Riding in an Uber or Lyft requires you to place your safety in the hands of a stranger. If you were injured in an Uber accident, you are likely feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and frustrated. You may wonder what actions you can take; for instance, can you sue Uber if you become involved in an accident as a passenger? 

The answer is generally yes, but you may not need to. Uber’s liability insurance coverage might pay for your accident damages without the need for legal action. Here’s what you need to know about accidents in an Uber vehicle from an Uber accident attorney in Charlotte.

Your Insurance Coverage As an Uber Passenger

Uber extends liability insurance to its drivers and their passengers when the Uber app is open. When a driver is actively transporting a passenger and is at fault for an accident with serious injuries, the company provides comprehensive coverage, including:

  • At least $1 million for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties
  • Coverage to repair the Uber driver’s car

The company may also provide coverage for riders involved in a hit-and-run or an accident where an uninsured or underinsured driver was at fault, along with medical expenses coverage for all riders.

If another driver was responsible for the accident, you would need to file a claim through their insurance provider instead. Your claim value would then be subject to that driver’s insurance coverage limits. 

In North Carolina, all drivers are required to carry the following minimum liability coverage:

  • $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
  • $60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident

Ideally, the driver would at least have this minimum coverage if you were injured in an Uber accident.

When Would You Need To Sue Uber for Damages After an Accident? 

If your Uber driver was responsible for the accident, you can likely claim significant compensation through an Uber passenger injury claim with the company’s insurance provider. So, when can you sue Uber or another rideshare company if you become involved in an accident? 

A few instances that may lead to an Uber accident lawsuit include:

  • Uber’s insurance doesn’t cover your losses. You may sue the company for additional damages beyond what the insurance policy covers, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. 
  • Uber was negligent in hiring your driver. Perhaps the company failed to realize that the driver had been previously responsible for several accidents. 

Still, Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which may impact your ability to hold the company liable. An attorney can help you explore pursuing a personal injury case.

Contact our Attorneys for Assistance With Legal Action Against Uber

Can you sue Uber if you become involved in an accident as a passenger? You can sue Uber after a crash, but an Uber accident case may not be necessary depending on the rideshare accident liability and the value of your damages. 

Our personal injury attorneys at Yale Haymond Law PLLC can help you determine how to proceed. Contact us today at 704-800-4357 for legal advice.