Should I Report an Accident to Uber?

Should I report an accident to Uber? The quick answer is yes. Assuming you’re a passenger in the car, you can submit an accident report via the app. It may also be possible to call Uber and speak with someone directly. However you report the accident, keep in mind, Uber and their insurance company are only looking out for themselves. They will look for reasons to pay out the smallest compensation package possible. In order to make sure that you get the full compensation figure that you deserve, you’ll need an experienced Uber accident lawyer on your side. Legal professionals at Ellis Law with experience handling rideshare accidents are standing by 24/7, to hear your side of the story. 

The rideshare industry is big business 

The rideshare industry is growing rapidly. There’s hardly a town in the country where you can’t find an Uber or Lyft, and in some places like Southern California, the streets are jam-packed people using their private cars to offer quick, affordable transportation. In fact, the rideshare industry is projected to be worth over $11 billion globally by 2025. With this much profit at stake, there’s a lot of reason to try to do right by customers and to keep the growth trend going. Uber has had its fair share of bad PR over the years and doesn’t want to look worse by failing to compensate riders who suffer serious injuries. 

Does Uber owe me money for an accident? 

Whether or not Uber or the driver’s insurance owes you compensation is based on a number of factors. Uber does have insurance that protects riders in theory, but they often try to deflect liability onto the individual drivers who were involved in the crash. Until recently, Uber considered all of its drivers to be “independent contractors,” which makes it easy for them to wash their hands of any major commitment to providing compensation when a rider is hurt.

With the passage of California Assembly Bill 5, the state has reclassified the majority of gig economy workers as “employees.” In this changing legal landscape, you’ll need an Uber accident attorney who is ahead of the curve. Every case is different, but if you’re hurt in a crash as a rider, you’re most likely owed some form of compensation from either your driver’s private insurance and Uber, or from the other vehicle involved in the crash (if there was one). 

Should I accept a settlement? 

Here’s a scenario to consider: Your Uber rear-ends a stopped car at a red light. You’re wearing your safety belt, but your body does jerk forward violently. You report the accident to Uber via the app, speak to the police at the accident scene, and order another car to take you where you need to go. The next day, you wake up with a stiff neck, but don’t think too much of it. Uber’s insurance company contacts you and offers a small settlement. Should you take it? The allure of quick cash is undeniable, but Uber is probably trying to get you to take the money upfront and waive the right to any further legal action. What if your neck pain doesn’t go away and you need expensive physical therapy? What if your driver got into the accident in the first place because they were overworked, or had a spotty driving record? You need a lawyer who represents your interests to look over any settlement before you accept. 

No fee consultations, 24 hours a day, seven days a week 

If you’ve been hurt in an accident with an Uber, whether you’re a passenger, a pedestrian, or driving another vehicle, you should speak with a personal injury lawyer from Ellis Law. You can make an appointment to come to our offices, or we can communicate via email, chat, or phone.

Medical bills can add up quickly, especially if you have to miss even a few days of work, and you don’t deserve to spiral into bankruptcy because of another party’s negligence. We can examine the details of your incident, review medical records, and come up with a fair compensation amount that reflects the true toll of the hardships you’ve faced as a result of the accident. Don’t leave money on the table during this stressful and trying time. Meet with a legal pro today. 

Our no-fee pledge 

Lawyers with Ellis Law work on contingency fees. This means we don’t get paid unless we secure compensation. This arrangement allows us to provide top-notch legal services to anyone who has a strong case, whether they have the money to hire an expensive attorney out of pocket, or are flat broke. Going up against a tech giant like Uber may seem a daunting task, but Ellis Law has a talented, creative, and experienced legal team that will fight hard for your rights.