It is questionable if "independent contractors" that do 100% of their work for Uber will be considered such. In general, companies are responsible for accident

It is questionable if "independent contractors" that do 100% of their work for Uber will be considered such. In general, companies are responsible for accidents caused by employees performing work duties under the respondeat superior doctrine. Notice that the "performing work duties" part has been stretched pretty far in cases; a drunk driver coming from a company party where alcohol was served could still cause liability for the company.