As an Uber passenger, you were a non-participant in whatever caused the crash. You didn't cause it, and Arizona law treats you accordingly — you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver, from Uber's insurance, or both, depending on the circumstances.
When the Uber driver was at fault
Once a ride has been accepted and you're in the vehicle, Uber maintains a $1 million per-occurrence commercial liability policy. If your Uber driver caused the crash through speeding, distracted driving, running a red light, or any other negligent behavior, you can make a claim against that policy as an injured passenger. You don't need to sue the driver personally — the insurance claim proceeds against the policy.
When another driver was at fault
If a third-party driver caused the crash, your claim is primarily against that driver's liability insurance. If that driver is uninsured or underinsured, Uber's UM/UIM coverage applies to supplement what the third-party insurer pays, up to Uber's policy limits. As a passenger, you also retain the right to pursue your own UM/UIM coverage as a secondary source.
What a passenger injury claim can recover
Medical expenses past and future, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are all recoverable. As a passenger with no fault in the crash, comparative fault typically isn't an issue for your claim — the entire focus is on the at-fault party's liability and the available coverage.
After a crash as an Uber passenger
Report the incident through the Uber app immediately — this creates a record. Call 911. Get the Uber driver's name and license plate and photograph the vehicle. Get the other driver's information if one was involved. Seek medical care even if you feel okay. Don't give a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with an attorney.
The filing deadline
Arizona gives most personal injury victims two years from the accident date (A.R.S. § 12-542). See our post on the Arizona personal injury statute of limitations.
Our rideshare accident attorneys handle Uber passenger claims throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale on a contingency fee basis. No fee unless we win. Call (480) 418-SHER (7437) or reach out online.