When you’re involved in an accident during an Uber ride, knowing what to do if your Uber crashes and what steps to take can significantly affect your recovery and compensation. The team at Ted A. Greve & Associates understands the confusion and stress that follows a rideshare accident. Our team of experienced attorneys, including our in-house chiropractic physician, stands ready to help guide you through this challenging time. Call us today or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation.
Understanding Your Immediate Priorities After an Uber Crash
According to Uber’s most recent safety report, 153 individuals lost their lives in Uber crashes during the period under review. High speeds were involved in the most significant number of crashes (39 percent), and alcohol-impaired driving ranked as the second-leading cause (33 percent). These statistics highlight the importance of being prepared should you ever sustain injuries in an Uber accident.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Assistance
Your health and safety come first after any collision. Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, many injuries can take hours or days to manifest symptoms. Some common injuries from rideshare accidents include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries – Symptoms from these injuries may not appear until days after the initial impact.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – TBIs do not always show immediate symptoms, but they require prompt treatment to give you the best prognosis.
- Spinal Cord Damage – A spinal cord injury can be life-altering and potentially fatal.
- Internal Injuries – Organ damage and internal bleeding are often invisible but potentially life-threatening.
Make your health a priority by seeking medical evaluation promptly. Prompt treatment not only helps protect your well-being but also creates a medical record linking your injuries directly to the accident.
Contact Emergency Services Immediately
Call 911 as soon as possible after an Uber accident. Police officers will:
- Create an official accident report
- Document the scene professionally
- Help determine who was at fault
- Provide immediate assistance if needed
This police report will become a crucial piece of evidence if you choose to file a claim or lawsuit later.
Essential Steps to Take at the Scene
If you are able to do so, here are the steps you should take before leaving the scene of the crash.
Report the Accident to Authorities and Uber
Both you and your Uber driver should report the accident to Uber immediately. The timing of the accident will determine the insurance coverage and limits that apply.
Gather Vital Information
Collecting information at the scene can arm you with the evidence you need when you file your claim. Make sure to:
- Get the Uber driver’s full name, license number, and insurance details
- Request contact information from other involved drivers, including their insurance information
- Collect names and contact details from any witnesses
- Note the make, model, and license plate numbers of all vehicles involved
- Save your in-app ride information showing the trip details
Document the Accident Thoroughly
Use your smartphone to document everything possible. For example:
- Take photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions, traffic signs, and weather
- Take pictures of any visible injuries
- Document the positioning of vehicles before they are moved
- Record any relevant statements from your driver or witnesses
These details can be highly valuable when establishing fault and pursuing compensation.
Navigating the Post-Accident Process
After leaving the scene, continue to document your experience by:
- Keeping detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses
- Saving receipts for all accident-related costs
- Tracking any work days you missed and wages you lost due to the rideshare accident
- Journaling your physical symptoms and emotional state
- Preserving all communication with insurance companies and Uber
It is worth noting that Uber accident claims can become complex due to multiple parties potentially bearing responsibility. As such, working with a skilled attorney who knows how to handle these types of cases is essential.
Beware of Premature Settlement Offers
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for minimal amounts. Early settlement offers rarely account for:
- Long-term medical needs
- Future lost earnings
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Potential complications that may develop
Speaking with an attorney before accepting any offer helps give you a better opportunity to recover fair compensation for all damages.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policies
Uber’s insurance coverage varies depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For accidents that occur during pickup or your trip, Uber’s liability coverage offers at least $1 million in coverage plus additional personal injury protection coverage. Different coverage limits apply when the driver is waiting for a ride and when they aren’t running the Uber app.
Evaluating the Need for Legal Assistance
Several factors indicate when professional legal help becomes necessary, including:
- Severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
- Disputed liability between multiple parties (these cases often involve multiple insurance policies and require experienced legal guidance)
- Denied or undervalued insurance claims
- Complex scenarios involving pedestrians or other vulnerable road users
With a skilled legal representative on your side, you can recover economic losses such as medical bills, lost wages, reduced future earnings, and property damage. You may also be eligible to recover compensation for less tangible losses such as pain and suffering, permanent disability, disfigurement, and mental anguish.
Contact Ted A. Greve & Associates
At Ted A. Greve & Associates, we understand your challenges after an Uber accident. Our team members have the legal and medical knowledge to help you build the strongest possible case for your compensation. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win.
Our attorneys will discuss your situation thoroughly and work diligently with insurance companies and other parties to fully address your needs. We aim to put you at ease from the start while fighting aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Protect yourself and your rights by calling Ted A. Greve & Associates today for a free and confidential consultation. Let our experienced team help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
