You came back from a quick errand…and your car is damaged.
No note. No driver in sight. Just a dent, scratches, or worse.
Then you find out—it was an Uber.
Now what?
Don’t worry. Here’s how to handle it step by step (without the legal headache).
First—Take a Breath (Then Start Documenting)
Before anything else, gather as much information as you can.
Take photos of:
- The damage to your car
- The surrounding area
- Any debris or paint transfer
- Nearby cameras (homes, businesses, traffic cams)
If anyone saw what happened, get their contact info. Witnesses can make a huge difference.
Was It a Hit-and-Run?
If the Uber driver left the scene without leaving a note or contacting you, this could be considered a hit-and-run.
In that case:
- Call the police and file a report
- Provide any details you have (time, location, possible vehicle description)
Even if you don’t have much info, a police report helps create a paper trail for insurance.
Try to Identify the Driver
If you’re lucky, you might be able to track down the driver through:
- Nearby security footage
- Witnesses
- License plate info
- Local businesses or neighbors
If the driver is identified and they were driving for Uber at the time, that’s where things get more interesting.
Why Uber Status Matters
Just like other rideshare accidents, insurance depends on what the driver was doing at the time.
App Off
- Only the driver’s personal insurance applies
App On (Waiting for a Ride)
- Uber provides limited coverage
On a Trip or Heading to Pick Someone Up
- Uber may provide up to $1 million in coverage
So if an Uber driver hit your parked car while actively working, there’s a good chance more coverage is available than in a typical accident.
What If You Can’t Find the Driver?
This is where your own insurance might come into play.
You may need to file a claim under:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- Or collision coverage
Not ideal—but it can still cover repairs depending on your policy.
Will You Be Considered At Fault?
In most parked car situations—no.
If your car was legally parked, it’s usually clear that the moving driver is responsible.
However, insurance companies may still look at things like:
- Where your car was parked
- Visibility (e.g., poorly lit area)
- Local parking rules
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system (see Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323), so even small arguments about fault can affect payouts—but in parked car cases, that’s typically minimal.
Don’t Rush to Accept a Quick Payout
If the driver or an insurance company reaches out quickly, be cautious.
They may:
- Offer a fast (but slow) settlement
- Try to avoid involving Uber’s larger policy
- Downplay the damage
Make sure you understand the full cost of repairs before agreeing to anything.
The Bottom Line
If an Uber hits your parked car:
- Document everything right away
- File a police report if it’s a hit-and-run
- Try to identify the driver
- Determine whether they were actively driving for Uber
- Be cautious with insurance offers
Need Help Sorting It Out?
Even something as simple as a parked car accident can get complicated when rideshare companies are involved.
At Cueria Law Injury Lawyers, we help people figure out who’s responsible and how to recover what they’re owed, without the runaround.
Reach out today for a free consultation.
