Uber is an extremely convenient and popular way to get around. Most Uber rides are safe and go as planned, but sometimes accidents can occur. Whether your Uber driver or another party is at fault, being involved in this type of car accident can be scary and painful.
It can also be confusing, and when you are recovering from the shock or your injuries, you may not know what to do or where to turn. If you are involved in an Uber accident, be sure to follow these steps.
Check For Injuries
Injuries are common in car accidents and can range from mild to severe. If you are not injured or if your injuries are not severe, check the other parties involved. Check the passengers in your own car as well as those in the other car.
If anyone is injured, call 911 or an EMS. If there are no injuries, make sure the driver moves the vehicle to the side of the road or another safe place. Do not stay in the vehicle.
Call The Police
It’s important to involve the police no matter what type of accident. Your insurance or the other party’s insurance may need a police report in order to allow a claim. The police will also document evidence that can be used for an insurance claim or a personal injury case.
The Uber driver will need a copy of the police report, and you will want to request one for yourself as well. Do not let your Uber driver talk you out of calling the police or reporting the accident.
Gather Information
While you are waiting for the police to arrive, you should start collecting information from the other party and provide them with your information. The Uber driver may do this, but it is important that you do it as well.
The Uber driver will have their own claim or injuries and will need this information for any claims they pursue. It’s important to get this information quickly as the other party could attempt to flee the scene before police arrive.
Document Evidence
Take plenty of photos of the scene of the accident. If you were injured, document your injuries. If your personal property was lost or damaged, document it as well. The Uber driver may document their own injuries as well as damage to the vehicle.
You can assist them, but be sure to document the evidence that applies to you first. Take photos of your injuries, damage to the vehicle, damage to other vehicles involved, and property damage. You can also take photos of the location, including any road signs, traffic lights, or obstacles that may have played a role in the accident.
Call Uber
Anytime you are involved in an accident with Uber, you want to notify them. There is a place in the app where you can do this. Uber has their own insurance, as does the Uber driver. The Uber driver’s personal insurance will handle the claim in most cases.
If the Uber driver happens to be uninsured or if their policy is not adequate, Uber’s insurance will cover the injuries and damages. If another party was involved, Uber will contact them about the claim.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Even though your insurance company will not be responsible for any part of the accident, it is still a good idea to contact your insurance company and let them know an accident has occurred. They may help hurry the process along and could even cover any immediate medical bills and later be reimbursed by the responsible party’s insurance.
Call An Attorney
Anytime you are involved in an accident and suffer an injury, it’s a good idea to hire a personal injury attorney. The responsible party’s insurance may offer a settlement, but their interest is to pay as little as possible. An experienced attorney will fight to get you the best settlement possible with your best interest in mind.
Insurance companies can use a variety of methods to try to pay out less money in the settlement. They may be aggressive and even threaten you if you do not accept their first offer. When you are injured and recovering, you don’t want to deal with this stress. Hiring a personal injury attorney will allow you to rest and recover while your attorney handles all the legal aspects of your personal injury case.
Uber accidents can be scary, and because there are so often many parties involved, it can be hard to know what steps to take to get the best outcome. If you are involved in an Uber accident, stay calm and follow the steps above. If you need help, be sure to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney.