Hurt While Riding in an Uber? You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Discuss your injuries, claims and settlement with an experienced Houston Uber accident attorney

Being injured as a passenger in an Uber accident can be a frightening and confusing experience. You had no control over the situation, yet now you’re left dealing with the consequences – pain, medical bills, and lots of questions. The good news is that Texas law provides protections for innocent passengers like you, and there are clear steps you can take to safeguard your rights. Contact The Adley Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps toward recovering compensation and justice.

• Uber Passenger Accident Settlement Amounts in Texas
• Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
• Common Causes of Uber Accidents
• Uber’s Insurance Coverage in Texas
• Who Can Be Held Liable?
• Types of Compensation for Injured Uber Passengers
• Free Consultation for Uber Accident Victims

Average Uber Passenger Accident Settlement Amounts

One of the first questions many injured Uber passengers ask is, “How much is the average uber passenger settlement amount?” While every case is unique, it helps to know some averages for Texas. It is common to see Uber injury settlement in Houston and throughout Texas ranges between $15,000 and $40,000​. However, there are many factors that go into determining a settlement and the actual payouts can vary substantially.

Keep in mind: Settlements for Uber accident cases can vary widely. Some may be just a few thousand dollars, while severe injury cases involving surgeries or permanent disabilities can lead to six- or even seven-figure payouts. These are just averages, though, and every case is unique. The amount of compensation you may receive depends on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, available insurance coverage, and other specific details. An experienced attorney can evaluate your situation and offer a personalized estimate based on the unique circumstances of your case.

What to Do After an Uber Accident as a Passenger

In the aftermath of a crash, it’s hard to think straight. Try to remember these key steps, as they can significantly affect your safety and your potential injury claim:

1. Ensure Safety and Call 911: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt or there’s significant damage, call 911 immediately. Let the dispatcher know you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s wise to get medical professionals to the scene. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, so have a paramedic examine you. Prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also creates records linking your injuries to the accident.
2. Report the Accident to the Police and Uber: If 911 is called, police will arrive and create an official accident report. Give the officers a clear, factual account of what happened (avoid speculating on fault). That police report will be important for any future claim. Also, report the crash to Uber through the app or Uber’s support line. This ensures Uber is aware of the incident and can start the insurance claims process on their end.
3. Gather Information at the Scene: If you’re able, collect important information. Get the Uber driver’s name, phone number, and personal insurance details. Also note the vehicle make, model, license plate number, and the Uber driver’s license (you can take a photo of it if they agree). If another driver was involved, exchange contact and insurance info with them as well. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information in case their statements are needed later.
4. Document Your Injuries and Expenses: In the days following the accident, keep a file with all relevant documents. Save all medical records and bills (emergency room, hospital, follow-up visits, prescriptions, etc.). Also keep receipts for any out-of-pocket costs related to the accident (for example, medications or travel to medical appointments). If you miss work due to your injuries, keep track of those dates and any lost income. Writing down your recollection of the accident and keeping notes on your recovery can also be helpful when it comes time to make a claim.
5. Be Cautious with Insurance Adjusters: After the accident, you may receive calls from insurance adjusters – perhaps from the Uber driver’s insurer or Uber’s insurance administrator. It’s usually best not to give a detailed statement or accept any settlement offer without legal guidance. Adjusters might sound sympathetic, but their job is to protect the insurance company’s interests. It’s perfectly okay to politely decline detailed discussions until you have legal advice. Don’t speculate about fault or say that you’re “fine,” as those statements could be used against you later.
6. Consult an Uber Accident Attorney: As an injured passenger, you have rights – but securing fair compensation can be tricky when dealing with multiple insurance companies (Uber’s insurer, the Uber driver’s insurer, and possibly another driver’s insurer). An experienced personal injury attorney who has handled Uber accident cases can be a tremendous asset. They know how to navigate Uber’s insurance system, gather additional evidence (like traffic camera footage or app data), and handle all communications with the insurers for you. Even if you’re not sure you need a lawyer, it’s worth speaking to one about your options – especially if you suffered serious injuries.

Common Causes of Uber Accidents

In Houston and across Texas, many Uber and rideshare accidents are caused by driver error or carelessness behind the wheel. A rideshare driver might speed through busy Houston streets or along highways to stay on schedule, or drive while exhausted after logging long hours on Texas roads. Another major risk is distraction: drivers often need to check their Uber or Lyft app for navigation and new ride requests, or they might text or take calls while driving. Even a momentary glance at the phone or being preoccupied with the app can take a driver’s attention off the road, leading to a serious crash.

In Houston, unsafe road conditions and external factors can also lead to Uber accidents that put passengers at risk. Texas weather is unpredictable, so heavy rain or winter storms in the Houston area can create slick roads and poor visibility, making collisions more likely. The city’s roads themselves can be hazardous: large potholes, ongoing construction, and traffic congestion often force sudden stops or swerves. Even the most careful rideshare driver may be unable to avoid a crash if another motorist runs a red light, fails to yield, or otherwise drives recklessly nearby. These outside factors mean an Uber accident can happen even if the rideshare driver is careful and follows all the rules.

Uber’s Insurance Coverage For Injured Passengers

Uber’s insurance policies are designed to protect passengers and others in the event of an accident. As an Uber passenger in Texas, you are covered by substantial insurance anytime you are in an active ride. Here’s how it works:

• During an Uber Ride (Accepted Ride/Passenger Onboard): From the moment your Uber driver accepts your ride request until you are dropped off, Uber’s $1 million commercial insurance policy is in effect. This policy covers injuries and property damage if the Uber driver is at fault. Importantly, it also includes up to $1 million in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. That means if another driver crashes into your Uber and that driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, Uber’s policy will compensate you for your injuries (up to the $1M limit). In practical terms, if you’re hurt during an Uber trip, there should be up to a million dollars in coverage available, regardless of who was at fault.

Bottom line for passengers: If you’re injured during an Uber ride in Texas, Uber’s insurance is there to make sure your damages are covered. Whether the fault lies with the Uber driver or someone else, you should not have to pay out-of-pocket for your medical bills or other losses. There may be some back-and-forth between insurance companies (for example, Uber’s insurer might seek reimbursement from an at-fault driver’s insurer), but that is not something you need to worry about. Our attorneys will handle ensuring the correct insurance coverage is applied so that you receive full compensation for your injuries.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Uber Accident Injuries?

Determining liability (legal responsibility) after an Uber accident can be more complex than a typical car crash because multiple parties are involved. As an injured passenger, you did nothing wrong in most cases – you were just in the back seat along for the ride. But figuring out who is accountable for the accident (and therefore who should compensate you) is a crucial part of the claims process. Here are the parties that might be held liable:

• The Uber Driver: If your driver caused the crash through negligence (speeding, running a stop sign, distracted driving, etc.), they may be considered at fault. Even though Uber drivers are independent contractors, Uber provides a policy that covers passenger injuries in this scenario. During a trip, this coverage typically includes up to $1 million in liability protection. While you technically pursue a claim against the driver, the process is often handled through Uber’s provider rather than the driver’s personal coverage, since they were “on the clock.”
• Another Motorist (Third-Party Driver): If another vehicle’s driver caused the crash, that individual and their auto coverage are usually responsible for the damages. For example, if a drunk driver T-boned the Uber car, that driver is at fault, and a claim would be made against their auto policy. Additionally, Uber’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist protection can apply if the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage to fully compensate you.
• Uber or the Rideshare Company Itself: While Uber tries to shield itself from direct liability by labeling drivers as contractors, there are scenarios where it could still be implicated. If Uber failed to screen a driver with a dangerous driving record, or if a malfunction in the app contributed to the accident, one might argue Uber holds some responsibility. However, in most cases, you’re not suing Uber directly—you’re pursuing compensation through the protection Uber provides for its drivers.

Why Liability Can Get Complicated

Uber-related claims can involve several overlapping policies and legal questions:

• Multiple Claims and Carriers: As a passenger, you might be dealing with more than one company during your claim. For example, you could file with Uber’s carrier and also with a third-party driver’s. Each one may try to argue that the other should pay more—or entirely. These disputes can cause delays or reductions in your final settlement unless managed carefully.
• Driver’s Status and Coverage Conflicts: Whether Uber’s or the driver’s personal policy applies depends on the driver’s status at the time. Occasionally, personal auto policies may deny coverage if the driver was working commercially, which is when Uber’s backup protection steps in. Sorting this out often requires legal or professional guidance.
• Comparative Negligence: Texas’s modified comparative fault system means the degree of blame assigned to each party affects the final payout. While it’s rare, if a passenger is accused of contributing to the accident (such as interfering with the driver), it could reduce their compensation. If both drivers share fault, each may owe a portion of the damages. These legal nuances make identifying fault a critical—and sometimes disputed—part of the process.

Because of these complexities, pinpointing liability in a rideshare accident is best handled by an attorney who can thoroughly investigate. They may examine the Uber driver’s driving record, vehicle maintenance logs, app data, and even black box information from the vehicles involved to determine exactly what happened and who is truly at fault.

Types of Compensation for Injured Uber Passengers

An Uber accident can lead to a wide range of losses, and you have the right to seek compensation for all of them. Common categories of damages in a passenger injury claim include:

1. Medical Expenses: This includes all costs of treating your accident-related injuries. Examples are ambulance fees, ER visits, hospital bills, surgery, follow-up doctor appointments, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment you may need. Be sure to account for both current and reasonably anticipated future medical costs. If you will require ongoing rehabilitation or assistive devices (like a wheelchair or brace), those costs should be included in your claim.
2. Lost Income: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for your lost wages. This covers the salary or income you lost during the recovery period. Use pay stubs or employer statements to document time missed from work. If your injuries are severe and affect your long-term ability to work or your earning capacity, you may also seek damages for loss of future income or earning potential.
3. Pain and Suffering: Not all consequences of an accident are financial. Passengers can pursue compensation for their physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the accident. This can include compensation for things like chronic pain, scarring or disfigurement, anxiety, PTSD, or the overall impact the injuries have on your daily life and hobbies. While these damages don’t have a direct dollar cost, they are very real and can be a significant part of your claim. The extent and duration of your pain and emotional trauma will factor into the valuation of these damages.

Every case is different – you might have property damage (for instance, if your personal belongings like a phone or laptop were damaged in the crash) or other losses. A thorough evaluation of your claim will ensure that all types of damages you suffered are accounted for.

Free Consultation for Injured Uber Passengers – We’re Here for You

Dealing with the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be overwhelming. As a passenger, you might assume that insurance will automatically take care of everything. Unfortunately, it’s not always straightforward – multiple insurers may be involved, and each may try to minimize their payout. You deserve someone experienced on your side to make sure you are treated fairly. That’s where we come in.

The Adley Law Firm has years of experience advocating for injured rideshare passengers across Texas. When we take your case, we handle all the hard parts:

• We gather all evidence, from police reports and medical records to witness statements and any available video footage, to build a strong case.
• We communicate and negotiate with all relevant insurance companies on your behalf – you won’t have to deal with adjuster calls or insurance paperwork.
• We accurately calculate your damages (medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more) to make sure any settlement accounts for everything you’ve lost.
• We aggressively negotiate for a fair settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer an adequate amount, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and fight for you in court.

Our priority is to make sure you are not left paying the price for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

Why Choose Us? Located in Houston, The Adley Law Firm has helped clients throughout Texas recover the compensation they need after serious accidents. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for injured Texans, and our team is bilingual (English & Spanish) to better serve our diverse community. Most importantly, we work on a contingency fee basis – which means you pay nothing upfront and absolutely no fee unless we win your case.

After an Uber accident, time is of the essence. Evidence can fade, and the Texas statute of limitations (typically two years for injury cases) will limit how long you have to take action. Don’t delay in getting the help you need. Our experienced Uber passenger injury lawyers are ready to fight for you. Contact The Adley Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you take the next steps toward recovering compensation and justice. Whether your Uber accident happened in Houston or anywhere in Texas, we are here to help you through it.