Uber accident compensation claims

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, you could be entitled to make an Uber accident compensation claim.

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Uber accident claims

Uber Accident Claims

Ubers are a fast and convenient way to travel from one place to another. Ride-sharing has grown in popularity considerably within the past decade, and nowadays, many people prefer them over traditional taxis.

While Uber rides are usually safe, accidents can sometimes occur, either due to the negligence of the Uber driver, that of another driver, or poor road conditions.

If you or your child were injured in an accident involving an Uber, you might be eligible to claim compensation for your losses. These include your pain and suffering, any long-term impacts on your life and the related financial expenses.

The following guide will explain the criteria for making a claim, how the claims process works and how much compensation you could receive if your Uber accident claim is successful.

If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making an Uber accident claim, call 0800 470 0474 as soon as possible or enter your details here to request a free consultation.

Find out if you can claim

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    By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

    Can I make an Uber accident claim?

    Like all other drivers on UK roads, Uber drivers have a legal duty of care towards customers and must act with reasonable care to protect their health and safety. If you were injured during a ride and this wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make an Uber accident claim for personal injury.

    Furthermore, you can make an Uber claim even if another party caused the accident, as seen in the section below. To be eligible for compensation, your solicitor must be able to prove the following:

    • The defendant owed you a duty of care legally
    • They breached this duty through negligence
    • As a result, you were injured in an Uber accident

    A duty of care will typically be based on the Road Traffic Act 1988 or other legislation, such as the Highways Act 1980. Once this is established, your solicitor will help you gather evidence to support your claim and initiate negotiations with the liable party to get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

    What are Ubers?

    Uber is a global ride-sharing service that uses a mobile app to connect people who need a ride with drivers who are ready to offer one. The app locates available drivers nearby and matches them with passengers.

    Once a ride is requested, the driver arrives at the passenger’s location to pick them up. Payments for the rides are typically made through the app, which is linked to the user’s credit or debit card.

    Like most taxi drivers nowadays, Uber drivers are self-employed. They must own their own vehicles and take out their own insurance to cover any personal injuries caused to passengers and other parties. That means that Uber will not typically be held responsible in case of a road traffic accident claim involving an Uber taxi.

    Who could be liable for an Uber accident?

    Depending on the circumstances, various parties could be liable for the accident involving an Uber vehicle, including:

    • The Uber driver – If they caused the accident by acting negligently, which could include using a phone while driving, speeding, making unsafe lane changes or not obeying traffic laws.
    • The driver of another vehicle – A negligent or reckless driver of another car could also cause an Uber accident by speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield the right of way.
    • Another road user – A cyclist, pedestrian, or motorcyclist acting carelessly or unpredictably could cause a collision with your Uber and may be responsible for any injuries you suffer as a result.
    • A car manufacturer – If the accident was due to a vehicle malfunction, such as faulty brakes or steering leading to loss of control and a crash, the manufacturer may be liable for compensation under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
    • The local council – Your local council or highway authority is liable to pay your compensation if you were injured due to a road defect such as a pothole, missing signage or unmarked hazards.

    Common types of Uber accident claims

    Claims against Uber can arise from various scenarios, each involving different parties and circumstances. Some of the most common types include:

    • Uber passenger claims – Passengers can be injured during a taxi ride if there is a car accident, either due to the negligence of the Uber’s driver or that of another driver;
    • Driver injury claims – Uber drivers can also suffer injuries at work in the event of an accident and can make a claim for compensation if another party was at fault;
    • Claims involving pedestrians – Pedestrians can be injured in an Uber taxi accident and can suffer severe injuries, such as head trauma, internal bleeding and spinal damage;
    • Accidents involving other road users – Cyclists, motorcycle rides, and other drivers injured by an Uber driver’s negligence are also entitled to claim compensation for the resulting harm;
    • Single-vehicle accidents – Uber drivers can lose control of their vehicle and cause an accident with a stationary object, either due to speeding, driving under the influence, tiredness or other causes;
    • Claims for assault – If an Uber passenger is assaulted by their driver or another client, they can also make a claim, typically through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA);
    • Accidents caused by poor road conditions – Hazards such as potholes, icy roads, debris or spillages can also cause accidents during Uber rides;
    • Accidents caused by vehicle malfunctions – Mechanical failures and other defects in Uber vehicles can also cause accidents on the road.

    What injuries can you sustain from an accident in an Uber?

    You could suffer various injuries if you were involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle, either as a passenger or another road user. These range from minor to severe and include:

    • Whiplash, caused by a sudden jolt or impact due to the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head;
    • Cuts and lacerations from broken glass or sharp objects, which can lead to significant blood loss and infections;
    • Broken bones and dislocations from a forceful impact, especially if you were hit by an Uber as a pedestrian or cyclist;
    • Head injuries, which can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, caused by hitting your head against a hard surface;
    • Back injuries, such as herniated discs or spinal cord trauma, can lead to chronic pain or mobility issues;
    • Damage to internal organs, such as the spleen, liver or kidneys, can result from blunt force trauma and may need emergency medical care;
    • Chest injuries, such as broken ribs, bruised lungs or punctured lungs, can lead to significant pain and breathing difficulties;
    • Facial injuries like cuts or fractures can occur if your face hits the dashboard, seat, or other objects and may lead to disfigurement;
    • Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains and bruises affecting muscles, tendons and ligaments;
    • In severe accidents, you can suffer traumatic amputations, or you may need surgical amputation due to the extent of the injuries;
    • Psychological trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be due to the emotional impact of the incident;
    • In the most severe cases, an Uber accident can cause fatal injuries and result in death.

    Can I make a road accident claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?

    If you were involved in a road accident as a passenger in an Uber taxi and you were not wearing your seatbelt, that does not mean you are no longer eligible to claim compensation. If you find yourself in this situation, you will still be entitled to make an Uber claim.

    While wearing a seatbelt is vital for your safety and required by law, it will not affect your right to compensation, as it would not have stopped the accident from happening. However, you may receive a reduced award to account for your own negligent behaviour. The courts generally advise the following:

    • A 25% reduction of the compensation award if the injuries would have been avoided by wearing a seatbelt;
    • A 15% reduction if your injuries would have been less severe;
    • No reduction of the compensation payment if wearing a seatbelt would have made no difference towards your injuries.

    What evidence is needed to support an Uber claim?

    If you were injured in an Uber taxi and want to make a personal injury claim, you need evidence to show how the incident occurred, the harm caused by the accident and how it has affected your life. This may include:

    • Photographs or videos taken at the scene of the accident – You should take these before anything is moved or tampered with, from various angles;
    • Dashcam footage – This can prove the exact circumstances of the accident and help establish liability;
    • Medical records – You should seek immediate medical care following the accident, even if your injuries do not seem serious at the time. Copies of your diagnostic tests, doctor’s notes, treatment plans and other medical reports will help prove the extent and nature of your injuries;
    • Expert testimony – Your solicitor may arrange a free medical exam with a medical specialist who will assess the impact of your injuries on your life and your future care needs;
    • Witness statements – You should ask for the contact details of anyone who saw the accident, as they can help support your claim if liability is denied;
    • Driver details – Ask for the name and contact details of your Uber driver, as well as any other drivers involved in the accident, if that’s the case;
    • Your diary – Keep track of how the injuries sustained in an Uber accident have affected your life. Note down the pain and suffering you endured, as well as any workdays and events you had to miss as a result;
    • Financial documents – You also need evidence of monetary losses and out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical bills, payslips, receipts and invoices.

    Once you have all the evidence you need to start the claims process, your solicitor will contact the defendant and try to negotiate the best Uber compensation amount on your behalf.

    What is the time limit to make an Uber accident compensation claim?

    Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to make an Uber accident compensation claim. The time will start from the date of the accident or when you became aware of your injuries (the date of knowledge). Your claim will no longer be valid after three years, with the following exceptions:

    • Child injury claims can be brought by a parent or legal guardian any time before the child’s 18th birthday, no matter when the accident occurred. Once they turn 18, the injured child has until their 21st birthday to start a claim on their own.
    • If the injured party cannot handle a claim against Uber due to a severe injury or a pre-existing condition such as autism, the limitation date is suspended. A litigation friend could claim on their behalf without a time limit.
    • If you lost a loved one after being injured in an Uber accident, you have three years from when they passed away to seek compensation.

    How much compensation can I claim for injuries sustained in an Uber?

    The amount of Uber accident compensation you may be entitled to will depend on the specifics of your accident and the harm suffered as a result. Each case is unique, so it is impossible to say how much your claim could be worth without knowing your circumstances.

    Your personal injury lawyer will ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation owed to you by including two types of damages in your settlement:

    General damages refer to the subjective losses you incurred due to the accident, such as:

    • Physical pain and suffering
    • Physical and mental disability
    • Emotional and psychological trauma
    • Loss of consortium or companionship
    • Scarring and disfigurement
    • Loss of enjoyment of life and ability to engage in hobbies and activities you used to love

    Special damages refer to financial losses and expenses incurred due to your road traffic accident. These could include:

    • Medical costs such as prescriptions or private healthcare costs
    • Rehabilitation, counselling and physical therapy
    • Loss of earnings from taking time off work during recovery
    • The cost of repairing or replacing personal property damaged in the accident
    • The cost of care and assistance needed during recovery
    • Travel expenses to and from medical appointments

    Keeping detailed records and documents of all related losses is crucial to ensure the maximum Uber compensation award. You can get an idea of how much you could receive for your injuries by referring to our online compensation calculator.

    Can I make a No Win No Fee personal injury claim against an Uber driver?

    If you are eligible to make an Uber accident claim, your solicitor will help you claim compensation on a no win no fee basis. Under this agreement between you and your lawyer, you only pay legal fees if your case is successful.

    This means you do not have to pay anything upfront to start your claim, and the solicitor takes on the risk of litigation. If you win, they are entitled to a success fee of up to 25% of your settlement. If you lose, you do not pay them anything.

    If your claim is unsuccessful, the After the Event (ATE) insurance policy that your lawyer will take out on your behalf will protect you from costs and disbursements such as court fees, medical reports and expert witnesses. The ATE will also cover the defendant’s solicitors and expenses, so you will not be left out of pocket if your claim is unsuccessful.

    To find out if you can claim for an accident in an Uber taxi, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online claim form to request a free case assessment.