Uber Technologies Inc. has filed a lawsuit against a group of lawyers, medical providers, and rideshare drivers in Florida, claiming they staged car accidents and faked injuries to exploit insurance policies. The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in South Florida, alleges that this scheme cost Uber "several million dollars" in legal fees.
According to Uber, the defendants conspired to create false medical claims and unnecessary treatments between 2023 and 2024. The company claims that five drivers named in the suit were bribed to stage accidents. These drivers allegedly took their vehicles to specific body shops to give the impression that the accidents led to real injuries.
Uber’s investigation into this fraud is still ongoing, but the company has already identified significant costs associated with defending against these fraudulent claims. The defendants have not yet responded to the lawsuit.
This is not the first time Uber has taken legal action against such practices. Earlier this year, the company sued a similar group in New York for engaging in comparable fraudulent activities. Uber is also investing heavily in advertising campaigns aimed at pushing for changes in insurance policies, which they believe will help lower rising insurance costs. These costs have been passed on to customers through higher fares, which has contributed to a slowdown in Uber’s rideshare business in the U.S.
Adam Blinick, who manages Uber’s public policy and communications in the U.S. and Canada, stated that fraudulent activities ultimately harm consumers. He emphasized the company’s commitment to protecting its users and hinted at the possibility of further legal actions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
The case is officially titled Uber v. Law Group of South Florida et al, and it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by rideshare companies in combating fraud and protecting their business.