What Happens After an Uber Accident?
Any kind of car accident is scary and stressful, but these negative feelings can be compounded when the accident is with a ride-sharing service such as Uber. What happens after an Uber accident? What are you supposed to do? How do you deal with the complex liability laws surrounding Uber and other rideshare companies?
The easiest way to alleviate your worries after getting into an Uber accident is to hire an Uber accident attorney. The right attorney can help you navigate the ins and outs of getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses associated with the accident and can offer assistance when negotiating with insurance companies or paying for medical bills.
After an Uber accident
Just like any other car accident, there are some important steps you need to take after an Uber accident in order to make sure you and your health are cared for and you have important information you might need later on.
First, you should always call 911 to report the accident to the police and call an ambulance if necessary. You should at least get checked out by a physician even if you feel an ambulance is not necessary or you don’t even think you’re injured. Many car accident injuries don’t manifest right away and it’s important to have a record of medical treatment for insurance claims and future lawsuits.
Second, always take down important information about the accident. This information includes:
- Driver names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Uber driver’s Uber account information
- Car insurance and registration information for all vehicles involved in the crash
- Contact information for witnesses
- Accident location
- Road conditions
- Time of day
It is also helpful to document the scene however you can. This includes taking photos or videos of damage, injuries and scene details with your phone, or collecting information for any CCTV footage in the area.
Finally, you should always contact a lawyer. There are a lot of complexities in the law surrounding Uber accidents, so you need effective and experienced representation to make sure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Can I file a lawsuit after an Uber accident?
You have a legal right to seek compensation for your losses and injures if you were injured in a car accident involving an Uber driver. You can file a lawsuit against the Uber driver, Uber itself, or a combination of the two depending on the circumstances of the accident.
As with any personal injury case, in order to be awarded compensation in an Uber accident case, you must be able to prove that the driver or Uber owed you a duty of care, either or both failed to uphold that duty of care, and that failure was the direct cause of your injuries.
Your rights as an Uber passenger
There are also instances in which you were involved in an Uber accident as a passenger in the Uber and your Uber driver wasn’t to blame for the crash. Whether you were a passenger in a private car, a traditional taxi or an Uber, you have the same legal right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver regardless of who he or she might be.
According to California state law, drivers must carry insurance of at least $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. As an Uber passenger, you are also protected by Uber’s insurance of up to $1 million in uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
That means that even if you were an innocent passenger in an Uber accident you are covered by insurance and you have a right to seek additional compensation if that insurance is not enough to cover your injuries and losses.
Do you need a lawyer after an Uber accident?
Uber accident victims may find that normal insurance avenues and claims fully cover minor accidents and injuries. However, this is usually not the case for bad accidents with severe injuries, damages, and losses. In these more severe cases, it’s highly recommended for Uber accident victims to secure representation with a personal injury lawyer.
Unfortunately, its standard procedure for insurance companies to try and lowball victims to close the case quickly for as little money as possible. As you deserve to be fully compensated for your injuries, you need a lawyer representing you and your best interests throughout insurance negotiations and potential lawsuits.
Ellis Injury Law has an experienced team of Uber accident lawyers standing by to help victims get the justice and compensation they deserve. Our long record of successful outcomes, decades of experience, and a list of happy clients speak for themselves. Contact Ellis today to schedule a free consultation.