Uber Driver Accident

According to Business of Apps, Uber has over 93 million users, making it the most popular ridesharing app. With so many active users and drivers, naturally, there will be more cars on the roads, increasing the chances of an Uber driver accident.

Unfortunately, car crashes can happen anywhere and at any time, so preparing for them can be difficult. Therefore, it’s in a rider’s best interest to know what to do in the event of an accident.

Formulating and executing a plan of action will ease the process of filing a personal injury claim with Uber or the rideshare company that was responsible for the crash. Interested in learning more? This guide will teach you everything you need to know about what to do if you are involved in an Uber driver accident.

Make a Police Report

The first thing that you’ll always need to do in an Uber accident (or any accident for that matter) is to file a police report. Make sure that you call the police to the scene of the accident right away. If you are injured and need medical assistance, make sure they know to send paramedics as well.

Next, inform the police of all of the details you can remember, like the time the accident took place, what the driver was doing right before the crash if another driver ran a red light that led to the crash, and if there were any witnesses present.

It’s important that you report and document as much information as you can because it’s more difficult to remember these little details as more time goes on. Therefore, write down everything regarding the accident and be descriptive. However, do not share these additional details with the insurance company until you have consulted with a lawyer.

Additionally, take photos and videos of the accident scene. This includes photos of your injuries and photos of the accident itself. Details such as the license plate and make and model of the cars involved are also important to keep note of for future reference. The location and weather are also important details that will be needed.

These photos will serve as proof of how the accident took place and can help you in the long run.

Seek Medical Attention

It is always important to seek medical attention after an accident. This is especially true if you are in an Uber accident because of the complex insurance policies.

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is not seeking medical attention right away because they feel physically fine. In reality, you may actually have an injury you are unaware of because the symptoms have not yet manifested. Not only can this delay proper treatment for your condition, but it can also make it easier for Uber to get out of providing compensation.

For example, let’s just say you have whiplash but don’t develop symptoms for several weeks. Uber can then make the claim that these injuries stemmed from a different factor and the accident isn’t to blame.

This can prevent you as a victim from receiving the compensation you deserve and add much more stress to the entire situation. Overall, whether you have symptomatic injuries or not seek immediate medical attention. Doctors will provide documentation that you can use towards your case which will strongly aid in your compensation from Uber.

Make an Uber Report

Next, you will want to report the accident on the Uber app. Uber has a 1 million dollar insurance policy to cover property damages and injury costs. However, there is a process that must be followed in order to qualify for these terms.

Because Uber drivers are independent contractors as opposed to regular employees, Uber is more likely to deny full compensation or reject a claim entirely.

In some cases, Uber will refuse to cover the full amount for your injuries. This can often happen if the accident was the driver’s fault. That’s why documenting when the accident initially happens is so important.

Also, be sure to take note of other significant information regarding your Uber driver. This includes their contact information and insurance information. Even though the app typically provides some information, it’s still in your best interest to get it directly.

Consult With a Lawyer

So, you’ve documented the case and sought medical attention. After this, you will want to get in touch with an Uber accident lawyer.

Another big mistake victims will make is accepting offers or negotiations with those involved in the accident and insurance companies. This deal may seem fair on the surface or you may want to make things easy and just get the whole thing over with.

However, this is the wrong way to go about things. The accident lawyer will ensure that you are properly compensated for your claim and are not being cheated out of any money by a third party.

The accident lawyer will go over all of the details of the accident like property damage and injuries. They will also make settlements with the others who were involved in the accident. Your Uber driver’s insurance will usually go towards your injuries and the rest will be taken care of through Uber’s 1 million dollar insurance policy.

So, if you want to increase your chances of recovering compensation, consider working with an accident lawyer.