What happens if I’m in an Uber car accident?
What happens if my Uber driver gets in an accident?
Uber is now a familiar part of everyday transport across Queensland and the rest of Australia. With thousands of drivers on the road, accidents do occasionally happen, and they can be confusing for passengers who are suddenly caught up in a rideshare car accident.
If your Uber driver is involved in a car accident and you are injured, you may be eligible to bring a motor vehicle accident claim in Queensland. This means you may have the right to pursue car accident compensation through the state’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Scheme. As with other motor vehicle accidents, your entitlement will depend on the circumstances of the crash and who was at fault.
30 second claim check
Try our 30 second claim check or contact us to get help
Accredited Lawyers
Am I covered by insurance as a rideshare or Uber passenger?
If you are injured while travelling in an Uber or other rideshare vehicle, you are covered in the same way as you would be in any other motor vehicle accident on Queensland roads. All Uber drivers are required to hold Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance, which covers Uber drivers and protects rideshare passengers, pedestrians and other road users for injuries caused in an accident.
This means that if your Uber driver crashes or is involved in a crash, you can make a claim for the injuries you have suffered, whether they are physical or psychological. Uber also has a $20 million liability policy that applies to every trip. This provides an extra safeguard if, for any reason, the driver’s CTP insurer does not accept your claim.
These protections are in place to make sure passengers have access to compensation when accidents happen during a rideshare trip.
What to do if you’re injured during an Uber trip
Step 1: Ensure safety and call emergency services if needed
- Call 000 if anyone is injured, traffic is blocked, or hazards are present.
- Move to a safe location if possible.
Step 2: Seek medical attention promptly
- Even if symptoms seem minor, see a doctor (GP, emergency department, or ambulance if required).
- Tell them it was a motor vehicle accident involving an Uber – medical reports are essential for CTP claims.
Step 3: Gather details at the scene
- Exchange names, contact details, and vehicle registrations with all drivers.
- Note the Uber driver’s details and confirm they match the driver shown in the app.
- Collect insurance information if available.
Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and road conditions. - Obtain witness names and contact details.
Step 4: Report the accident to Queensland Police
- Police must attend if someone is injured, vehicles need towing, or traffic is obstructed.
- If police don’t attend, you must lodge an online Report a Traffic Crash form with QLD Police. The police report number is often required for your claim.
- Accurate crash reporting is important. Make sure the incident is formally recorded and keep a copy of the police report number for your records.
Step 5: Notify Uber through the app
- Go to “Your Trips” on the Uber app
- Select the trip
- Select trip Issues: “I was involved in an accident.”
- Provide details and upload any photos.
- Uber’s claims support team will then contact you and liaise with the CTP insurer.
Step 6: Identify the CTP insurer
- Every registered vehicle in Queensland has Compulsory Third Party insurance.
- You can search for the CTP insurer of the vehicle at maic.qld.gov.au using the registration number.
- If the vehicle is uninsured or unidentified, claims go through the Nominal Defendant.
Step 7: Lodge your motor vehicle accident claim within the time limits
- Lodge a Notice of Accident Claim Form within 9 months of the crash, or 1 month after consulting a lawyer.
- A common law claim for damages must usually begin within 3 years.
- If the vehicle was uninsured or unidentified, you must lodge within 3 months (strict).
Step 8: Keep records of your injuries and losses
- Track medical treatment, rehabilitation, travel to appointments, time off work, and any support you need at home.
- This evidence strengthens your compensation claim.
Step 9: Get legal advice before signing or submitting documents
- Insurers may contact you for statements or medical authorisations.
- Before agreeing, seek advice so you understand your rights.
- You can contact us for guidance specific to your situation.
Seeking compensation? Use our quick 30-second compensation claim check to see if you may be entitled to make a claim.
How much compensation can I get for an Uber accident?
An Uber car accident is treated the same as any other motor vehicle accident in Queensland, which means compensation is assessed under the state’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. The amount you may receive will depend on your individual circumstances and how the crash has affected your life.
Compensation can take into account:
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
- Loss of income, including future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, as assessed under Queensland’s Injury Scale Value system
- Psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression or PTSD linked to the crash
- Domestic assistance or care needs if you require help during recovery
Depending on the severity of your injuries, entitlements may also include lump sum benefits where permanent impairment is established. Compensation is designed to cover personal injury of all kinds, including physical harm, psychological conditions and the need for ongoing support.
Factors that influence your payout amount
The amount of compensation available after an Uber accident will depend on who was at fault, the severity of your injuries and how they affect your day-to-day life. Even relatively minor injuries can have a significant impact if they prevent you from working or enjoying normal activities, which is why it’s important to understand the time limits that apply and which insurer is responsible for your claim.
The Personal Injury Lawyers can review your situation and guide you through the claims process. You can use our compensation calculator to get an idea of your potential claim, or contact us for advice specific to your case. With our no win, no fee guarantee, you can access clear legal guidance without upfront costs.
Common injuries after an Uber car accident
An Uber car accident can result in a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor symptoms to more serious or long-term conditions. Even low-speed crashes during a rideshare trip can cause injuries that worsen over time.
In some cases, symptoms may not appear immediately. It is common for pain, stiffness or psychological distress to develop in the days following a crash. Seeking medical attention early is important, both for your health and for properly documenting your injuries if you decide to make a claim.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Back, neck and spinal injuries
- Head injuries, including concussion
- Psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress
Time limits for Uber accident claims in Queensland
Strict time limits apply if you are injured in an Uber crash in Queensland. In most cases, a Notice of Accident Claim Form must be lodged within nine months of the crash, or within one month of first speaking with a lawyer about your injuries.
For common law damages claims, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to begin proceedings. If the vehicle at fault was unregistered or cannot be identified, shorter timeframes apply. Because these deadlines can affect your rights, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible after the incident.
Who pays compensation after a rideshare car accident?
Who pays your compensation will depend on the circumstances of the crash:
- If your Uber or rideshare driver was at fault – their CTP insurance coverage provider is responsible for your claim.
- If another road user was at fault – that driver’s CTP insurer will respond.
- If the at-fault vehicle was uninsured or unidentified – you may be able to claim through the Nominal Defendant, a government-backed scheme.
If multiple vehicles were involved, the insurers would work out liability between themselves. As a passenger, your entitlement to claim is not affected by these arrangements.
If you are the Uber driver
Uber drivers are treated as independent contractors, which means they do not have the same WorkCover Queensland protections as employees.
However, if you are injured while driving for Uber there may still be options available:
- If another driver caused the crash, you can lodge a CTP claim through their insurer.
- You may have cover under your own rideshare or accident insurance policy.
- In cases of serious or permanent injury, you may be able to access a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit through your superannuation fund.
The options available will depend on the details of the accident and the insurance arrangements in place. Obtaining advice early can help you understand your rights.
Special circumstances
Not every accident happens while you are seated inside the vehicle. You may still be covered if you are injured while:
- Entering or exiting an Uber
- Standing near the vehicle when another car collides with it
- Travelling with a child who is not in a restraint seat, as required under Queensland law
Pedestrians, cyclists and motorbike riders who are struck by an Uber vehicle are also covered by Queensland’s CTP scheme and may have the right to make a claim.
No win, no fee uber accident lawyers
The Personal Injury Lawyers operate on a no win, no fee basis for eligible Uber accident claims.
You won’t pay any upfront legal fees, and you only pay professional fees if your claim is successful. If your matter resolves successfully, fees are calculated in line with Queensland’s 50/50 rule.
Speak with our team to understand your options without financial pressure.
Need advice about a rideshare accident claim?
If you have been injured in an Uber car accident, getting the right advice early can make a real difference to your claim. Our team can explain your legal rights, help you meet the time limits that apply, and guide you through each step of the process.
Contact The Personal Injury Lawyers today to arrange a free initial consultation with our Queensland motor vehicle accident lawyers. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you can speak with us about your options without any upfront costs.
Uber Car Accident – FAQs
What if my Uber driver wasn’t the at-fault driver?
If your Uber driver was not the at-fault driver, your compensation claim is usually made against the CTP insurer of the at-fault driver instead. As a passenger, your right to make a claim is not affected by who caused the crash. Whether the Uber vehicle, another car, or multiple vehicles were involved, the relevant insurers will determine liability between themselves.
Does Uber’s insurance cover on-trip accidents?
Uber’s additional liability policy applies to on-trip accidents that are logged through the Uber app while the ride is active. However, personal injury claims in Queensland are generally made under the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme attached to the registered vehicle involved. The applicable CTP insurer, rather than the rideshare service itself, typically responds to injury claims.
What if I was driving my own vehicle as an Uber driver?
If you were injured while driving your own vehicle as part of a rideshare service, your options will depend on who caused the accident. If another driver was at fault, you may be able to make a CTP claim through their insurer. You may also have cover under your own rideshare or accident insurance policy. It is important to review your insurance arrangements carefully, as standard personal insurance policies do not always extend to commercial rideshare use.
Does my personal insurance company handle an Uber accident claim?
In Queensland, CTP insurance covers personal injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Your personal insurance company typically handles property damage to your vehicle, such as repairs or replacement. Injury claims and property damage claims are separate processes, even when they arise from the same crash.
With The Personal Injury Lawyers, your compensation claim is in great hands
The Personal Injury Lawyers are long-term and proud members of some of the organisations and groups below. We care deeply about the work we do, our staff and who we associate with.
Real 5 star client Google reviews
See hundreds of genuine 5 star ★★★★★ real reviews from those we have helped with work, motor and other injuries
No fake reviews here, we just work hard for great clients who leave honest feedback.