The ridesharing market has experienced a surge over recent years. In 2018, 95 million riders used the Uber app on a monthly basis. As one of the most popular ridesharing apps, Uber allows individuals to request rides from nearby and it is significantly cheaper than traditional taxi services. It’s also often quicker when picking up passengers due to its proximity-based matching and state-of-the-art GPS technology.
Despite its advantages, Uber is not free from criticism, and Uber drivers are not infallible—accidents can still happen. As an Uber passenger, what happens if you’re in an Uber accident?
Uber’s Insurance Policy
If you’ve experienced an Uber accident and did not suffer any physical injuries, start by informing the Uber support team of your accident. To submit an accident report, leave a comment, submit a feedback report, or contact the Uber support team through the “Help” option in the Uber app. After receiving your feedback, an Uber insurance agent will contact you to verify the details of your accident.
If you were physically injured, navigating insurance policies and negotiating with representatives from Uber can be more complex. Scheduling a free consultation with a personal injury law firm can help you plan your next move, explore your legal options, and seek financial compensation for your injuries.
According to an experienced Uber accident lawyer, accident victims involved in Uber rideshare accidents often lose out on financial compensation without the right knowledge. Consequently, before moving forward, it’s important to understand what role liability insurance plays in Uber accidents. Uber drivers must have their own personal auto insurance policy to drive for Uber. However, Uber provides each driver with an insurance policy, which varies depending on the Uber driver’s status.
When an Uber driver turns on the Uber app and waits for a customer to request a ride, he’s covered for up to $50,000 in liability damage. From the time a customer is picked up until they reach their destination, the insurance policy increases to $1,000,000 and also extends to the passenger.
Filing a Claim
If an accident happens while you’re in an Uber vehicle, it’s important to document the damage and seek medical attention. In any car accident or crash, there’s a risk of serious injuries such as spinal damage and broken bones. Even if you don’t have obvious symptoms immediately after the accident, visiting the hospital as soon as possible can help strengthen your claim against the at-fault driver.
Additionally, take detailed notes about the car accident, your injuries, and your medical expenses. Make sure to keep all of the receipts from your interactions with doctors, insurance companies, rideshare companies, and others. Take photographs of your injury and the damage to the Uber vehicle, gather contact information from witnesses to the accident, and write down the Uber driver’s insurance information to help your Uber accident attorney when it’s time to file your personal injury claim.
After your accident, representatives from Uber and adjusters from insurance companies might call you and ask for a statement about the car accident. Write down their name and contact information, but don’t speak about the car accident or agree to sign any documents.
For insurance and rideshare companies, car accident victims are easy targets. Because adjusters and representatives will try to undercompensate you for your injuries and medical expenses, it’s essential to reach out to an Uber accident lawyer experienced in negotiating with insurance and rideshare companies. These legal professionals will work to ensure you receive financial compensation for your pain and suffering.
If you’ve experienced physical injuries in a rideshare accident, remember that the claim process began as soon as the accident occurred. In addition to exploring your legal options, taking steps to protect yourself—such as documenting the accident and seeking medical attention—can help strengthen your claim and help your personal injury attorney seek financial compensation for your injuries.
