Contents
Can taxi or Uber passengers claim after an accident?
Yes. Passengers are considered innocent parties, even if the driver they were with was at fault.
Why passengers have strong claims:
- Passengers have no control over driving decisions.
- You don't need to prove fault - that's between the drivers/insurers.
- Claims can be made against your driver's insurer, the other driver's insurer, or both.
- Contributory negligence (reduced compensation for being partly at fault) rarely applies to passengers.
Who is responsible for compensating passengers?
The taxi/Uber driver's insurer (if they caused the accident)
If your driver was at fault - speeding, failing to stop, dangerous driving - their commercial insurance covers your claim.
The other driver's insurer (if another vehicle was at fault)
If another vehicle caused the accident by pulling out, rear-ending, or otherwise being negligent, you claim against their insurance.
Occasionally shared liability between insurers
If both drivers were partly at fault (e.g. 50/50 or 70/30), insurers may share compensation. Your solicitor handles this - you don't deal with multiple insurers.
The good news for passengers:
Even if liability between drivers is disputed, passengers can often claim against either or both insurers. Solicitors typically issue claims against all potentially liable parties, letting insurers sort out who pays what.
What evidence helps in a taxi/Uber passenger claim?
Booking confirmation or receipt
Uber app receipt showing driver name, vehicle, route, and time. For traditional taxis, receipt or booking reference from taxi company.
Vehicle/driver licence number
Taxi licence plate (displayed in vehicle), driver badge number, or Uber driver profile details. Take photos if possible.
Police reference (if reported)
Incident reference number if police attended. Police reports may include statements from drivers and witnesses.
Medical records
A&E attendance, GP notes, physiotherapy, any ongoing treatment. Seek medical attention immediately even if injuries seem minor.
Witness accounts
Other passengers in the taxi, pedestrians, drivers of nearby vehicles. Names, numbers, and addresses if possible.
Photos and dashcam footage
Scene photos, vehicle damage, road conditions. Some taxis and Ubers have dashcams - request footage promptly as it may be overwritten.
Communication with the taxi company or Uber
Keep records of any messages, emails, or app communications reporting the accident.
Do time limits apply?
Yes, generally 3 years from the accident date.
Scottish time limits:
- Adults: 3 years from the date of the accident.
- Children: 3 years from their 16th birthday (so until age 19).
- Late discovery: If injuries weren't immediately apparent, time may run from when you reasonably became aware.
Don't delay: Evidence becomes harder to gather. Uber trip data may be deleted, taxi company records may be archived, and witness memories fade.
What injuries do taxi/Uber passengers commonly suffer?
Common injuries depend on collision type and seating position:
- Whiplash and neck injuries: From sudden braking or rear-end collisions, especially common in rear passengers.
- Head injuries: Impact with seat in front, window, or roof. Can range from bruising to concussion or more serious trauma.
- Seatbelt injuries: Bruising, fractured ribs, or internal injuries from seatbelt restraint during impact.
- Fractures: Arms, wrists (from bracing), legs, ribs from impact or compression.
- Back and spinal injuries: From impact forces, particularly in side or rear collisions.
- Soft tissue damage: Muscle strains, ligament tears, bruising throughout the body.
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety about using taxis/Ubers again, PTSD, especially if collision was serious.
- Cuts and lacerations: From broken glass, mobile phones, or items within the vehicle.
What compensation can taxi/Uber passengers claim?
Injury compensation (general damages)
Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity based on injury type, severity, and recovery time.
Lost earnings
Time off work, reduced hours, or inability to return to previous role due to injuries.
Medical expenses
Private treatment, physiotherapy, counselling, prescriptions, medical equipment.
Travel costs
Taxis to medical appointments, public transport if unable to use usual transport, or additional travel costs during recovery.
Taxi fare refund
The fare you paid for the journey where the accident occurred.
Damaged property
Mobile phone, laptop, clothing, bags, glasses, or other items damaged in the collision.
Care and assistance
If injuries prevent you from managing daily activities, care costs can be claimed.
What should I do immediately after a taxi/Uber accident?
1. Check for injuries and seek medical help
Call 999 if anyone is seriously hurt. Even if injuries seem minor, attend A&E or see your GP soon after.
2. Note driver and vehicle details
Driver name, taxi licence number, company name (for traditional taxis). For Uber, your app already has these details.
3. Take photos
Scene, vehicle damage (all vehicles involved), road conditions, your visible injuries.
4. Get witness details
Other passengers, pedestrians, occupants of other vehicles. Names and contact numbers.
5. Report the accident
To police if serious. To Uber via the app. To taxi company if traditional taxi.
6. Keep your receipt/booking confirmation
Essential evidence that you were a passenger in that specific vehicle at that time.
7. Keep all medical records and receipts
Hospital letters, GP notes, prescriptions, travel costs to appointments.