If you are in an Uber or rideshare accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. Seeking professional guidance can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Rideshare services like Uber have become a popular and convenient way to get around. However, as the number of rideshare vehicles on the road increases, so do the risks of accidents. It’s essential to understand your rights and take the necessary steps to protect yourself after an incident.
At Cohn & Swartzon Injury Attorneys, we specialize in assisting victims of Uber and rideshare accidents. Our dedicated legal team navigates the complexities of these cases and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here is what you need to know if you’re in an Uber or rideshare accident.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention After an Uber and Rideshare Accident
Your health should be your top priority after any accident. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible. Injuries from an Uber and rideshare accident can sometimes take hours or even days to manifest. Evaluation by a healthcare professional ensures that you don’t overlook any hidden injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries.
A medical record also serves as vital documentation for any insurance or legal claims. This ensures that your injuries are properly recorded and treated.
Step 2: Report the Uber and Rideshare Accident
Whether you’re an Uber passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, you should report the accident to law enforcement. A police report is essential for documenting the details of the incident, including who was at fault. Determining who is at fault can be a crucial element when dealing with insurance claims or legal action.
If you’re a passenger, make sure to also report the accident to Uber. The company has a system in place to handle accidents and injuries, and notifying them helps initiate the claims process.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene of the Uber and Rideshare Accident
If you’re physically able, gather as much information and evidence from the scene of the accident as possible. This can include:
- Taking photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collecting contact information from witnesses who saw the accident occur.
- Getting the Uber or rideshare driver’s information, including their name, contact details, license plate number, and insurance details.
- Documenting the other involved parties’ information, including drivers and passengers in other vehicles.
This evidence can play a vital role in proving fault and supporting your injury claim.
Step 4: Understand Uber’s Insurance Policy and Other Rideshare Insurance
One of the most confusing aspects of Uber accidents is understanding how insurance works. Uber provides a level of insurance coverage for its drivers, but the coverage may vary depending on the status of the driver at the time of the accident. The three primary phases of an Uber driver’s trip are:
- App Off (Driver Offline): If the driver was not logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident, their personal car insurance will typically apply. This is often the least helpful insurance coverage for passengers or other involved parties.
- App On (Driver En Route to Pick Up): When the driver is on their way to pick up a passenger, Uber’s insurance policy provides liability coverage for injuries and damages up to a certain limit.
- Ride in Progress (Passenger in the Car): While transporting a passenger, Uber’s insurance policy covers up to $1 million in liability, depending on the circumstances.
In some cases, if the Uber driver is at fault and their insurance doesn’t fully cover your damages, you may be able to pursue additional compensation from the Uber insurance policy or the personal insurance policies of other parties involved.
Step 5: Contact a Trusted Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating the aftermath of an Uber accident can be complex due to the multiple insurance companies and potential legal factors involved. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the nuances of these cases.
At Cohn & Swartzon Injury Attorneys, we specialize in helping victims of rideshare accidents secure the compensation they deserve. Our team will guide you through the process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for your rights, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Step 6: Don’t Settle Too Quickly
Insurance companies, whether Uber’s or another party’s, often try to offer a quick settlement to resolve a claim. However, these offers can be far less than what you truly deserve, especially if you are still in the process of recovering from your injuries. It’s essential not to accept any settlement without consulting with an attorney first.
Your attorney will help ensure that any settlement reflects the full extent of your injuries and losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, long-term care costs, and emotional distress.
Step 7: File a Personal Injury Lawsuit (If Necessary)
If an insurance settlement isn’t enough to cover your injuries and damages, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be the next step. Whether you’re filing against the Uber driver, Uber itself, or other responsible parties, having an experienced attorney by your side is critical to pursuing fair compensation.
At Cohn & Swartzon Injury Attorneys, we have the experience and resources to handle the complexities of Uber accident cases. We work diligently to ensure that your case is handled with the care and attention it deserves.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Health and Your Rights
Being in an Uber accident can be a stressful and confusing experience. However, knowing the right steps to take immediately after the accident can help protect your health and legal rights. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, insurance claims, or legal proceedings, the team at Cohn & Swartzon Injury Attorneys is here to help you every step of the way.
If you are injured in an Uber accident, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the complexities of your case and secure the compensation you deserve.
Ready to take the next step towards healing and justice?
Call us at 714-547-5100 or click here to schedule a free assessment of your case with the Cohn & Swartzon team. Remember, you are worthy of healing and justice.
Cohn & Swartzon – Injury Attorneys
Putting together the pieces – physical, mental, emotional & financial – so you feel whole again.