There is absolutely no denying that Uber and the other rideshare options out there provide a convenient way to get from place to place. Uber accidents, however, tend to add an additional layer of complications. Knowing what to do if you are injured in an Uber accident can help you protect your claim and can help ensure that you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled.
The Basics
In many ways, rideshare accidents are nearly identical to other traffic accidents, and taking all of the following first steps remains in your best interest:
Pull out of the way of oncoming traffic as soon after the accident as you possibly can.
Call 911 and report the accident as soon as it is safe to do.
Provide whatever aid at the scene of the accident that you can.
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver (or with both drivers involved if you were an Uber passenger).
Accept medical attention at the scene of the accident or seek medical attention as soon after the accident as possible.
Follow your doctor’s instructions as carefully as possible (this is best for your health and for your Uber accident claim).
Driver Negligence and Insurance Coverage
When it comes to negligence and Uber accidents, there are several possibilities to consider. For example, if the party responsible for your injuries is not the Uber driver involved, your claim will proceed exactly the same way as any other car accident claim would. If, however, the Uber driver is at-fault, any one of the following scenarios may apply:
If you were a passenger in the Uber vehicle or the Uber driver either had a passenger or was on the way to pick one up, you will file your claim with Uber’s insurance provider.
If the Uber driver had no passengers (either in his or her car or waiting to be picked up) when the accident occurred, Uber’s coverage will kick in where the driver’s own personal insurance coverage ends.
If the Uber driver was off the Uber app at the time of the accident, Uber’s coverage will play no role, and the accident will proceed like any other would.
Special Considerations
There are some special considerations to note about Uber accidents. Uber drivers make a living by driving other people, but they are not commercial drivers in any meaningful legal way. As such, they bear the significant responsibility of commercial drivers – including dealing with the additional distractions – but they are not required to have any special training, experience, skill, or licensure. All of this in tandem can increase the risk that dangerous Uber accidents will happen in the first place.