Uber drivers are technically "independent contractors" who operate under the Uber banner. Under this classification, the Uber driver's auto insurance policy would be liable for accident injuries. 

Many insurance policies, however, refuse to cover an accident if the driver was operating in a “commercial” capacity unless the driver has a commercial driver’s license and policy.

If the driver’s insurance company denies the claim, Uber offers liability insurance under certain conditions:

• During period 1, when the driver is logged in but has not accepted a ride, Uber covers up to $50,000 per person, up to $100,000 per accident, and up to $25,000 in property damage.
• During period 2, when the driver has accepted a trip, liability coverage increases to $1 million.
• During period 3, when the rider is in the car, liability coverage extends up to $1 million, with limited coverage for property damage and uninsured motorist coverage.

Your options after an Uber accident depend on two factors: 

1. Your role in the accident (were you the driver, passenger, or third party?) 
2. Which party caused the accident

Usually, the party who caused the accident is liable for damages. Keep in mind that Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, however. That means that each driver’s insurance pays for their own medical bills after an accident, regardless of fault, up to a certain limit. 

There may be other damages, however, that are not covered by your individual insurance company (such as pain and suffering or lost wages), or your policy limits may not be enough to cover the extent of your medical damages. Then you may need to file a claim with the at-fault party. 

Here are some examples: 

• A third party was at fault: If another driver hit the Uber car you were riding in, you and the Uber driver would seek medical damages from your own insurance policies. If you have other damages, you would file claims with the at-fault party’s insurance company. 
• The Uber driver was at fault: Again, each person’s insurance pays for their own medical bills. For other damages, whether you were a passenger in the Uber car, a driver in another vehicle, or a pedestrian or cyclist hurt in the accident, you would file a claim with the Uber driver’s insurance company. Should that claim be denied, you would file a claim with Uber’s insurance. Remember that Uber’s rules will apply. Was the driver transporting a passenger at the time of the accident? That will affect the amount of compensation that may be available through Uber’s insurance.
• There was shared fault: Pennsylvania has comparable fault rules, which means that as long as you are not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can seek damages (besides initial medical damages) from the party that carries the majority of the fault.

As you can see, these cases can become complicated, particularly when the driver’s insurance isn’t adequate and you have to file a claim with Uber’s insurance. This is where an Uber accident attorney can help. 

As noted above, after an Uber accident, you would file a claim with your own insurance provider first for medical expenses, and file the at-fault party’s insurance provider for additional damages. 

Keep in mind, however, that insurance companies are most concerned about their profits and may try to pay you less than you deserve. This is why you may want to hire an Uber accident attorney. He or she will represent your interests and fight to achieve the best outcome for you.

The types of compensation that may be available to you (depending on your circumstance) after an Uber accident include the following: 

• Medical damages: This includes current and future medical bills, as well as physical therapy and long-term care if needed.
• Lost wages: If your injuries keep you from being able to work, you can seek compensation for your lost wages. 
• Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries are severe enough that they will keep you from returning to your job, you deserve compensation for this.
• Disability and disfigurement: If you were paralyzed or otherwise disabled in the accident, or if you suffered from injuries that resulted in permanent disfigurement, you can make a claim for these damages. 
• Property damages: If you were driving another car that was hit by an Uber driver, you can claim your property damages. The same would be true if you were riding a bike or motorcycle, as long as the Uber driver was at fault.
• Pain and suffering/emotional distress: Though these damages can be more difficult to quantify, your Uber accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to support this claim. 

Loss of consortium: If you are hurt or disabled to the point that you can no longer provide the support and companionship to your partner or spouse that you did before, your partner or spouse can claim loss of consortium.

If you were in another vehicle that was involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle, you may be able to recover damages from the Uber driver or another at-fault driver as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. The police report as well as other evidence will help determine fault. If you disagree with their findings, an Uber accident attorney can help. 

Whether you’re an Uber passenger, an Uber driver, or another driver, seeking immediate medical attention is paramount following an Uber accident in Pittsburgh. Even if you “feel fine,” it’s best to call 9-1-1 and have yourself checked for whiplash, herniated discs, meniscus tears, and other latent car-accident injuries.

If you’re an Uber passenger involved in a collision, you may want to do the following…

• Use your phone to snap photos and videos of the crash scene and property damage, if possible.
• Make note of the driver’s name and information and contact info of other parties involved.
• Try to get the contact information of any eyewitnesses who saw the crash.
• Do not assume the Uber driver’s policy will cover your injury claim. You may need a Pittsburgh lawyer to fight.

If you’re an Uber driver hit by another vehicle, you may want to do the following…

• Call 9-1-1 to file an accident report and seek medical attention, even if the damage seems minor.
• Take photos, looking particularly for skid marks or lack thereof. Get witness contact information.
• Get the other driver’s license plate number, insurance provider, and contact information.
• Be careful what you say, resisting the bait to apologize or admit liability for the crash.
• Contact Uber to find out if you are allowed to continue driving for them during the investigation.
• Call your insurance provider to find out who pays for the accident.
• Contact a Pittsburgh Uber accident attorney to negotiate for compensation.

If you’re driving another vehicle and get struck by an Uber driver, you may want to do the following…

• Get the names and contact information of all witnesses.
• Take as many photos of the accident scene and cars involved from different angles as possible.
• Call the police from the accident scene to file a report, insisting that the Uber driver stick around.
• Contact a law firm to represent your best interests, particularly when dealing with insurers.

Because Uber drivers are independent contractors and drive their own vehicles, the insurance works differently than it would for say, a taxi service. 

All Uber drivers in Pittsburgh must maintain their own insurance policies as per state laws. If you are in an accident with an Uber driver and they are determined to be at fault, you can make a claim with the Uber driver's individual insurance (for damages over what your own policy covers for medical damages). 

If that insurance isn’t adequate to cover your injuries, Uber also provides additional insurance to cover accidents involving its drivers. Keep in mind that the rules mentioned above apply. The amount of compensation available depends on whether the driver was logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident, and whether they had accepted a trip or were carrying passengers.

If the driver was not logged into the app at the time of the accident, Uber cannot be held liable. Your only option then is to seek damages from the driver's insurance company.

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This is the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania. Once that time passes, you can no longer seek compensation. 

It’s best not to wait that long, however. Most insurance companies reserve the right to deny your claim if it’s not submitted within a reasonable amount of time. (How long that is varies depending on the insurance provider.) 

You also don’t want the facts of the case to go cold. Gathering evidence about the accident is easiest early on. After that, witnesses may forget details, videos may be erased, and other types of evidence may be more difficult to obtain.