Yes, you can sue Uber for an accident under certain circumstances, but doing so can sometimes be challenging due to how Uber classifies its drivers and structures its insurance coverage.
That’s why it’s important to partner with an experienced and knowledgeable Kansas City personal injury lawyer. A legal professional from our firm knows how to face the challenges of a rideshare accident effectively.
Understanding Uber’s Role and Responsibility
Uber operates as a rideshare company that connects drivers and passengers through a mobile app, but it does not technically employ its drivers. This distinction is key when determining liability after an accident.
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, which makes it harder to hold the company directly liable in many cases. However, Uber does carry a large insurance policy that may apply depending on when the accident occurred.
If the driver was logged into the app and actively transporting a passenger, Uber’s $1 million liability policy may come into play. If the driver was not using the app at the time of the accident, then Uber is generally not responsible, and the driver’s personal insurance would apply instead.
When You Can Sue Uber Directly
There are specific scenarios where suing Uber directly may be possible. Perhaps Uber was negligent in its practices, such as failing to properly vet drivers, ignoring safety complaints, or allowing someone with a dangerous driving history to remain on the platform. In that case, you may have grounds to file a direct lawsuit against the company.
Additionally, if there’s a technical failure related to the app or Uber’s dispatch system that caused or contributed to the crash, Uber’s corporate responsibility may come into question. Even though Uber attempts to shield itself with the independent contractor model, courts have occasionally allowed claims to move forward.
An experienced attorney can help determine whether Uber itself can be named in your case or if your legal claim should focus on the driver and their insurance coverage.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Who Can Sue After an Uber Accident
Several people may have the right to sue after an Uber-related accident. If you were a passenger in an Uber during a crash, you can typically make a claim against Uber’s insurance policy, depending on the driver’s app status at the time.
If you were a driver or passenger in another vehicle hit by an Uber driver, you may also be eligible to file a claim, particularly if the Uber driver was at fault and logged into the app. Pedestrians and cyclists struck by Uber vehicles may also be eligible to sue for damages.
The key factor in all these scenarios is whether the Uber driver was “on the clock” and whether their personal or Uber’s commercial insurance applies. An experienced personal injury attorney can help sort out the details, gather evidence, and determine the best course of action based on the driver’s status and the specifics of the crash.
How Uber’s Insurance Policy Works
Uber’s insurance policy has different levels of coverage based on the driver’s activity at the time of the accident. If the driver was offline, only their personal auto insurance applies. If the driver was logged into the app but had not yet accepted a ride, Uber provides limited liability coverage that may apply.
If the driver was actively picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber provides up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Understanding which policy applies is critical because it determines how much compensation may be available. In some cases, multiple insurance providers may be involved, and you’ll need to file claims with more than one carrier.
Why You Need a Lawyer for an Uber Accident
Suing Uber or negotiating with their insurance providers requires legal skill, technical knowledge, and persistence. Rideshare accident cases often involve overlapping insurance policies, corporate liability questions, and dense terms of service that Uber uses to limit its exposure.
Without legal representation, you risk getting a much lower settlement than you deserve—or no settlement at all. At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we know how to handle these cases and protect your rights. We can help you file insurance claims, gather the right evidence, and negotiate for maximum compensation.
It doesn’t matter whether you were a passenger, a driver, or a pedestrian hurt in an Uber accident. Your health, finances, and legal rights matter regardless. Don’t let corporate legal teams or insurance adjusters take advantage of your situation. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Get a 100% Free Consultation With a Lawyer to Discuss Your Uber Accident Case
Can you sue Uber for an accident? Yes, you can sue Uber for an accident, but the success of your case depends on multiple factors, including the Uber driver’s status during the crash, the nature of your injuries, and whether Uber acted negligently.
Get a 100% free legal consultation with us at Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers today, and visit our FAQ page to learn more about your rights, Uber’s insurance policies, and what to do after a rideshare crash.
