Unfortunately, every year there are over 5 million car accidents. Unfortunate as it may be, they can happen to anyone and at any time, making them all the more frightening. If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, perhaps due to another driver’s negligence, you’ve likely been weighing up your options. For most of us, the prospect of waiting weeks or even months to recover a legitimate Uber accident settlement could prove too stressful.

Grove Accident Lawyers is here to help; keep reading to discover how you can get the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Immediately Following an Uber Accident

Let’s take a look at the step-by-step process you should take following an Uber accident.

Check for Injuries

In the immediate aftermath of an Uber accident, you should check to make sure that everyone involved is safe. If anyone has sustained an injury, it is important to contact the emergency services right away by calling 911. This is also true for you; if you are experiencing any pain, seek prompt medical attention.

Report the Accident to the Police

In the event that you or someone else has called 911, a police officer will also be sent to the accident scene. If not, it is important to contact the police so that a police report is filed.

At the scene, an officer will speak to everyone involved and summarize their findings in the report. You should ask for the incident report number so that you can request a copy of the report as soon as it is available.

Gather Evidence

The next step is to gather potential evidence at the scene. It’s helpful to take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage. You should also speak to any eyewitnesses and collect their contact information, as well as the contact information of everyone involved in the crash itself.

Report the Accident to Uber

Next, report the accident to Uber. You will be able to find the accident reporting form on Uber’s website. A representative of the company may contact you and seek a statement about the accident. It is recommended that you speak to a lawyer before you discuss the accident with Uber or any other parties.

Write Down What You Remember

Finally, we recommend that you take some time to write down exactly what you remember about the accident itself. It is best to do this as soon as possible after the accident, as your memory will be fresher. These notes may prove very useful later on if, for example, you need to testify in court.

Consult With an Uber Accident Lawyer

Your best chance of receiving the justice and compensation you deserve is to consult with an experienced Uber accident lawyer who can assess the value of your claim and let you know your legal options.

Whose Insurance Covers an Uber Accident?

You may be wondering whose insurance covers an Uber accident. Well, the answer to this question is that it depends.

As with other car accident claims, it is necessary to show fault for the accident before receiving compensation for any losses.

The Uber Driver Was at Fault

In the event that an Uber driver was at fault for the accident with another driver or pedestrian, Uber will cover up to $25,000 for property damage and $100,000 in bodily injury per accident (to a maximum of $50,000 per person) if the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t apply. This is the case when an Uber driver has the Uber app open or active.

When Uber drivers are en route to pick up riders/during trips, passengers and other drivers or pedestrians are covered by Uber’s $1 million dollar third-party liability policy.

In the case that another driver or a pedestrian was injured by an Uber driver who wasn’t using the Uber app at the time of the accident, you will only be able to file a claim against the driver’s personal car insurance.

The Other Driver Was at Fault

On the other hand, if the other driver involved in the accident was at fault, they typically would be liable for paying for losses related to the accident.

In the event that the at-fault driver is uninsured or you were the victim of a hit-and-run, the specific laws are determined by the state in which the accident occurred.

As a passenger in an Uber, you are covered by their $1 million policy (regardless of who was at fault for the accident). First, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover damages, but if it is inadequate to cover all damages, the $1 million dollar policy takes effect.

Specific Scenarios Involving Rideshare Accidents

Let’s consider some specific scenarios involving rideshare accidents to help you understand the different types of personal injury claims.

Uber Passenger Injured During a Ride

You are covered by Uber’s $1 million policy and are able to file a claim against Uber if your driver negligently or intentionally caused you harm during a ride.

Uber Driver Was Injured While the App Was Active

If you have been injured while driving for Uber, while the app was active or while you were en route to pick up passengers or drop them off, you may have a case. It is important that you partner with an experienced attorney to help you in a claim of this nature.

The Driver of Another Vehicle Was Injured

You may be able to file a claim against Uber if you have been injured in an accident involving one of their drivers. Your action will depend on the specifics of the accident, for example, whether or not the Uber driver’s app was active or inactive.

Pedestrians, Bicyclists, or Passengers in Another Vehicle

Again, your action here will depend on the specifics of the accident (e.g. if the app was active or inactive). We recommend that you speak to an experienced attorney to learn about what your next steps are.

How to File a Claim Against Uber

There are a number of instances where a person may wish to file a claim against Uber. For example, if a person’s damages exceed the limits of the driver’s insurance policy.

The value of an Uber injury claim will depend on a number of factors. These include lost income (both past and future), medical expenses (both past and future), and the severity of your pain and suffering.

It is highly recommended that you partner with an experienced lawyer when bringing up a case against Uber. Compared to typical car accident claims, Uber insurance claims can be more complicated.

An accident and personal injury attorney will be able to guide you through the process step-by-step and help to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. This work includes:

• Obtaining evidence of damage
• Organizing medical records
• Negotiating with insurers and/or defendants
• Negotiating a satisfactory settlement

In Garden Grove and Orange County, your premier choice is Grove Accident Lawyers.

How To Get an Uber Accident Settlement if You’ve Been Injured

To summarize, Uber requires its rideshare drivers to have their own personal car insurance, while also providing additional insurance when their drivers are using the Uber app. If you have intentionally or negligently been caused harm, you are able to file a claim against Uber.

Given that rideshare injury cases are typically more complicated than other types of car accident claims, it is important to partner with an experienced accident and personal injury attorney. They will be able to help you get compensation for your injuries and other damages.

To learn more, schedule a free consultation with Grove Accident Lawyers today. We look forward to speaking with you about your case and working towards an Uber accident settlement.