Steps to Take as a Passenger After an Uber Accident

Every day, millions of people use rideshare services. Uber completes as many as 15 million rides per day, according to some estimates, while thousands of people, including passengers, motorists, and pedestrians, have been involved in rideshare accidents. While Uber is a convenience for many, it’s structure and insurance policies can make getting compensated for injuries and damages difficult.

With an Uber accident attorney, your chances of receiving fair compensation are improved. But here are the first steps to take as a passenger in an Uber accident:

Assess the Situation and Check for Injuries

As in any car accident, it’s critical to see if you and everyone else involved is okay. Seek medical attention immediately if you are injured, even if you feel alright; symptoms of many injuries don’t appear right away. Get to an emergency room or call 911 so paramedics can check you out and transport you to the nearest hospital if necessary.

Immediate medical treatment also provides documentation of injuries. Later on, your Los Angeles personal injury attorney can use this information to valuate your case.

Gather Information from Everyone Involved

Get the names, license plates, phone numbers, and insurance information from drivers, including your Uber driver. If any witnesses are at the scene, get their accounts of the accident and contact information. The data on your phone contained in the Uber app may be useful as well.

Take an Assessment of the Scene

Write down everything that happened leading up to and during the accident. That way, you’re less likely to forget important details. Take photographs of the damage and that accurately depict the accident and the circumstances surrounding it.

Contact the Police

Inform local law enforcement of the incident so they can come to the scene. The police can provide a credible account and fill out a Traffic Collision Report. A police report is valuable evidence for your claim that any car accident attorney in Los Angeles can use in your favor.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurer as soon as possible, and don’t talk to insurance adjusters about the accident or your injuries. If one calls you, inform them your attorney will be in touch with them. Otherwise, any comments you make can be used against you.

What happens next depends on the Uber driver. If their app was off, their insurer will have to pay. If their app was on, they were waiting for a ride request, were on the way to pick you up, or giving you a ride, Uber’s $1 million accident policy kicks in. A driver not at-fault may be liable for your injuries, unless they are uninsured or under-insured. In that case, you can bring a claim against Uber’s accident policy.

If an Uber driver is at-fault, you may have a claim against the rideshare company, but not necessarily. The rules are tricky because Uber drivers are independent contractors, operating their own vehicles. That’s why you need a car accident attorney to build your case and improve your chances of being compensated for medical bills and other accident-related costs.

Call Jacob to Represent Your Uber Accident Claim

When you need an Uber or Lyft accident attorney, contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani. We are the top rideshare accident attorney in the Los Angeles area. Our car accident attorney in Los Angeles can fight the insurance companies on your behalf and make sure you get properly compensated. Call Jacob today at 888-952-2952 to learn more and receive a free case evaluation.