Who is Responsible For Covering Medical Expenses After an Uber Car Accident?

Stethoscope lying on scattered U.S. dollar bills, symbolizing medical expenses after an Uber accident and the struggle over who pays the costs.

When you hop into an Uber, you expect to get to your destination safely. However, what happens when your Uber gets into an accident instead? An Uber car accident can leave you with significant injuries and related costs, so you’re likely asking: Who is responsible for covering your medical expenses?

The short answer is that it depends on the details of your crash. However, don’t try to rely on Uber to get you what you need. Justin Drazin, the attorney behind UberHurtMe.com, witnessed firsthand how Uber tries to get out of paying their passengers what they need after they’ve been injured. In fact, he created UberHurtMe.com and is now dedicated to going up against the company himself.

If you were injured in an Uber accident and need help covering your medical expenses, here’s what you need to know:

How Uber’s Insurance Coverage in New Jersey Works

Uber’s insurance policy offers coverage to passengers and third parties who are injured. However, the amount of coverage is dependent on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the crash and what they were doing.

For example, if a driver was en route to pick up a passenger or was already transporting one, then Uber’s $1.5 million commercial policy is in effect. This coverage extends to both injuries and property damage. If an Uber driver is not transporting a passenger or on their way to pick one up, but is active in the app, then Uber’s policy covers up to $50,000 per person, up to $100,000 per accident, and up to $25,000 for property damage. The caveat? This coverage is only available if the driver’s insurance does not fully cover the damages.

Finally, if you were injured in an Uber accident and the driver was not logged into the platform, then Uber will not offer any coverage. Instead, you would have to turn to your own personal injury protection, or PIP, as the only source of coverage for your expenses.

On the surface, these coverages don’t sound too bad. But in reality, Uber will do anything it can to deny or delay your claim, making you cover your out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, the corporation may try to use tactics such as claiming the Uber driver violated one of its policies, and therefore, it can’t offer coverage. This is why, if you’re injured, having an attorney who knows how to handle these common tactics is crucial.

The Impact of New Jersey’s No-Fault System

New Jersey is a no-fault state when it comes to motor vehicle accidents, including those involving rideshares like Uber. Under this no-fault system, drivers who are injured in a crash must turn to their personal injury protection to cover their medical expenses first, even before trying to access Uber’s insurance coverage.

Unfortunately, your personal injury protection has limitations and in many cases, does not provide enough money to cover long-term medical expenses associated with serious injuries. Between this reality and the fact that Uber tries to skirt liability, it can leave you feeling frustrated.

Uber Accidents Often Lead to Significant Injuries

Uber car accidents aren’t minor incidents. They often result in catastrophic injuries, including:

Internal injuries
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones and fractures
Significant lacerations
Scarring

While this is not an exhaustive list, these injuries are often catastrophic and, in many cases, require ongoing treatment. The effects of a concussion, for example, can linger for years, leading to a devastating condition known as post-concussion syndrome. This can lead to ongoing headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, sleep disruptions, fatigue, and cognitive impairment.

In a case like this, what seemed like a minor injury that would heal in a few weeks turns out to be a persistent medical condition. Uber doesn’t account for the severity of these types of injuries, and the payout the company offers (if any at all) does nothing to account for the lifestyle changes and ongoing pain and suffering you have to endure.

Why Legal Guidance Is Critical After an Uber Car Accident

New Jersey’s no-fault system, coupled with Uber’s coverage, makes these types of personal injury claims all the more complicated. And, as noted above, the injuries you might sustain following an Uber accident can be serious and your recovery extensive. Uber will try to argue that your personal injury protection is enough, when, in reality, PIP coverage (if you have it) barely makes a dent in the medical bills you have piling up.

Attorney Justin Drazin created UberHurtMe.com for this very reason. When both insurance carriers are pointing the finger at one another instead of helping you, he steps in to stop the nonsense. He will:

Identify all the insurance coverage options available to you, leaving no stone unturned to secure the compensation you need for your injuries
Obtain strong evidence, including medical records and ride data, that supports your injury claims
Handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies when they try to skirt liability and minimize payouts
File a personal injury lawsuit and take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to play fair and pay you what you’re owed

Let Justin Drazin Help You Recover Compensation for Your Medical Expenses Following an Uber Accident in New Jersey

If you were injured in an Uber accident, don’t wait for the company to do the right thing. They won’t. In fact, they will even try to force mandatory arbitration to remove your ability to share your case in front of a jury.

However, with the right legal help, you can share your story and get the compensation you need on the road to recovery. Call Justin Drazin at 732-333-8141 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. These Uber accident cases are personal to him. He is dedicated to not letting New Jersey residents deal with Uber’s negligence.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.