Passenger or the driver in an Uber accident? Learn who can file an injury claim, what insurance applies, and when Uber’s coverage may help.
Uber accidents raise a common and confusing question for injured people in St. Louis: If an Uber crash happens, who is actually allowed to file an injury claim—the passenger, the Uber driver, or both?
The short answer is often both, depending on the facts of the crash. However, the insurance coverage, claim process, and challenges can differ significantly based on your role in the accident and what the Uber driver was doing at the time.
Chris Hoffman is an excellent attorney. He is the best above the rest. What makes him different? He communicates promptly - I don't have to leave message after message for him to reach out to me. When I telephone his office, if he doesn't answer the telephone, his assistant does. Chris Hoffman is very attentive and focused. He means business, and he hit the ground running on the cases. I'm so blessed to have him for my attorney.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Why Uber Accident Claims Are Different From Regular Car Accidents
Unlike standard car crashes involving two personal vehicles, Uber accidents involve layers of insurance coverage that change depending on the driver’s app status.
Uber drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. Because of this, Uber’s insurance applies only in certain situations—and insurance companies often dispute responsibility.
Understanding who can file a claim starts with understanding when Uber’s coverage applies.
Can an Uber Passenger File an Injury Claim?
Yes. Uber passengers can almost always file an injury claim if they are hurt in a crash. Passengers are typically in the strongest legal position because they are rarely at fault.
Common Scenarios Where Passengers Can File a Claim
You may be eligible to file a claim if you were injured while:
Riding in an Uber
Entering or exiting an Uber
Injured by another vehicle while riding in an Uber
If another driver caused the crash, the passenger may also have a claim against that driver’s insurance.
Can an Uber Driver File an Injury Claim?
Yes. Uber drivers may also be able to file injury claims, but coverage is more complicated. Unlike passengers, Uber drivers may share fault or face insurance disputes over whether Uber’s coverage applies.
Uber Driver App Status Matters
Insurance coverage depends heavily on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash:
1. App Off (Not Working)
Uber provides no coverage
The driver must rely on personal auto insurance
Claims may be denied if personal policies exclude rideshare activity
2. App On, No Ride Accepted
Uber provides limited liability coverage
Lower policy limits apply
Gaps in coverage are common
3. Ride Accepted or Passenger in Vehicle
Uber’s full commercial policy may apply
Higher limits are available
Claims are more likely—but still often disputed
What If Another Driver Caused the Uber Accident?
If another vehicle caused the crash, both Uber passengers and Uber drivers may be able to file claims against:
Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (in some situations)
Insurance companies may argue over:
Fault percentages
Coverage priority
Whether injuries are related to the crash
Do You Need a Lawyer for an Uber Accident Injury Claim?
Not every Uber accident requires legal representation. However, many injured people contact a lawyer when:
Injuries require medical treatment
Insurance companies delay or deny claims
Liability is unclear
Multiple insurers are involved
An attorney can help determine:
Which insurance policies may apply
Whether coverage limits are sufficient
How to document injuries properly
Talk to a St. Louis Uber Accident Lawyer for Free
If you were injured as an Uber passenger or Uber driver in the St. Louis area, a free consultation can help clarify your options. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., you work directly with Attorney Christopher Hoffmann—not a call center or case manager. Call us at (314) 361-4242 or visit our online contact form to get in contact with us today.
