Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services have transformed how we travel. However, until Uber paves its own private roads or starts chartering private helicopters, its drivers will still share the road with everyone else. Ubers are involved in car accidents with other vehicles every day.
If you’re involved in an Uber accident, it’s important to know what steps you need to take to protect yourself and any injury claims you may have. This is true whether you were a passenger in the Uber, driving another car, or a pedestrian on the street.
Seek Medical Treatment For Your Injuries
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as you can after you’ve been involved in an Uber accident. Even if you feel okay, you may still have sustained internal injuries. Left untreated, these could lead to serious, life-threatening complications.
You also have a duty to mitigate your injuries and damages. This means that you have to do what you can to stop your injuries from getting worse. Seeking medical treatment right away can help you accomplish this.
When you see a doctor, there will be a formal record of your injuries. This record will help to link your injuries to the Uber accident. That’ll help you down the line if you decide to file a claim to recover compensation from the Uber driver, Uber’s insurance policy, or another at-fault party.
Report the Accident to the Police and the Rideshare Company
Call the police to report the Uber accident immediately after it happens. The local department will dispatch an officer to conduct a preliminary investigation. The officer will write up a police report and document important details about your case. Even though police reports aren’t generally admissible as evidence, they can be critical in a lawsuit. The report can relay details about your accident that you’re likely to forget, such as:
- Weather conditions
- Traffic and road conditions
- Road construction, and
- Eye-witness names and information.
The officer may even make some preliminary assessments of fault. The sooner you report the accident, the more accurate the report can be.
You’ll also need to report the accident to Uber. The company’s insurer may try to get out of paying you for your injuries if you fail to do so.
Document Your Injuries and Damages
It’ll be important to document your injuries, expenses, and any costs related to your Uber accident and injuries. Take pictures of your injuries. Use your cell phone to take photos of the Uber and any other vehicles in the crash. Write down the name of the driver and anyone else involved in the accident. Take a few minutes to gather your thoughts on paper or in a “notes” app on your phone. As you seek compensation, your documentation can be critical in obtaining a fair settlement or financial award.
Resist the Temptation to Accept an Early Insurance Offer
If you’ve been injured because of a negligent Uber driver, your injuries should be covered by the driver’s insurance company or Uber’s corporate insurance policy. Coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the accident. Either way, it’s important to limit communication with these companies until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Why? Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlement offers after accidents. If you accept an offer, you’ll waive your right to pursue more money down the line. You’ll be out of luck if you come to realize that your injuries were worse than you thought.
Discuss Your Uber Accident With a Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer
Uber accident lawsuits and injury claims can be complicated. There tend to be a lot of parties involved. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate the claims process on your own. Take the time to discuss your case and learn about your options with a reputable Los Angeles personal injury attorney.
For more information, call our law firm at (424) 248-2700 or visit our contact us page to send us an email.
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