Navigating the legal maze after being injured in an Uber accident can be confusing. Understanding your options and determining liability is vital to ensure that your rights are protected. This guide will help you make sense of these avenues and how to work your way through them successfully.
What Should You Do First After an Uber Accident?
Whether you’re traveling on your first trip to Europe or you’re in your hometown, knowing what to do after an Uber accident is essential. Here are four important steps you need to take.
Step 1: Call the Police
No matter how minor or major an Uber accident might seem, always call the police to the scene. Their detailed incident report will verify key facts about the accident and help support any legal procedures. This step is crucial even if damages or injuries aren’t instantly apparent to you.
Step 2: Get Everyone’s Contact Information
Following an Uber accident, it’s imperative to gather the contact information of all involved parties. This includes the Uber driver, any other drivers involved, and potential witnesses at the scene. Ensure you have their names, phone numbers, and addresses for evidence purposes.
Step 3: Report the Incident
After an Uber accident, remember to report the incident not only to law enforcement but also directly to Uber through their app. This formal reporting can bear weight in subsequent legal issues or insurance disputes. Keep a record of all communication with all relevant authorities.
Step 4: Talk to an Uber Accident Lawyer
A lawyer can help you understand the legal complexities surrounding such incidents and guide you on the best course of action. An attorney specializing in rideshare accidents contributes to effective navigation through potential Uber accident lawsuits or settlement negotiations.
Is There Insurance Coverage if an Uber Is in an Accident?
Insurance is handled in an entirely different way depending on the nature of the accident. Here’s what you do if the driver’s off the clock, on the clock but between fares, or you’re a passenger.
The Driver is “Off the Clock”
It’s important to note that if an Uber driver is off-duty, their personal insurance is usually deemed responsible for any accidents. In such cases, compensation for any damages or injuries could become dependent on the particular coverages offered by this independent policy.
The Driver is “On the Clock” But Between Fares
In instances where an Uber driver is logged into the app but between fares, Uber’s insurance can provide liability coverage, but typically at lower limits. This can be supplemented by the driver’s personal insurance, presenting a complex situation when it comes to filing claims.
The Driver is Carrying a Passenger
While an Uber driver is servicing a ride with a passenger on board, Uber’s $1 million policy comes into play. This includes damages and injuries sustained during the accident by the rider. But, this high-limit coverage doesn’t include injuries sustained by the Uber drivers themselves.
Can you Sue the Driver if You’re an Injured Passenger?
Yes, you can. If you’re a passenger injured during an Uber ride and believe the driver’s negligence caused the accident, you are within your rights to file a lawsuit against the driver. Proving their driving negligence led to your damages is essential in such cases.
Can you Sue the Driver if You’re Not a Passenger?
Absolutely. If you’re involved in an accident caused by an Uber driver, whether as a pedestrian or other driver, you can file a lawsuit against them. Establishing that their reckless driving or negligence contributed to the incident will be crucial in pursuing this legal path.
How do you Prove If the Driver was On the Clock?
To establish an Uber driver’s status at the time of the accident, you’d need to rely on data from Uber themselves. This data demonstrates whether the driver was off-duty, waiting for a fare, or carrying a passenger, thus playing a significant role in determining legal and insurance liabilities.
In Conclusion…
Navigating through the aftermath of getting injured in an Uber accident can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. Knowledge is power, and understanding your legal recourse is the first step towards justice. So equip yourself with the right information and seek professional advice when needed.
