What to Do if You Are in an Uber Accident (As an Injured Passenger)
This Blog was posted by Regan Zambri Long – Personal Injury Law Washington DC
What to Do if You Are in an Uber Accident (As an Injured Passenger)
This guide explains exactly what to do if you are an injured passenger in an Uber accident: You should:
- Remove Yourself From Immediate Danger, then Call 911
- Ensure the Scene Is Safe and Report the Accident
- Document the Accident Scene
- Notify Uber About the Accident
- Seek Follow-Up Medical Treatment
- Consult with an Uber Accident Lawyer
- File a Claim with the Appropriate Insurance Companies
- Keep Detailed Records of All Expenses
1. Remove Yourself From Immediate Danger, then Call 911
If you are injured in an Uber accident, your priority is to ensure your safety and health by calling 911 and requesting emergency assistance.
Even if injuries seem minor, some conditions (like internal injuries or concussions) may worsen without immediate medical attention.
Emergency responders and medical professionals will document your injuries, which serves as crucial evidence in any legal or insurance claims.
What to Do:
- Inform the dispatcher of the accident, your location, and any visible injuries.
- Allow paramedics to assess you and follow their recommendations for further treatment (e.g., transport to a hospital if needed).
- Keep copies of all medical records and bills related to your treatment.
2. Ensure the Scene Is Safe and Report the Accident
If you are not critically injured and can safely move, ensure the accident scene is secure and report the crash to the police.
Why This Is Important:
- Safety First: Removing yourself from immediate danger (e.g., an active roadway) reduces the risk of further harm.
- Police Report: A formal accident report is a critical piece of evidence in determining fault and liability.
What to Do:
- Move to a safe location away from traffic, if possible.
- Report the accident to the police and provide accurate details about what happened.
- Request a copy of the police report or the officer’s badge number and contact details for follow-up.
3. Document the Accident Scene
If your injuries allow, collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. This documentation will help establish fault and support your claim.
Why This Is Important:
- Preserve Evidence: Key details can be lost as time passes, especially once vehicles are moved, or witnesses leave.
- Support Your Case: Photos and notes provide visual proof for insurance negotiations or legal proceedings.
What to Do:
- Take photos of:
- The vehicles involved (including the Uber vehicle) and any visible damage.
- The license plates of all vehicles involved.
- The surrounding area, including road signs, traffic signals, and weather conditions.
- Any visible injuries you’ve sustained.
- Write down:
- The names, contact details, and insurance information of the Uber driver and other drivers involved.
- The make and model of the vehicles involved.
- Witness contact information, if available.
4. Notify Uber About the Accident
Contact Uber to report the accident as soon as possible. Uber requires passengers to notify them of any accidents during a trip.
Why This Is Important:
- Insurance Activation: Uber’s insurance coverage for accidents is only activated if the company is informed about the incident.
- Documentation: Reporting the accident creates a formal record that Uber can reference during your claim.
What to Do:
- Open the Uber app and navigate to the “Help” section.
- Select the trip during which the accident occurred and report the issue using the accident report feature.
- Be concise but truthful about the events and injuries.
5. Seek Follow-Up Medical Treatment
Even if you were treated at the scene or hospital, follow up with your doctor to ensure your injuries are properly addressed and documented.
Why This Is Important:
- Delayed Symptoms: Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately.
- Comprehensive Records: Ongoing medical documentation strengthens your compensation claim.
What to Do:
- Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or a specialist.
- Attend all recommended follow-ups, therapy sessions, or treatments.
- Keep detailed records of medical visits, prescriptions, and any work missed due to your injuries.
6. Consult with an Uber Accident Lawyer
Once your immediate medical and safety concerns are addressed, consult an experienced Uber accident attorney to protect your legal rights and handle the claims process.
Why This Is Important:
- Understanding Liability: Uber accidents involve complex liability issues due to the involvement of multiple parties (Uber, the driver, and other motorists).
- Maximizing Compensation: A lawyer can negotiate with Uber’s insurance providers and ensure you receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What to Do:
- Research attorneys with expertise in rideshare accident cases.
- Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and the potential compensation you may be entitled to.
- Provide your lawyer with all relevant documents, including medical records, the police report, and evidence from the accident scene.
7. File a Claim with the Appropriate Insurance Companies
Determine which insurance policies apply to your case and file claims promptly.
Why This Is Important:
- Uber’s Insurance Coverage: Uber provides liability coverage of up to $1 million for accidents that occur while a trip is in progress.
- Multiple Policies: In some cases, the Uber driver’s personal insurance or other drivers’ insurance may also be applicable.
What to Do:
- Notify Uber’s insurance provider (you can ask Uber for their insurance company’s contact details).
- File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, if applicable.
- Provide all necessary documentation, such as medical records and evidence from the accident scene.
8. Keep Detailed Records of All Expenses
Maintaining thorough records of all accident-related expenses is crucial for receiving appropriate compensation.
Why This Is Important:
- Proof of Losses: Accurate documentation ensures you are reimbursed for all costs related to the accident.
- Future Costs: Keeping records helps calculate ongoing expenses, such as therapy or lost income.
What to Do:
- Track all medical expenses, including co-pays, prescriptions, and rehabilitation costs.
- Document lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Save receipts for other accident-related expenses, such as transportation or home care services.
FAQs
Will Uber cover me in an accident?
Yes, Uber will cover you in an accident if you are injured as a passenger during an active trip. Uber provides liability insurance coverage for accidents while a ride is in progress. This coverage applies as long as the driver was logged into the Uber app and actively transporting passengers.
Does Uber give you money when you’re in an accident?
Uber itself does not directly give you money after an accident. However, its insurance policy, provided by third-party insurers, may compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages if you file a claim. Compensation depends on the extent of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident.
Can you sue Uber if you get in an accident?
You can sue Uber if you get in an accident, but it is typically challenging because Uber classifies its drivers as independent contractors. However, you can file a claim against Uber’s insurance policy. In certain cases involving negligence on Uber’s part, such as failing to vet the driver properly, a lawsuit may be possible.
How much are Uber accident settlement amounts?
The settlement amount for an Uber accident varies based on the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Minor injuries may result in settlements of a few thousand dollars, while severe or catastrophic injuries can result in settlements exceeding $100,000 or more. Each case is unique and depends on the specific circumstances.
Is Uber responsible for accidents?
Uber is not directly responsible for accidents caused by its drivers because they are classified as independent contractors. However, Uber’s insurance policy covers damages if an accident occurs during an active trip. In cases where Uber’s negligence, such as inadequate driver background checks, contributed to the accident, the company may be held liable.
Attorney Advertising: The information contained on this page does not create an attorney-client relationship nor should any information be considered legal advice as it is intended to provide general information only. Prior case results do not guarantee a similar outcome.