Uber makes it easy to request a ride with a few taps on an app, but when something goes wrong, getting compensated isn’t so simple. Passengers assume Uber will step in to cover medical bills and lost wages, but rideshare accident claims can turn into a battle with corporate insurance companies that want to pay as little as possible.
Unlike a typical car crash, where an at-fault driver’s insurance handles the damages, Uber accident claims involve multiple layers of insurance, driver status disputes, and policies designed to protect Uber rather than injured passengers.
If you were hurt in an Uber accident in Tacoma, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, you may be entitled to fair compensation—but you’ll likely face obstacles that don’t exist in regular auto accident claims.
At Freeman Law Firm, Inc., we fight for those injured Uber passengers and others harmed in rideshare crashes. Call (253) 383-4500 to speak with a Tacoma Uber accident lawyer.
Download your free copy now to discover invaluable insights into the PI claim process.
If you’re in a typical car accident, things are relatively straightforward. You exchange insurance information, file a claim, and the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
That’s not how it works with Uber.
Rideshare companies have structured their entire rideshare services business model to protect themselves, not passengers. Uber drivers are independent contractors, not employees, which means Uber tries to avoid direct responsibility when accidents happen. If an Uber driver runs a red light and causes a crash, Uber won’t automatically step in and take financial responsibility. Instead, passengers and other victims get bounced between different insurance companies, each trying to avoid paying the full claim.
Uber advertises a $1 million insurance policy for accidents involving their drivers, but getting access to that money isn’t as easy as it sounds. Insurance adjusters many times look for ways to deny or reduce claims, arguing that:
This isn’t like filing a claim after a fender bender. The process can drag out for weeks or months, and without an experienced attorney, it’s easy to accept a low settlement without realizing what you’re actually owed.
If Uber’s insurance company is delaying, stalling, or offering you less than what you need for medical bills and recovery, a Tacoma Uber accident lawyer can step in and handle the claim for you.
Some parts of Tacoma are more dangerous for Uber passengers than others. If you’ve taken a rideshare downtown or near the Tacoma Dome, you’ve probably seen the way Uber drivers navigate the area—stopping suddenly, cutting across lanes to reach a pickup spot, or blocking traffic in places where other cars don’t expect them to be.
When a tacoma rideshare accident happens in one of these areas, the location itself can be a factor in proving what went wrong. Some streets have security cameras, and some businesses have footage of their parking lots. Witnesses are more common in high-traffic areas, and in some cases, the exact place where an accident happened can influence who is found at fault.
Uber accidents differ from other car crashes because multiple insurance policies may apply. The amount of coverage available depends entirely on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the crash. Under Washington car accident laws, the at-fault party is responsible for covering damages, but in rideshare cases, insurance disputes can make determining liability more complex.
Uber provides limited liability coverage:
Uber’s $1 million insurance policy is in effect and covers:
Even when Uber’s policy applies, insurance adjusters may challenge injury claims by arguing that the accident wasn’t properly reported or that the injuries were pre-existing. Because Washington follows Washington Pure Comparative Negligence rules, a passenger can recover compensation even if they are partially at fault, though their recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
Uber’s corporate structure and incentive system can play a direct role in a crash, but insurance companies rarely admit that up front. Instead, they focus on downplaying the driver’s fault or arguing that other factors caused the accident.
Uber’s insurance provider isn’t in the business of paying full settlements unless they have to. Passengers without an attorney typically accept whatever amount is offered, even if it doesn’t cover all of their medical bills or lost income.
A lawyer can fight these tactics by:
Passengers shouldn’t assume that Uber will step in and do the right thing. Like any billion-dollar company, its first priority is limiting financial exposure—not making sure accident victims get what they deserve.
Uber may be a rideshare company, but when an accident happens, it operates more like an insurance provider. The personal injury claims process in an Uber accident case is slow, frustrating, and designed to pay out as little as possible. Victims who try to handle a claim on their own usually face unnecessary roadblocks.
Uber’s insurance provider is not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to protect the company, not to make sure you get a fair settlement. Going up against a billion-dollar corporation without an experienced accident attorney puts you at a disadvantage.
You don’t have to take them on alone. Our firm has experience handling complex Uber accident claims, fighting back against lowball offers, and making sure injury victims recover the full compensation they are owed. While you focus on healing, we handle everything—from negotiating with insurance adjusters to pursuing a claim if Uber refuses to pay what your case is worth.
Call (253) 383-4500 or send us an email today to discuss your case. The consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless we win for you. There’s no risk, no upfront costs—just the guidance you need to get the results you deserve.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Viewing or using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with Freeman Law Firm, Inc. Case results depend on specific facts and cannot be guaranteed. For legal guidance for your individual situation, contact our office for a consultation.
