Nowadays, there are thousands of Uber drivers taking over the road to provide transportation. Taking Uber rides can be a very convenient and cost-effective way of getting from one place to another. However, it’s important to note that Uber drivers aren’t exempted from road accidents. When this happens, you might be in shock and have no idea what to do next and where to go for help.
Thus, if you find yourself in an accident with an Uber driver, keep reading this article to learn what you should do from the get-go.
Medic examining injured man with serious damages sitting in the car after the road accident, providing emergency medical assistance
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Getting involved in an Uber accident can be a challenge because you may be shaken up and scared. During this time, you need to stay calm and as level-headed as possible so that you can clearly think about the best ways to handle your situation. Hence, if you believe you’ve been injured in the accident, be sure to seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. This is to avoid any complications that might arise if you don’t get yourself treated. Also, when you get yourself examined by a physician, it will be easy for you to ask for a copy of your medical records in case you need them for your injury claim.
- Document the Accident
It’s important to note that gathering pieces of evidence that prove the liability of the other party can be a great help when seeking compensation for your injuries. Also, it’s one of the essential steps in the personal injury claim process that you need to understand. Therefore, find time to document the accident by getting the information of everyone involved, including the Uber driver, other driver, and any passengers, if any.
Moreover, if possible, take some photos and videos of the accident scene. Lastly, it’s also for your best interest to talk to anyone who witnesses the accident and gather their information.
- Call a Lawyer
Unlike other types of car accidents, being an injured victim in an Uber accident can tricky due to liability issues. Although you want to blame the Uber driver for the accident and let their personal insurance answer for the damages, it might not still be possible because most personal insurance policies don’t cover instances where the driver is doing a commercial activity such as carrying passengers using an Uber vehicle. Also, in cases like these, it’s possible for the Uber company to deny insurance claims using the defense that they’re not registered as a transportation company.
With those being said, it’s important to find an experienced Uber accident attorney to provide you with valuable legal advice. With them on your side, they can advise you on the things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure the success of your claim. For example, they can help explain the following common situations faced by the injured parties in an Uber accident:
- The Uber Driver Wasn’t at Fault – In the event the Uber driver didn’t cause the accident, you, as the injured party, can go after the other driver of the vehicle for compensation for your injuries.
- The Uber Driver Was at Fault – Under the law, ride-sharing companies such as Uber should have $1 million worth of insurance for personal injuries and property damage caused by their drivers. Because of this, you can file a lawsuit against the Uber company on the ground of negligence. However, this process should be taken seriously because you need to prove several circumstances before you can run after them.
In addition, having a lawyer for your accident means they will represent you in all insurance negotiations and more importantly in all court proceedings after filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Report the Accident
After documenting the accident and hiring a lawyer, the next step is to report the accident to the different parties involved. These can include your insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company, and Uber. Typically, it’s important to make these reports as quickly as possible to avoid missing the necessary deadlines. Most insurance companies observe specific time frames in which you need to notify them and make a claim after an accident. For example, the Uber company requires the filing of an Uber accident form before you can assert your right and file a personal injury lawsuit claim to get money for your injuries.
Hence, if you want to make sure you can obtain the compensation you deserve, report the accident immediately to the designated insurance companies. Doing this can increase your chances of financial recovery.
Conclusion
Getting into an Uber accident can be a confusing and traumatic experience, especially if you have no idea what to do. However, by keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your rights and interests are protected from start to finish.
