By Bert McDowell Injury Law – Your Legal Advocate in the Uber Era
In a world where convenience rules and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have replaced the traditional taxi stand, one uncomfortable truth often goes unspoken: accidents happen. But when your Uber driver gets rear-ended—through no fault of their own—you’re left asking: Who’s responsible? Who pays? What are my rights as a passenger?
These questions aren’t theoretical. They hit hard in the real world, where hospital bills and insurance adjusters show up long before justice does. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we cut through the noise, advocate for real people, and hold negligent parties accountable.
📞 Call us at (475) 529-2634 for a free consultation
📍 Serving Bridgeport and all of Connecticut
When you’re a passenger in an Uber, you’re not in control of the vehicle—but you’re still vulnerable. Rideshare drivers may follow the rules, but they can’t control what the car behind them does. And in the legal world, being rear-ended typically signals clear-cut negligence—yet in a rideshare context, insurance, liability, and compensation are far from simple.
Let’s break down what really happens after a rideshare rear-end collision—and what you can do to protect yourself.
Here’s what many passengers don’t realize: Uber provides insurance coverage that varies depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash.
Offline (App off):
Online, Waiting for a Ride (Period 1):
Uber provides limited liability coverage:
$50,000 per person
$100,000 per accident
$25,000 for property damage
Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle (Period 2 & 3):
So if your Uber driver was rear-ended while transporting you, you’re likely covered by that $1 million policy. But don’t expect Uber to voluntarily hand you a check—that’s where legal representation becomes key.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to protecting your health and your legal claim if your Uber driver is rear-ended while you’re a passenger.
First, check yourself and others for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, get out of the vehicle and move to a secure location. Call 911—even if the damage seems minor.
A police report is critical. It creates an official record, identifies parties involved, and documents who rear-ended the Uber. That report is invaluable evidence.
Take photos of:
All vehicles involved
License plates
Your injuries
Road conditions
Traffic signals or signs
Uber driver’s name and vehicle info
Names and numbers of any witnesses
Screenshot of your Uber trip details
Use the “Help” section of the Uber app to report the incident. This ensures there’s a record on Uber’s end, which is crucial for rideshare accident claims.
Even if you feel okay, see a doctor. Injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions often emerge hours or days later. Medical records help prove damages in your claim.
In most cases, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is liable. That means the person who struck your Uber will likely be held accountable.
However, multiple claims could be in play:
Under Uber’s commercial policy
Through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, if necessary
But here’s the catch: insurance companies often downplay passenger injuries. Don’t let them.
Insurance companies have lawyers. So should you.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we:
Handle all communication with insurance companies
Prove liability using accident reports, witness statements, and expert analysis
Calculate full compensation—including future medical expenses and lost wages
Negotiate or litigate aggressively so you’re not left with medical debt
We fight for clients across Connecticut—because your health, time, and future aren’t negotiable.
📞 Call (475) 529-2634 | No fee unless we win
🧑⚖️ Your consultation is 100% free
As a passenger injured in an Uber crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
🚑 Medical expenses – ER, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions
💼 Lost wages – For time missed at work
📉 Reduced earning capacity – If your injury limits your job options
😣 Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress
🧠 Mental health treatment – For PTSD, anxiety, or trauma
🔧 Property damage – To personal items like phones or bags
Rear-end collisions aren’t always “minor.” They can lead to long-term complications. Common injuries include:
Whiplash – Neck and shoulder pain from sudden impact
Concussions – Often caused by the head striking the window or seat
Spinal injuries – Including herniated discs and nerve damage
Knee or hip injuries – From bracing during impact
Emotional trauma – Especially after high-impact crashes
Being rear-ended while riding in an Uber isn’t just disruptive—it can change your life. But here’s the truth: you have rights, and you deserve full compensation. Don’t rely on Uber. Don’t trust the insurance company to play fair. Get an advocate who knows how to win.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we dig deeper, move faster, and push harder. You focus on recovery—we’ll handle the fight.
📞 Call (475) 529-2634
🌐 Visit www.bringonbert.com
📍 Offices in Bridgeport | Serving all of Connecticut
💼 No win, no fee | Free case evaluations