but also provide all supporting evidence to prove the cause of the crash as well as the nature and extent of the injuries and damages.

In many instances, a lawsuit may need to be filed against the responsible party and if it cannot be settled, then the case must go to trial to recover compensation for your damages. That’s why it’s vital to consult with a lawyer before discussing your claim with Uber or any other parties involved. Legal representation by an experienced rideshare accident attorney will significantly impact the outcome of your case, ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.

What to Do After an Uber Accident in Texas

If you are involved in an Uber accident, be prepared to take steps to protect your health and legal rights. Steps to take after an accident involving an Uber in Texas include:

  • Report the car crash to the police by calling 911.
  • Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
  • Take photographs of the accident scene.
  • Ask witnesses for their names and contact details.
  • Obtain insurance information.
  • Report the accident to Uber.
  • Document your damages by keeping detailed records.

Insurance adjusters, their investigators, and attorneys working for Uber and its insurance company have one goal—to protect the rideshare company from liability. The information they gather is used to minimize the value of your claim and if possible, support the denial of your claim. And they can be tricky and aggressive when gathering this information.

If you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, consult a Houston Uber accident lawyer. Your attorney will work to gather essential evidence and protect your rights every step of the way.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents and Responsibility

Uber accidents occur for many reasons, with rideshare driver negligence among the most common factors. Causes of Uber accidents include:

  • Distracted driving, including Uber drivers using the Uber app while driving
  • Speeding and reckless driving, including rushing to the next scheduled ride
  • Failure to yield the right of way
  • Failure to obey traffic control devices
  • Unsafe lane change
  • Driving under the influence
  • Aggressive driving and road rage
  • Fatigued and drowsy driving (i.e., some Uber drivers have full-time jobs other than Uber)

Additional factors that can cause or contribute to an Uber crash include adverse weather and road conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, creating dangerous driving situations. Mechanical failures and defective auto parts, including brake malfunctions, engine problems, or faulty airbags, can compromise vehicle safety and lead to accidents.

Additionally, the actions of other road users, such as pedestrians, truck drivers, other motorists, and bicyclists, can all play a role in causing accidents through their mistakes or reckless behavior. Understanding these factors is essential when determining liability in an Uber crash.

Determining liability for the personal injury claim is crucial. Texas is an at-fault state and only the parties whose conduct caused or contributed to the crash can be liable for your damages. But this means you have the burden of proving liability for the car accident, which requires the right evidence.

Get Help with a Houston Uber Accident Claim

One or more types of insurance may cover your Uber accident, so the first step is to understand Uber insurance coverage and what to do after an accident. An experienced Houston personal injury lawyer will analyze insurance coverage and work to collect essential evidence to prove your claim. If you have questions about an Uber accident in Texas, call The Callahan Law Firm to schedule a no cost consultation with a Houston Uber accident attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Uber Accidents

Does Uber cover crashes?

Whether Uber will cover your crash, meaning compensate you for your injuries and damages, depends on a number of factors.

Uber provides insurance for its drivers during specific periods based on their status as Uber drivers. Since Texas is an at-fault state, Uber may provide insurance coverage for the crash depending on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the incident.

What if your Uber gets in a car accident?

Make sure the accident is reported to the police. Stay at the scene if possible so that you can tell the officer what happened. Get prompt medical attention for any injuries sustained, including going to the hospital by ambulance when necessary. Contact an experienced Uber accident attorney to make sure your rights are protected.

What is the inconvenience fee for Uber?

Uber’s inconvenience fee covers up to $250 in damage caused by an incident involving a rider. The damage must be beyond normal wear and tear for Uber to compensate the driver for the damage.