Been in an Uber Accident? Ridesharing apps like Uber have changed the way we get around. Today, Uber is more accessible and safer than most regular taxis. Yet, accidents can still happen—even with a high amount of earned trust put into these services.
If you are in an Uber accident as a passenger, knowing what to do can be mind boggling. How can you ensure your rights are protected, and you get compensation for any injuries or trauma? All of that while also processing the stress and confusion of a crash?
The answer is knowing ahead of time what to do.
Right After the Accident
The moments immediately following an accident are vital for your safety—-and for any claims you might decide to file later.
Your health comes first. If possible, take a moment to check in with yourself and those around you for injuries. Check for both minor and severe injuries or bodily hard.
Don’t hesitate to call 911. It’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor, even if you’re not feeling any pain right away. Adrenaline and other factors can mask injuries for hours or even days. Issues like whiplash or a concussion may not be obvious until well after the accident. So get checked, even if it doesn’t feel necessary in the moment.
Once you’re sure you’re ok, collect as much information from the accident as possible. Capture photos of the accident scene, including damage to the cars, the state of the road, and any visible injuries on yourself or others. Get the contact information of the Uber driver, the other drivers, and any witnesses around—this can help later if you need to put a case together for compensation.
Uber has a process for reporting accidents. In the app, look for the “Help” button and choose the trip in which the accident occurred m. From there, report the facts and details of the crash as accurately as possible. Uber’s customer support will then start looking into everything, and you can periodically check for updates.
Uber has a robust and very thorough insurance policy. However, you should still let your personal insurance company know you’ve been in an accident. Even if you weren’t behind the wheel, personal insurance benefits may help cover any additional expenses or gaps in medical coverage.
What is Uber’s Insurance If You’re in an Accident?
When you ride with Uber, you’re protected by their commercial insurance policy. It offers up to $1 million in liability coverage for injuries while you’re on a trip. So, if you get into an accident during your ride and are a passenger, you can count on having your medical bills, lost income, and other related expenses taken care of.
Filing a Claim With Uber
You’re safe, you’ve received medical attention, and you’ve gathered the necessary information about the accident. What’s next? The next step is to file a claim. Filing a claim may seem easy, but the process can be pretty tricky.
As a passenger, you’ll usually file a claim against Uber’s insurance instead of the driver’s coverage.
Even though you weren’t driving and aren’t at fault, it’s a good idea to understand how liability works in rideshare accidents. The responsibility could fall on your Uber driver, another driver, or even several parties. Your compensation will rely on who is ultimately deemed responsible for the accident.
Maximizing Your Settlement
To get the most out of your compensation, keep thorough records of all your expenses and losses. This should cover medical treatments, prescription costs, physical therapy, and any time you missed from work. Documenting how your injuries impact your daily life can also help when seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
Stay organized and keep all relevant documents—this is one of the best ways to ensure you get the highest settlement possible.
Legal Help
Handling an Uber accident claim by yourself can be challenging, especially when you’re up against a big insurance company or a complicated liability situation. Having a lawyer can make a big difference.
As Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers explains, “In the aftermath of an Uber crash, the role of an attorney specializing in rideshare accident claims can be pivotal in ensuring that victims receive the financial compensation they deserve.”
A skilled rideshare accident attorney can handle all communications with insurance companies, help gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement. That way, passengers can focus on the most important thing: healing.
Conclusion
Getting into an Uber accident as a passenger can throw you into a loop and cause a lot of stress. If you take the proper steps, however, you can protect your rights and get compensated for the ordeal.
To handle the tricky parts of your case and get the best settlement possible—especially in the case of serious injury—it’s a good idea to consult an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. A law firm with specific insights into these kinds of accidents can allow you to focus on healing while ensuring your claim is in good hands.
