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    I had an accident while working: who pays and what to do

    Factual guidanceFresh — reviewed 19 April 2026Sources: 7Next review: 18 July 2026
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    Take this with you

    Dated, pre-fillable checklist + your details — ready to show a rep or solicitor.

    In the next hour

    • Make the scene safe. Call 999 if anyone is badly hurt or the road is blocked.
    • Get the other driver name, registration, phone number, insurer and policy number. Take photos of vehicles, bikes, road layout, damage, traffic lights and the app screen showing you were on a job.
    • Do not admit fault at the roadside, even informally. Sorry and I was going too fast get repeated by insurers later.
    • Get witness names and phone numbers. They disappear fast.

    In the next week

    • See a doctor even if you think you are fine. A dated medical record protects any later claim. Most personal injury claims must be issued within 3 years of the crash under the Limitation Act 1980.
    • Report the crash to the platform through the app and to your own motor insurer. Not telling your insurer you were working can void cover.
    • Check what platform cover applies: Uber Partner Protection, Deliveroo/Bikmo accident cover (up to 50000 pounds for serious injury, up to 7500/year medical), Just Eat group personal accident, or Amazon block-period commercial cover.
    • Speak to a personal injury solicitor about no-win-no-fee funding. Your claim is usually against the at-fault driver insurer, not against Uber or Deliveroo. If the other driver is uninsured or drove off, ask about the Motor Insurers Bureau.

    In the next hour

    • Make the scene safe. Call 999 if anyone is badly hurt or the road is blocked.
    • Get the other driver's name, registration, phone number, insurer and policy number. Take photos of vehicles, bikes, road layout, damage, traffic lights and the app screen showing you were on a job.
    • Do not admit fault at the roadside, even informally. "Sorry" and "I was going too fast" get repeated by insurers later.
    • Get witness names and phone numbers. They disappear fast.

    In the next week

    • See a doctor even if you think you are fine. A dated medical record protects any later claim. Most personal injury claims must be issued within 3 years of the crash under the Limitation Act 1980.
    • Report the crash to the platform through the app and to your own motor insurer. Not telling your insurer you were working can void cover.
    • Check what platform cover applies: Uber Partner Protection, Deliveroo/Bikmo accident cover (up to £50,000 for serious injury, up to £7,500/year medical), Just Eat group personal accident, or Amazon block-period commercial cover.
    • Speak to a personal injury solicitor about no-win-no-fee funding. Your claim is usually against the at-fault driver's insurer, not against Uber or Deliveroo. If the other driver is uninsured or drove off, ask about the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

    Tools, guides and templates to use

    When to escalate

    Personal injury firms that handle gig cases: Fletchers, Irwin Mitchell, Leigh Day, Bott and Co (whiplash tariff specialists). Motor Insurers' Bureau at mib.org.uk for uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. Citizens Advice at citizensadvice.org.uk. If you are facing no income while you recover, see /what-if/broken-wrist-off-10-weeks.

    Last reviewed

    19 April 2026

    Primary sources used:

    • Research/S4-insurance/4.5-accidents-while-working.md
    • Research/Gap/G6.1-personal-injury-claims.md

    Before you leave

    Sources

    • Limitation Act 1980 (3-year personal injury deadline)
    • Uber Partner Protection cover
    • Deliveroo / Bikmo accident cover (up to £50,000)
    • Just Eat group personal accident cover
    • Amazon Flex block-period commercial cover
    • Motor Insurers' Bureau mib.org.uk
    • Citizens Advice citizensadvice.org.uk
    Fresh — reviewed 19 April 2026