If you or a loved one has been injured as a passenger in an Uber accident, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Our Uber accident lawyers are experts in their field, and can help you access the support, rehabilitation and compensation you deserve.
Uber passenger accident claims are a type of personal injury claim brought by those injured during an accident which occurred while they were travelling in an Uber. The claims can be brought against a third party or the Uber driver themselves, depending upon the circumstances of the case and who is deemed responsible for the accident. In the UK, passengers in any type of vehicle cannot be considered legally liable for an accident.
If you’ve been injured as a passenger in an Uber due to someone else’s negligent or dangerous behaviour, whether it be your Uber driver or another road user, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Uber accident claims lawyers have a wealth of experience and a long track record of successful passenger accident claims; speak to the team today to find out if you have a claim.
Everyone who uses our roads has a responsibility to ensure that they do so safely, without putting themselves or others at risk. Unfortunately, accidents are all too common and often caused by negligent or dangerous behaviour.
Some of the most common types of Uber accident claims we see include injuries caused by:
A driver error, such as misjudging speed or under-braking
A lack of concentration on the road or failing to correctly judge movement of traffic
Dangerous driving, including speeding and failing to stop at traffic signals
Collision with a third-party, where the third-party was at fault
What can I claim for as part of an Uber accident claim?
The type of compensation you can claim as part of an Uber accident claim falls under two categories; general damages, and special damages.
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the extent of the injury caused, and by how quickly you are likely to recover, according to a medical expert.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs (if, for instance, you’ve been unable to drive).
Is there a time limit for making an Uber accident claim?
Under UK law, there are time limits to making a claim for injuries caused in accidents on the road. Usually, you must make a claim within three years of the date of the accident, though there can be exceptions to this rule.
For example, if the person injured was a child at the time of the accident (under the age of 18 in England and Wales), then their legal guardian may make a claim within three years, or the child themselves can make a claim after they turn 18. They then have three years from this date (up to their 21st birthday) to do so.
We strongly advise speaking to a specialist solicitor when thinking about making an Uber accident claim, as each case is unique, and the circumstances may dictate the time limits to which you must comply.
To start your Uber accident claim, get in touch with our team of experts today on 0330 041 5869 or fill in our online form. Our specialist Uber accident claims lawyers will review the details of your case and let you know straightaway if we think you have a claim.
Your dedicated solicitor will then take you through the claims process, explaining at each stage what will happen and what will be required clearly. We can help you collect all the evidence you’ll need to ensure your claim is successful and will be on hand every step of the way to answer your questions and provide expert legal advice.
What evidence do you need to make an Uber passenger accident claim
To start your claim as quickly as possible, it can be helpful if you have evidence of the accident to hand when you first contact us. If this isn’t possible, don’t worry – we can help you identify and collect any relevant information to support your case.
Evidence that can help could include:
Photos from the scene of the accident, including damage to vehicles or relevant road markings
Photos of any injuries caused by the accident
Medical records from your GP or the hospital
The details of the other party or parties involved (including vehicle information such as registration plate, make and model, where relevant) and any witnesses to the accident
You may also be asked to attend an appointment with an independent medical expert so that they can examine your injuries. They will then create a legal report for the courts, detailing the extent of your injuries and any impact they will have going forward.
Why choose our Uber accident claims lawyers
Experiencing an accident as a passenger in any vehicle can be harrowing, and you shouldn’t then need to worry or stress about seeking the compensation you deserve to help you get back on your feet. That is why our Uber accident claims lawyers are on hand to support and advise you on the necessary steps in pursuing your claim.
Our team is consistently ranked highly in reputable independent legal directories, such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500, and are among the best and most experienced injury lawyers in the country. We work closely with medical professionals to ensure each and every one of our clients receives the best possible outcome, both in terms of finances and future care. We also have an in-house rehabilitation coordinator, who is on hand to provide immediate support, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of road traffic accident solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of road traffic accident claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our road traffic accident solicitors today
Frequently asked questions about Uber passenger accident claims
What is Uber?
Unlike regular taxi companies, Uber doesn't describe itself as a 'private hire taxi firm' but as a 'ride-sharing service', connecting those needing a ride to drivers offering one. Uber customers use a smartphone app to submit journey requests, to which drivers equipped with Uber's technology platform can respond.
Uber considers drivers to be independent contractors rather than employees. All drivers must use their own vehicles and take out their own insurance, meaning Uber does not keep a check on the conduct of their drivers or the condition of the vehicles driven under the Uber brand.
How is Uber different from a traditional taxi company?
A private hire taxi company is classified by HMRC as a transport provider, with each of its drivers considered an employee. Uber, on the other hand, promotes itself as a ride-sharing service designed to connect self-employed drivers to passengers; it does not claim to provide the transport itself.
This is a significant distinction, as it raises into question who is responsible – or liable – when a road traffic accident occurs. However, in February 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that Uber drivers must be considered workers, rather than self-employed. This means Uber now has an obligation to ensure that both its drivers and the vehicles they use are safe, and that the company itself could be liable in the event of an accident involving one of its drivers.
Are Uber passengers insured in the UK?
Yes, they are. Uber has an extensive insurance policy in the UK which is designed to cover passengers in the event of an accident. The policy covers passengers for property damage and physical injury, though the exact circumstances of the accident may dictate the extent to which you are covered.
Do you get compensation if your Uber crashes?
If you’ve been in an accident in an Uber and have suffered an injury as a result, you could be entitled to make a claim against the party responsible. This could be your Uber driver, where their negligence caused the accident, or a third-party if the vehicle you were travelling in was struck through no fault of your driver.
How do I know if I’m eligible to make a claim for injuries sustained in an Uber accident?
If you have experienced an accident as a passenger in an Uber taxi, you will likely be eligible to claim compensation. This is because another party will be liable for the accident, whether that is the driver of your vehicle, or the driver of another vehicle.
To make a claim, you will need to provide that the party responsible acted in a negligent or dangerous manner, thereby causing the accident and resulting in your injuries.
Can I make an Uber accident claim if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt?
You can still make a claim for compensation if you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. However, this will be considered when determining the amount of compensation due, as not wearing a seatbelt will be seen as contributing to the extent for your injuries.
What should I do if I believe my driver caused an accident?
If you believe your driver has caused an accident, for whatever reason, you could be eligible to seek compensation against them for any damage or injury caused. You will, however, need to prove that your driver acted negligently; for instance, if they were speeding, using a phone, or driving dangerously.
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