Did you know that each year more than two million people are injured in automobile accidents? A good percentage of these accidents now involve rideshare driving options like Uber and Lyft.
Anyone who’s ever been in a car accident knows that sorting it out is complicated. Sadly, when Uber is involved the process gets even more complicated.
That’s why we made this guide to walk you through everything you should do in the event of an Uber accident. That way, you have the best odds possible to get the compensation that you deserve. Let’s get started!
1. Make Sure Everyone Is All Right
Before anything else, you need to make sure that everyone involved in the accident is okay. First, do this with everyone in the vehicle including your driver. Then, get out and make sure the scene is safe.
Once you’ve confirmed that it’s safe, check on the other people involved in the accident. If anyone needs medical attention, or they’re unconscious, then call an ambulance immediately.
2. Call the Police
Even if no one was hurt you’re still going to want to call the police and report the accident. They will then send someone out to your location. This is important for two reasons.
One, in many states you’re legally required to report the accident to the police. Two, you will need a copy of the accident report when getting your insurance claims.
3. Report the Accident to Uber
You should also report the accident immediately with Uber or whatever rideshare app you used. It’s important to not assume that the driver will report it. If the driver is responsible, then there’s a good chance that they could be fired from their position.
As such, they might try to not report due to fear of retaliation. You can report the accident using the “Trip Issue” feature on the app. This will also put you in touch with the insurance information you need from Uber.
4. Document Any Evidence
A lot of things can change in the time it takes police to arrive on the scene. Cars will likely be moved and it might be difficult to tell who caused the accident. So, to prevent this make sure to take as many pictures and videos of the accident site as you can.
You should also reach out to any witnesses on the scene that may have seen the accident unfold. Ask for their phone numbers in case you need to reach out to them as a witness.
Next, get the Uber driver information from your driver and any insurance/ contact information from the people involved in the crash.
5. Get a Copy of the Police Report
Once the police arrive on the scene they’ll begin filling out an accident report. This is a document that’s supposed to contain objective information about the crash.
Once the officer is done filling out the report, ask for a copy of it. If they can’t provide it to you, then you can pick it up later at the police department HQ.
6. Go to the Hospital (Even If You Think You’re Alright)
Next, you should visit the hospital, or at least a Patient First facility, as soon as you can. You should do this even if you feel fine after the accident. You can sustain internal injuries that might not be immediately identifiable.
Other injuries, like whiplash, can develop more in the days following the accident. Remember that this isn’t just to confirm that you’re alright. It also establishes a paper trail link between the accident and any injuries that you might have sustained.
7. Refuse Offers or Negotiations Until You Speak to a Lawyer
One thing that makes Uber accidents complicated is the number of parties involved. There’s the driver, the insurance companies, and Uber, all of which will likely try to minimize the amount of money that they owe you.
Typically, a representative will reach out to you and try to settle things immediately. It’s important to not discuss any details relating to the crash or your potential injuries with these representatives.
Instead, tell them that you’re in the process of finding an attorney. And, when you do, that individual will handle all discussions related to settlements.
8. Get In Touch With a Legal Professional
Now, it’s time to find a legal expert that can help you with these settlements. Negotiations can be difficult and the insurance companies will likely try to fight you on every nickel and dime.
As such, you want a lawyer that has experience with these types of cases. If you need a suggestion, then look no further than Daniel Kim.
He’s the best auto accident lawyer in the business and he can help you get the compensation that you deserve from the accident.
9. Seek Compensation From the Driver’s Auto Insurance or Uber
Once you find a lawyer you can begin the legal process required to seek compensation. This will vary from case to case. It depends on who’s responsible for the accident and the extent of your injuries.
However, it likely will involve negotiating with insurance companies or Uber to reach a fair settlement for the damages caused. It’s fairly rare for these cases to go to trial.
Want More Content? Keep Reading
We hope this article helped you learn the steps you should follow in the event of an Uber accident. No one ever expects that they’ll be in an accident. However, no matter how competent your driver is, you can never prevent reckless drivers from hitting them.
As such, you should always be prepared for an Uber accident in case it happens. However, as long as you follow the advice in this article, then you should be good.
Did you enjoy this article? If the answer is yes, then you’re in the right place. Keep exploring to find more topics that you’re sure to love.
