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Millions of people use Uber for transportation because it’s a convenient way to get around without worrying about driving and looking for parking spots for their cars. Unfortunately, the widespread use of rideshare services makes accidents involving Uber vehicles inevitable. When the worst happens, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath may impact your well-being and your right to seek compensation.
According to a study by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, ridesharing services account for an approximate 3% annual increase in traffic fatalities. Although Uber aims to provide a solution to DUI-related car accidents, its drivers sometimes become part of the problem. Uber drivers also get involved in other types of traffic incidents, including running red lights, speeding, and reckless driving.
Uber accidents can be stressful and confusing. You must navigate a complex web of laws and regulations surrounding rideshare services as you deal with injuries, file insurance claims, and understand your legal rights and options. Whether you’re a driver, third party, or passenger in an Uber accident, you must take precautions to keep yourself safe. It may also be helpful to understand the steps you can take to protect your rights, including pursuing damages through a personal injury claim.
What Should You Do If You Get Into An Uber Accident?
If you get injured in an Uber accident, you should consider the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Check For Injuries
Safety should be your priority. First, check for any injuries you may have sustained in the accident. Check for any bruising or cuts on your body. You might not be able to feel them at the onset because of the adrenaline, but you still have to check if you’re alright. After doing so, ask if the other occupants are okay. If you’re an Uber passenger, check on the driver as well.
Before getting out of the vehicle, assess your surroundings to see whether it is safe to exit. Once outside, find a safe spot to call and wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Call 911
Dial the emergency hotline or call local law enforcement for help after a traffic accident. It is crucial to have police at the scene to manage traffic and minimize tensions between those involved. Additionally, they will create an accident report, which can help you establish the order of events if you pursue a personal injury case.
When speaking with the operator, describe the scene and any injuries as accurately as possible so they can send the appropriate help. Seek medical attention when the paramedics arrive, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline and shock can mask pain and injuries, and what may seem like a minor body ache could be a life-threatening condition. Bruising on your abdomen, for example, could be a sign of internal bleeding or organ damage. Seek immediate medical attention for these severe bodily injuries.
Document The Accident
If you are injured in an Uber accident, you can support your claim by documenting as much information as possible about what happened. You and your personal injury lawyer may need this evidence later when you file a claim.
Be sure to take plenty of photos or videos of the accident scene. Focus on capturing the vehicles’ positions on the screen, any damage sustained, and nearby traffic signs. Additionally, take note of any relevant details, such as road conditions and weather, at the time of the accident.
Lastly, include critical evidence that might disappear quickly, such as skid marks or debris. These can provide valuable clues about what happened. All this evidence can help the authorities and your Uber accident lawyer determine who may be at fault and clarify the roles of the other parties involved.
Gather Relevant Information
Ask for everyone’s names, contact details, and insurance information from the crash. This includes the Uber driver, other drivers, their passengers, and bystanders.
You must also get the details of the witnesses to the accident. Your Uber accident lawyers may need to contact them later to help corroborate your story.
Seek Further Medical Help
You should see a doctor right after the accident, even if your injuries seem to be minor. Getting a more thorough medical evaluation can help you understand the severity of your injuries and prevent further complications. Many injuries can manifest after an accident, while some signs and symptoms may appear days or weeks afterward. For instance, victims who sustain brain injuries may not necessarily feel anything wrong with them until their condition worsens.
Furthermore, failure to seek medical treatment might hurt your claim. The insurance company might argue that the accident did not cause your injuries or that they weren’t as severe as you claimed. You might not have medical records to prove otherwise.
Contact An Uber Accident Lawyer
If you’re injured in a rideshare accident, reach out to experienced Uber accident lawyers near you. Skilled attorneys for Uber accidents can help you identify whose insurance covers your injuries. Your lawyer, who will handle your Uber claim, can assist you in seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, physical therapy costs, chiropractic visits, time spent recovering, and even childcare costs.
Your Uber accident lawyers will also deal with the insurance companies by showing proof of the responsible party’s negligence and negotiating on your behalf. They will work to help you pursue appropriate compensation from all parties accountable for your losses.
Being represented by Uber accident lawyers may also help you avoid the pitfalls of the insurance claims process. Your personal injury attorneys can help you refrain from signing documents or saying something that can harm your claim. They can also help you protect your rights against the opposing parties and their insurers, who may dispute their liability.
Filing An Insurance Claim After An Uber Accident
After an Uber accident, you may file an insurance claim to potentially recoup your expenses and seek compensation for your losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Who May Be Responsible For Compensating You?
You can file a claim with your insurance company in no-fault states, regardless of who caused the accident. California is an at-fault state, which means the individuals or entities responsible for the accident are also responsible for paying you. You must file a personal injury claim with their respective insurance companies to seek compensation for your losses.
Who Are The At-Fault Parties In An Uber Accident?
Identifying who may be liable for accidents involving Uber can be difficult. It can involve one or all of the parties below:
- The Uber Driver — The Uber driver may be responsible for the accident if it is proven that their wrongful action or inaction caused it.
- Uber — The company may be held accountable if the accident happened due to its direct negligence, such as failure to screen its drivers properly.
- Another Driver — If another driver is negligent, whether in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident with Uber, they may be held liable for any injuries or damages.
- Other Third Parties — Depending on the specifics of the case, government agencies, car manufacturers, and even pedestrians could share responsibility for an Uber accident.
You need personal injury lawyers who handle Uber accident cases to identify who might be potentially responsible for compensating you. These lawyers can also assist you with the claims and legal processes.
Does Uber Cover Accidents?
Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification can further complicate the process of holding the rideshare giant liable for an accident. Nevertheless, Uber provides a third-party liability insurance policy for its drivers. This policy covers passengers and other people involved in an accident where the Uber driver is at fault. The extent of coverage depends on several factors, specifically the period during which the accident occurred.
The four periods of Uber insurance are:
- Period 0 — If the driver is not logged onto the app, Uber does not provide coverage. In this situation, the driver acts as a private person, and their activities are unrelated to their status as a ridesharing company contractor.
- Period 1 — During this period, the driver is logged onto the Uber app but still waiting for a booking. Uber’s liability coverage applies if the driver’s insurance does not fully cover the claim amount. Uber provides a minimum of $50,000 per person injured, a total of $100,000 for injury liability per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Period 2 — Once the driver has accepted a trip and is driving to pick up the rider, liability coverage increases to $1 million.
- Period 3 — This period starts as soon as the driver picks up a passenger through the app and ends when the passenger exits the vehicle. The insurance coverage is the same as in Period 2.
When filing a claim with Uber, the compensation you can pursue will depend on the period in which the accident occurred.
How Do I Submit A Claim To Uber?
You can submit a report to Uber through its website or the Help section of its app. Provide a detailed description of the incident, including the time, date, and location. Additionally, describe the injuries you sustained and the damage to vehicles or any property.
You may also have to upload documentation, such as photos of the accident scene, medical records, and proof of vehicle damage. Otherwise, keep them safe for your Uber accident lawyers and the Uber representatives who will contact you.
Uber will review your claim and contact you for further questions or updates. It’s important to note that if you were involved in an accident, you should also contact your insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Accept The First Settlement Offer From The Insurance Company?
In most cases, declining the insurance company’s initial offer is advisable. Typically, it takes more than one round of negotiations to arrive at a fair amount that will cover all your past, current, and future losses in relation to your Uber accident.
The insurance company will likely offer an early settlement to lower its financial risk. They’ll take advantage of your vulnerability, hoping you’re unaware of the full extent of your injuries and damages. However, remember that the case is over once you accept an offer. You can’t file another claim or sue the insurer if you find out later that your injuries would incur further medical costs and other expenses.
As a general rule, you should refrain from signing any document, giving recorded statements, or agreeing to anything without talking first to an Uber accident lawyer who can represent you. They can be your legal representatives, who may advise you on what course of action you may consider for your specific situation.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against Uber After An Accident?
Yes, you can sue Uber under certain circumstances. However, you must demonstrate that the rideshare company’s direct negligence caused the accident and your resulting injuries. Here are a couple of scenarios where Uber could be held liable:
- The company failed to enforce safety measures over a known risk, leading to an accident.
- Despite several complaints, Uber did not deactivate a driver’s account, and the driver subsequently caused a collision.
Uber doesn’t have automatic liability for its drivers’ negligence, as they are considered contractors rather than employees. Rideshare passengers may not be able to sue the company directly in most cases. You’ll likely need to consult experienced personal injury lawyers to help you assess whether you have a valid lawsuit against Uber.
Will Uber Deactivate My Driver Account Even If The Accident Was Not My Fault?
If you’re an Uber driver and you get involved in a car accident, Uber will most likely deactivate your account temporarily, regardless of whose fault it was. The company has to investigate first to see if you’re a safety risk to passengers. You may get your account reactivated if they find that you’re not at fault, and only then can you continue accepting passengers.
Are Uber Drivers Required To Have Insurance?
Yes. Uber drivers must maintain auto insurance coverage. Insurance is crucial for rideshare drivers because if they are not on the clock, they are not covered by Uber’s accident insurance.
Do I Need An Uber Accident Attorney?
Some signs will tell you if you need to hire a lawyer for your Uber accident. First, you sustained injuries from the accident. Next, the negligent party’s insurance may argue the extent of their responsibility. Another important thing you should note is that Uber accident claims can be more complicated when their insurance is involved. You might also be confused about the claim process. In this scenario, you may need to work with an Uber accident lawyer who can help you handle your case.
How Do I Find Skilled Uber Accident Lawyers For My Case?
When choosing an Uber accident lawyer, consider looking for personal injury attorneys with relevant experience in handling rideshare accident claims. Ask among your family, friends, or community for referrals. You may also check out Yelp, Google reviews, and other platforms that allow you to compare attorneys based on their client ratings, fees, and other factors.
You should also consider that if your case needs to go to trial, your Uber accident lawyer should be able to present it in court. Other attributes you should look for when seeking legal help include their ability to handle Uber accident cases, honesty, open communication, and genuine care for your well-being.
Arash Law provides its clients with experienced personal injury attorneys who have handled a wide range of cases, including Uber accidents. We follow a “no win, no fee” policy, which means you don’t have to pay attorneys’ fees unless we obtain compensation on your behalf. However, certain case-related costs may still apply regardless of the outcome. Our lawyers will discuss our fee structure and other potential costs during your free initial consultation.
Get In Touch With Experienced Uber Accident Lawyers
If you’re injured and thinking, “I need a personal injury lawyer for my Uber accident,” then consider contacting our law firm. Reach out to our Uber accident lawyers, who are ready to help you.
Arash Law handles a wide range of cases, including rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft. We can guide you through the laws governing personal injuries, car accidents, and ridesharing services. Our Uber accident attorneys can assist you in filing a claim and negotiating with insurance companies. If necessary, our personal injury lawyers will represent you in court.
Whether you are an Uber passenger or someone who suffered injuries from the accident, you may have grounds to seek compensation. We operate on a contingency fee agreement. That means you won’t owe us attorneys’ fees unless we secure compensation on your behalf. While certain case expenses may be charged separately, our fee structure helps you gain legal support regardless of your current financial situation. Call our car accident lawyers at (888) 488-1391 for a free initial consultation.
Our personal injury lawyers can represent Uber accident victims throughout California, including Glendale, Orange, Anchor Bay, Lower Lake, Middletown, Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, Napa, Fairfield, Vacaville, Brooks, Esparto, Vallejo, Novato, San Rafael, Concord, Pittsburg, Woodland, San Joaquin, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Riverside.
