What to Do If Your Uber Crashes

Ridesharing has become integral to modern transportation, with millions of people using services like Uber daily. Unfortunately, the risk of accidents increases as Uber rides increase. Studies show that rideshare vehicles contribute to a 3% increase in traffic-related fatalities in the United States [1].

An Uber car accident differs from a regular car accident, mainly due to the involvement of third parties like Uber, Uber drivers, and various insurance companies. If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident, knowing what to do immediately can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation for injuries or damages.

This article will walk you through the steps to protect your rights and ensure a smoother claims process.

Immediate Steps After an Uber Accident

The moments following an Uber accident are crucial. Whether the accident is minor or severe, your priority should be safety. Here’s what you need to do:

• Check for injuries – Assess yourself and other Uber passengers for any signs of injury. If anyone is hurt, call for medical assistance immediately.
• Ensure your safety – Move to a secure location, if possible, away from traffic.
• Call emergency services – Always call 911 to notify the authorities, even if the accident seems minor. The police presence will ensure the scene is handled correctly and create a report that can be crucial for your Uber accident claim.

Reporting the Accident to Uber

Once you are safe and medical help is on the way, your next step is to report the accident to Uber. Uber has a system in place to report accidents through its app. You can navigate to the trip history section, select the ride where the accident occurred, and report the incident.

Uber may request specific information such as the time and location of the accident, the condition of the Uber driver and other parties involved, and the extent of the damages or injuries. Providing accurate and thorough details during this stage will help avoid delays in Uber’s response or any potential insurance claims.

Documenting the Accident Scene

Gathering evidence at the accident scene is one of the most critical actions you can take. This documentation will be helpful for insurance claims and potential legal action. Start by exchanging contact and insurance details with the involved parties, particularly the Uber driver and any other drivers in the crash.

Other steps include taking photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and visible injuries. Record witnesses’ names and contact information, and document any Uber app-related details, like the driver’s information and your route.

The more detailed your evidence, the stronger your accident claim will be when dealing with insurance companies or legal matters.

Getting a Police Report

A police report is essential for most Uber accident cases. This official document can serve as an unbiased record of the car accident, including witness statements and the officer’s observations. Insurance companies often ask for this report before processing claims, making it an indispensable asset.

At the accident scene, ask the police for the report number or details on how to obtain a copy. If they cannot provide it immediately, you can request a copy from the local police department within a few days.

Seeking Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, you must seek medical observation after an Uber accident. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not present symptoms immediately but could have long-term consequences.

Visiting a doctor soon after the accident creates a medical record that can be valuable if you need to file a personal injury claim later. Be sure to document all the treatments you receive, any prescribed medications, and follow-up care or specialist visits you require.

These records will help your recovery and strengthen your case when negotiating with insurance companies or pursuing legal action.

Seeking Legal Assistance

While navigating the aftermath of an Uber car accident, consider consulting with an experienced ridesharing accident lawyer. Uber accident cases often involve multiple insurance policies and corporate entities, making them more complex than standard car accidents.

An attorney specializing in Uber accident cases can assist by negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf, navigating Uber’s corporate policies and procedures, and representing you in court if necessary.

With legal support, you can ensure that your rights are protected and you don’t accept a low settlement offer that doesn’t fully cover your injuries or damages.

Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage

Uber has specific insurance policies to protect passengers, and understanding these can help you determine what compensation you may be entitled to. Uber provides liability insurance of up to $1 million, which covers passengers in the event of an accident.

However, there are specific scenarios in which Uber’s liability coverage applies. Uber’s insurance will cover your injuries and damages if the Uber driver is at fault. If another driver is at fault, you may need to file a claim with that driver’s insurance company.

It’s important to note that Uber’s liability insurance coverage only applies when the driver is actively transporting passengers or en route to pick up a rider. Their personal liability insurance applies if the driver is offline or not carrying passengers.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Handling multiple insurance companies after an Uber accident can be overwhelming. You may need to deal with Uber’s insurance company, the at-fault driver’s insurer, or even the driver’s personal insurance.

Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize payouts. You may receive a settlement offer that doesn’t fully compensate you for your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. In these cases, it’s highly recommended to consult with an experienced attorney who can ensure you get the actual cash value you deserve.

Book a Free Consultation Today!

If you’ve been involved in an accident while riding an Uber, seeking the help of an Uber accident lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we specialize in rideshare accident claims and have a track record of securing maximum compensation for our clients.

Don’t let the complexities of dealing with insurance companies and Uber’s policies add to your stress. Contact us now for a free consultation at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.

References: [1] Becker Friedman Institute

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.