Crashes involving Uber drivers raise tough questions—especially when you're injured. If you’re wondering how to sue Uber for a car accident, you’re not alone. Many victims struggle to get clear answers after a rideshare crash. Whether you were riding as a passenger or driving another vehicle, it's critical to understand your rights and what legal options you actually have.
When Uber’s insurance, driver negligence, and third-party liability all come into play, these cases can get complicated fast. But with the right legal team, you may be able to recover compensation—and hold the responsible party accountable.
Liability in an Uber Crash: Who Can You Sue?
One of the first steps in building your case is understanding liability. In any car accident, someone must be at fault—and when Uber is involved, the picture gets a little more complicated. Liability can fall on:
- The Uber driver
- Another driver involved in the crash
- Uber (in rare cases)
- A third party (e.g. government entity or manufacturer)
But suing Uber directly is not always straightforward. That’s because Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors, not employees. This classification helps the company avoid direct liability in many cases—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage: What It Means for You
Uber provides a tiered insurance system for its drivers. Whether or not Uber’s insurance covers your injuries depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident.
| Driver Status | Insurance Coverage Provided by Uber |
|---|---|
| Driver is offline | Uber provides no coverage—driver’s own policy applies |
| Driver is online, waiting for ride | Up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage |
| Driver is en route or has passenger | Up to $1 million in third-party liability coverage, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage |
This structure means that if you were a passenger in an Uber at the time of the crash—or hit by an Uber while they were working—you may be entitled to a significant insurance claim.
Can You Sue Uber Directly?
Here’s the tricky part: Uber typically avoids direct lawsuits by arguing its drivers are not employees. That makes it harder—but not impossible—to sue the company itself.
You might be able to sue Uber directly if:
- The app malfunctioned and caused or contributed to the crash
- Uber failed to properly screen or suspend a dangerous driver
- Uber’s negligence directly contributed to your injuries
However, most injury claims are handled through insurance—either the driver’s policy or Uber’s own coverage. A lawsuit becomes more likely if insurance denies your claim or doesn’t fully cover your damages.
Steps to Take If You Plan to Sue Uber for a Car Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with an Uber, here are key steps you should take to protect your rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident – Get medical help and make sure a police report is filed.
- Document everything – Photos of the crash, your injuries, driver info, and app screenshots can help your claim.
- Get the Uber ride receipt or trip details – You’ll need this to prove you were a passenger.
- Don’t speak to insurance companies alone – Let your lawyer handle negotiations.
- Call your Arizona law man – A local attorney can immediately begin working on your behalf.
Why You Need a Lawyer for Uber Accident Claims
Rideshare accident claims can be tough to navigate. Between Uber’s limited liability, multiple insurance companies, and tricky legal loopholes, it’s easy to get lost in red tape.
That’s where our best personal injury lawyers in Arizona come in.
We understand how to investigate driver activity through the Uber app, track down insurance policies, and fight back against lowball offers. Whether you were hit by an Uber, injured as a rider, or lost a loved one in a rideshare crash, we’ll help you pursue maximum compensation.
And you don’t pay us unless we win.
What Damages Can You Claim?
The damages you can pursue after an Uber crash depend on the severity of your injuries and how the accident affected your life. Common types of damages include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal accidents)
Our top attorneys will calculate every penny you’re owed and build a case that proves it.
Uber Accident Victims: Are You Eligible for Compensation?
You may be eligible to file a claim or sue Uber if:
- You were injured as a passenger in an Uber vehicle
- You were hit by an Uber driver while walking, biking, or driving
- Your vehicle was involved in a crash caused by an Uber driver
- You lost a family member in a fatal Uber-related accident
Every case is different. That’s why it’s important to speak with an attorney who knows how to navigate both Arizona personal injury laws and Uber’s complex insurance policies.
Legal Options When You Sue Uber for a Car Accident
Here’s a quick overview of your options depending on your role in the crash:
| Victim Type | Who to File Against | Insurance Involved |
|---|---|---|
| Uber Passenger | Uber’s insurer | $1 million coverage |
| Driver hit by Uber | Uber driver’s insurer or Uber’s coverage | Depends on driver’s status |
| Pedestrian or Cyclist | Uber driver or Uber’s insurer | Depends on app activity |
| Third-Party Victim (e.g. other driver) | Uber driver or their policy | Uber’s backup policy if driver’s insurer denies claim |
Call the Team That Knows Uber Accident Law
We’ve helped countless clients recover damages after rideshare accidents—and we’re ready to help you. At Big Chad Law, our legal team is aggressive, responsive, and experienced in handling complex insurance disputes.
Whether you’re still in the hospital or already dealing with adjusters, it’s not too early (or too late) to call your Arizona law man.
Injured in an Uber Crash? Let Our Best Legal Team Help.
Don’t fight Uber alone. We’ll investigate the crash, handle all insurance negotiations, and fight for the biggest return possible. Get a free consultation today with one of our best personal injury lawyers in Arizona.