What to Do if You Get Injured in an Uber Accident

If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, contact a Los Angeles Uber accident attorney at McDonald Worley for help.

With revenues over $14 billion in 2019, Uber has been one of the fastest-growing startups in the past decade. Today, there are over 2.5 million drivers that provide Uber rides in almost every city in the world. Every day, the company provides over 4 million rides, a sign that the public has embraced this distinct way of getting from one place to another. 

What is Uber? 

Uber is an application used by Uber Technologies to match drivers with people who are in need of a quick ride. This is a concept the founders implemented after a frustrating experience in France when trying to hail a taxi. The price is set by the company, depending on the vehicle, distance, and number of riders. The driver and rider agree to the price on the app in advance. 

Unlike taxis and limousines that need to be periodically checked for safety, Uber cars aren’t mandated to undergo such inspections. Also, the drivers use their own cars and only need a standard driver’s license to operate. Also, since the entire ecosystem lies within the app, it is easy for drivers to be distracted while driving. This is a major concern, and there have been numerous accidents relating to Uber rides. 

Uber Technologies claims to vet the drivers, but subpar drivers and cars can become part of Uber’s driver pool. If you are involved in an accident while riding an Uber, the situation will most likely be handled the same way it would if you were in a private car. Here’s what to do when involved in an Uber accident:

1. Assess the Situation and Call the Authorities if Necessary

When involved in an auto accident, the first thing to do is seek medical attention if you or anyone else has been injured. Being involved in a car accident can be traumatizing, especially because nobody expects to be in that situation. However, it is imperative that you stay calm, call an ambulance, and wait for the authorities to arrive. 

Even if you didn’t sustain any major injuries in the accident, it’s important to visit the emergency room to rule out any internal or delayed injuries. It’s also wise to seek compensation if you have sustained injuries, making it essential to get a healthcare provider’s checkup and medical report. 

2. Call the Authorities

You or the Uber driver should contact the police and report the incident as soon as possible. When the police arrive, ensure you give them facts and not opinions of how the accident happened. The last thing you want is to give out information that may reduce your chances of getting compensated when you take legal action. 

3. Document the Accident

When seeking legal compensation for injuries sustained and the emotional damage resulting from the experience, it’s important to collect evidence. So, if possible, take photos and videos of the scene. You’ll also want to consider talking to the Uber driver and any witness of the incident and collect their contact information. 

4. Seek an Uber Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles

It’s usually tricky to find someone willing to cover injuries sustained in an Uber accident. Even though Uber has a liability policy, it’s often considered to be secondary insurance. This means that the company’s insurance provider expects the Uber driver’s insurance company to be the first to get involved before they offer compensation. However, most personal vehicle insurance providers don’t pay out claims for commercial activities, and this is where things get confusing. 

For your claim to succeed, you need to prove that someone was negligent on the road. Even if the Uber driver is to blame for the accident, it will be hard to seek legal compensation if they only have personal auto insurance.. That is because hauling passengers through the Uber service is considered a commercial activity, which would require a commercial insurance policy.

Now, suppose the driver was driving carelessly and caused an accident between transporting customers but were available for rides. In that case, Uber won’t be liable for the incident and will most likely try to downplay the incident. If the Uber driver only has personal auto insurance, they might attempt to do the same. 

Uber Technologies has a $1 million coverage for its drivers, passengers, and any third parties who might be injured or have their assets damaged due to an accident that involved an Uber car. Unfortunately, Uber tends to deny insurance claims, a habit that’s common with many companies. As such, when you decide to take legal action against Uber and seek compensation for your emotional pain and injuries, it’s imperative to look for an experienced Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer. These professionals will help you navigate this tiring and usually frustrating process and make sure you get a fair settlement.

Here are two scenarios you might face if you get into an Uber accident and sustain injuries:

The Uber Driver Isn’t at Fault for the Accident

In such a scenario, you can file for legal compensation from the driver of the other car involved in the incident. However, you’ll only get compensation if the driver at-fault has auto insurance. 

The Uber Driver Is at Fault for the Accident

In this scenario, you should file a claim against Uber if you have sustained injuries as a result of careless driving or negligence by the driver. Under the law, ride-hailing or sharing companies are mandated to carry a minimum of $1 million in insurance for personal injuries and property damage caused by their drivers. However, keep in mind that this coverage only applies from the time your Uber ride booking is accepted to when the driver marks the ride complete. 

What Damages Can You Recover if You’ve Been Injured in an Uber Accident?

If you have been involved in an Uber accident, you can be compensated for the following:

  • Current and future medical bills
  • Current and future pain and suffering, including physical impairment
  • Lost wages
  • Future income loss

Following the accident, an insurance agent from Uber’s insurance provider will most likely contact you in an attempt to negotiate a settlement or seek a statement. Avoid telling the insurance agent anything until you talk to your attorney. You’re under no obligation to do so. If you try to reach an agreement with them on your own, chances are you’ll end up settling for a lot less than you would have received if you let an experienced Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer handle the situation. 

The insurance agent’s job is to ensure the least amount of money is paid for claims. So, you’ll need an experienced legal representative to push back and ensure you are compensated fairly for the injuries sustained.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an Uber accident, you need to seek help from an experienced Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles. You need a lawyer with experience handling these types of cases to make sure that your interests are well-represented. They can get you a fair settlement that covers medical bills and any other losses you might have experienced. Going about the lawsuit on your own is not only stressful, but you may end up getting an unfair settlement. Our personal injury law firm in Los Angeles is experienced in this sector and has a lot to offer. To find out more, do not hesitate to reach us at (877) 721-3423 or contact us online today and schedule a free consultation!

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