Scenario: I asked a passenger to stop vaping in my car. He snapped, punched me in the side of the head, and broke my jaw before jumping out at a red light. I was left with a $12,000 ER bill and unable to drive for six weeks. I assumed Uber’s insurance would cover my medical bills—I was wrong.
Key Takeaways
- Workers’ Comp Gap: As an Independent Contractor (1099), you do not get Workers’ Compensation. If you get hurt on the job, the medical bills are 100% yours unless you have specific coverage.
- Liability vs. PIP: Rideshare liability policies protect the passenger, not you. They do not cover the driver’s injuries from an assault.
- Optional Protection: Uber and Lyft offer “Optional Injury Protection” (OIP) in some states for a per-mile fee. It is often the only thing that will pay your bills.
- Health Insurance is Key: Your private health insurance is your primary defense here, but high deductibles can cripple you.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Independent Contractor Status
Because you are not an employee, the TNC has no legal obligation to pay for your injuries resulting from a workplace hazard (the passenger).
In 2026, standard auto insurance “Medical Payments” (MedPay) or “Personal Injury Protection” (PIP) might cover you, but only up to small limits (e.g., $5,000). Once that runs out, you are on the hook. Additionally, many personal PIP policies exclude injuries sustained while operating a vehicle for hire unless endorsed.
[IMAGE: Screenshot of the “Optional Injury Protection” enrollment screen in the driver app]
The Investigation: Coverage Options
I evaluated the three main ways a driver can get paid after an assault.
1. Optional Injury Protection (AIG / Atlantic Specialty)
- Cost: roughly $0.03 per mile.
- Benefit: Pays up to $1 million in medical expenses and disability payments (replacement income) up to $500/week.
- My Analysis: This is the closest thing to Workers’ Comp available. If you drive full-time, you need this.
2. Personal PIP / MedPay
- Cost: Included in personal auto policy.
- Benefit: Usually low limits ($2k – $10k).
- My Analysis: Good for a bruised arm, useless for a broken jaw or surgery.
3. Victim’s Compensation Funds
- Cost: Free (State run).
- Benefit: Varies by state. Can pay medical bills for victims of violent crime.
- My Analysis: A slow bureaucratic process. Do not rely on this for immediate bills.
Comparison Table: Medical Coverage for Drivers
| Coverage | Covers Assault? | Income Replacement? | Cost |
| Rideshare Liability | NO | NO | Included |
| Personal Health Ins. | Yes | NO | High Monthly |
| Optional Injury Prot. | Yes | Yes (capped) | ~$0.03/mile |
| Workers’ Comp | No (Not eligible) | No | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Police Report is Mandatory: You cannot claim insurance or victim funds for an assault without a police report filed immediately.
- Enroll in OIP: Check your app settings under Insurance. If “Optional Injury Protection” is off, turn it on. It costs pennies per ride and can save you thousands.
- Seek Medical Attention: Do not “tough it out.” You need documentation of the injury severity immediately to link it to the incident.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer: If the passenger has assets (unlikely, but possible) or if the TNC failed to screen a known dangerous user, you may have a lawsuit.
FAQ
Does the passenger’s insurance pay?
Only if you sue them personally and they have homeowners or renters insurance that covers their liability (unlikely for intentional acts like assault).
Does Uber pay for my lost income while I heal?
Only if you signed up for the Optional Injury Protection. Otherwise, no. You are an independent contractor; if you don’t drive, you don’t earn.
Can I carry a weapon for self-defense?
Rideshare Terms of Service strictly forbid carrying firearms. If you use one, even in self-defense, you will be permanently deactivated.