Uber is a ridesharing app that has transformed commuting within the city. People that use Uber are given an extra layer of security because the customer service shares the driver’s information, with their rating entirely depending on how safe they can get you to your destination. Unfortunately, Uber has had its share of accidents, contributing to the rising statistics of traffic accidents and deaths.
Being in a car accident can be a terrifying experience, and most people don’t have the slightest idea what to do if they somehow manage to make it out of the accident fully conscious. The trauma can interfere with your quick response. However, you need to keep in mind that the things you do immediately after an accident will determine your health and recovery, as well as your compensation. Here’s what you need to do.
Check for any injuries
Make sure to check yourself first for any bleeding or injuries. Next, check if everyone else is safe. If you can move safely, exit the vehicle and gauge if the damages and injuries are severe or minor. If
If the vehicle has hazard lights, turn these on to notify passing drivers. If you have flares, set these up around the scene. Stay at the location and check your mobile if you can call the police and paramedics.
Call 911
If there are any injuries resulting from the accident, whether from your end, the other driver, or a pedestrian, call the police immediately and request medical assistance. Make sure to state your location clearly to avoid any confusion, which can lead to a longer waiting time that can aggravate some injuries.
Document the accident and gather information
Document the damage by taking pictures and videos from different angles because these can serve as substantial evidence that may benefit lawyers and investigators. It will also help if you document any injuries.
Next, take the names and contact information of all parties involved. This will be vital later for negotiations. You’ll want to take note of the other driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information, as well as the year, make, and model of the car.
Report the situation to Uber
The Uber smartphone app has a report button for users, and you’ll want to specify whether the injuries were severe or minor. Physical damages caused by an accident can build up in that medical bill.
You may be wondering: will Uber cover you in an accident? Uber riders involved in accidents that result in injury will be covered, though the web of legal relationships may be a little more complicated. Because Uber caters to both drivers and passengers and the drivers are people trying to earn extra cash rather than being actual professionals, they’re first and foremost independent contractors expected to have their auto insurance policies. Uber first requires its drivers to have and maintain this coverage and will deactivate drivers that don’t.
Hence, what Uber offers as insurance is a “contingent liability,” which means that it’s contingent on the driver’s primary insurance denying the claim. Uber’s insurance has different coverages, depending on what period of an Uber driver’s work the accident happened in– period 1 is when the drivers are waiting to be matched with a rider, period 2 is when the rider is on the way to pick up a matched passenger, and period 3 is when the driver marks the trip as ended after arriving at the destination.
Speak with a lawyer
Uber accidents can get a little complicated when it’s time to talk about why the accident happened in the first place. There are several parties involved: the Uber driver, the passenger, and in some cases, another driver and other passengers or pedestrians. Insurance companies will want to protect their clients, so negotiating a settlement can be difficult.
Remember not to accept any offers, especially if you’re still in the recovery stage. Many professionals will want to nip the issue in the bud by making financial offers, but this will not be beneficial in the long run, especially if it unjustly harms the other involved parties. The best thing to do is talk with a lawyer, preferably one you’ve worked with before, and let them handle the discussions with the other parties and the involved insurance companies.
Takeaway
Whether the accident is severe or not, it’s imperative to stay calm and remember how to ask for help. The safety and health of all the parties involved should be kept in mind first before worrying about any financial consequences.
