Do You Get Your Money Back if Your Uber Crashes?

Uber accidents are unfortunately common. If you’ve been involved in one, you may be wondering whether you’ll get a refund. Yes, you’ll likely get your money back if your Uber crashes. You may also pursue compensation via a personal injury claim.

Obtaining compensation for an Uber accident can be a long, stressful process. A Charleston Uber accident lawyer can handle your case and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Do You Get Your Money Back If Your Uber Driver Crashes?

If your Uber trip is cut short due to an accident, you’ll likely get a refund for your fare. Uber typically credits riders when a ride doesn’t go as planned, especially in cases involving accidents.

In addition, if you suffer any injuries or financial losses in the crash, you may be entitled to pursue damages through insurance claims or a personal injury lawsuit.

How Does Uber’s Insurance Coverage Work?

Uber has insurance policies in place, but coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident:

• Driver not using the app: If the Uber driver was off duty, their personal insurance is the only coverage available.
• Driver available but waiting for a ride request: Uber provides limited liability coverage for accidents that happen during this stage.
• Driver en route to pick up a passenger or carrying a passenger: This is when Uber’s $1 million liability policy typically applies.

How Much Will I Get from an Uber Settlement?

Every Uber accident case is different. Some victims receive a few thousand dollars, while others recover hundreds of thousands or more.

Your claim’s value will depend on:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your total medical costs
• How long you’re out of work
• The degree of fault assigned to each party
• The limits of available insurance coverage

The best way to get a realistic estimate of your case’s value is by consulting a lawyer.

Fill out a Free Case Evaluation form today!

What Types of Damages Can You Pursue?

If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare accident, you may be eligible to seek different types of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future treatment you may need.
• Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be compensated for wages you lose during your recovery period.
• Pain and suffering: These damages account for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience because of the accident.
• Property damage: You may recover the cost of repairing or replacing personal property, such as your phone, laptop, or other belongings damaged in the crash.
• Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was reckless or malicious, the court may award punitive damages.

The specific damages available in your case will depend on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries.

How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Claim in South Carolina?

Under S.C. Code § 15-3-530, you typically have three years from the date of an Uber accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in South Carolina.

If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to compensation altogether, which is why it’s important to contact a lawyer promptly.

Why Do I Need an Uber Accident Lawyer?

Dealing with Uber and insurance companies on your own can be overwhelming. An Uber accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the crash and determine liability
• Collect evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements
• Deal with insurance adjusters and negotiate a fair settlement
• File a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to offer reasonable compensation
• Protect you from tactics designed to minimize or deny your claim

Simply put, an attorney can level the playing field against Uber’s insurance team.

Can I Sue Uber for an Accident?

Generally, Uber tries to shield itself from accident liability by classifying its drivers as independent contractors. However, you may be able to sue Uber in these scenarios:

• Negligent hiring or background checks: If Uber allowed a driver with a dangerous history to operate on its platform, the company may be held liable for putting passengers at risk.
• Failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage: If Uber’s insurance policies do not meet state requirements or fail to provide the coverage required by law, you may be able to sue.
• System or app–related issues: If a malfunction in Uber’s app (such as navigation errors or distracted driving caused by the app) contributes to the accident, Uber could be held responsible.
• Intentional misconduct by a driver: In cases where a driver commits an assault or other intentional, harmful act, Uber may face liability for failing to provide proper safeguards.

A lawyer can explain whether you have grounds for a lawsuit against Uber.

What to Do After an Uber Accident

If you’re involved in an Uber accident, the steps you take afterward can affect your claim. Here’s what you should do:

1. Call the police and file an official accident report.
2. Report the accident in the Uber app so it’s on record with the company.
3. Collect information from the Uber driver, other drivers involved in the crash, and any available witnesses.
4. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and visible injuries.
5. Get medical attention to document your injuries.
6. Contact a lawyer before speaking to insurance adjusters.

Get Help from Our Uber Accident Lawyers at Hopkins Law Firm

After a crash, getting a refund for your Uber ride is the easy part. The real challenge is obtaining compensation for the damages you incurred in the crash.

An Uber accident lawyer from Hopkins Law Firm can guide you through the claims process, fight for fair compensation, and give you peace of mind that comes with knowing a professional is advocating for you. 

Our team has over two decades of combined experience, and we’ve recovered more than $100 million for clients. Schedule a free case review to start building your claim today.

Contact OUR personal injury lawyer