If you’ve been in an Uber car accident in California, the steps you take right after the crash can make a big difference in your physical recovery and your ability to get fair compensation.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Medical Care
Your first priority is safety. Call 911 immediately if you or anyone else is injured. Even if you feel “fine,” it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional — some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not appear until hours or days later.
Keep all medical records, bills, and follow-up instructions. These will be essential for your Uber accident claim.
Step 2: Report the Accident
In California, you should always call the police after a collision that involves injuries or significant property damage. Ask for the responding officer’s name, badge number, and a copy of the accident report.
- Go to Your Trips → Help → Report an Accident.
- Provide accurate details about what happened.
This starts Uber’s internal process and helps establish documentation for your case.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it’s safe to do so, collect as much information as possible:
- Photos of all vehicles, damage, license plates, road conditions, and visible injuries.
- Names, phone numbers, and insurance details for all drivers.
- Contact info for any witnesses.
- A screenshot of your Uber ride details (driver’s name, trip route, and time).
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
Step 4: Understand How Uber’s Insurance Works in California
One of the most confusing parts of a rideshare accident is figuring out which insurance applies. Uber’s coverage depends on the driver’s status at the time of the crash:
Driver Offline: Only the driver’s personal insurance applies.
App On, Waiting for Ride Request: Uber provides limited coverage — up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage — if the driver’s personal policy doesn’t cover it.
En Route to Pickup or Transporting a Passenger: Uber’s $1 million commercial liability policy is in effect. This can also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Knowing which phase the driver was in is critical to determining your compensation options.
Step 5: Be Cautious With Insurance Adjusters
After an accident in Uber, you may be contacted by multiple insurance companies — the driver’s, Uber’s, or another driver’s. Keep your statements brief, stick to the facts, and avoid giving recorded statements before speaking with an attorney.
Insurance adjusters work for their company, not for you, and their goal is to settle quickly for as little as possible.
Step 6: Call an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accident claims are more complex than typical car accidents. You may be dealing with:
- Multiple insurance carriers
- Disputes over driver status
- California’s comparative fault laws
- Long-term injury or loss of income claims
An experienced Uber accident attorney can investigate the crash, identify all potential sources of compensation, and negotiate for the settlement you deserve. At Muhareb Law Group, we’ve handled cases involving Uber accident passengers, other drivers, and even injured rideshare drivers in Rancho Cucamonga and across California.
When to File Your Claim
In California, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims — including Uber accidents — is generally two years from the date of the crash. However, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber car accident in Rancho Cucamonga or anywhere in California, don’t navigate the process alone. Muhareb Law Group understands the unique challenges of rideshare accident claims and will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Call (909) 519-5832 today for a free consultation and let us help you protect your rights from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Uber responsible for accidents in California? It depends on the driver’s status in the Uber app at the time of the crash. If the driver was transporting a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber’s $1 million commercial liability policy typically applies. If they were offline, their personal auto insurance is the primary coverage.
- How much could an Uber accident settlement be? Settlement amounts vary widely depending on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance coverage. Minor injury claims may settle for tens of thousands of dollars, while severe or catastrophic injury cases can result in six- or seven-figure recoveries.
- Do I need a lawyer after an Uber accident? Yes. Uber accident claims often involve multiple insurers, disputed liability, and complex California rideshare regulations. An experienced Uber accident attorney can protect your rights and pursue the full compensation you deserve.
- What is the deadline to file an Uber accident claim? In California, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Starting the process early helps preserve evidence and gives your attorney the best chance to build a strong case.