Like many others, you rely on rideshare services like Uber to get you where you need to go. We often expect a ride with no delays and certainly no accidents. However, accidents just happen sometimes, and many different factors contribute to their severity. Even rideshare vehicles are not immune to accidents on the road. If you were a passenger in an Uber accident, what should you do now? Will Uber cover any injuries you sustained, or does that only apply if their driver was at fault? Can you sue for damages?
At the Greenwald Law Firm, we know that experience is everything in a courtroom. We pride ourselves on being one of the best personal injury firms in Louisiana. Shreveport ridesharing accident attorney Joseph Greenwald has successfully litigated virtually every type of personal injury case, and his track record speaks for itself. If you need a Shreveport lawyer for a personal injury claim, call our office today at 318-219-7867 for quality representation.
What Should I Do After an Uber Accident?
It is imperative that you take certain steps after any car accident, but especially after an Uber accident. These steps matter greatly in terms of how your case proceeds, so it’s best to be prepared before an accident even happens. Below, we outline what to do after an Uber accident.
- Report the accident to both the police and Uber. Calling the police and having them take a detailed report of the crash is one of the best pieces of evidence when seeking compensation. Details are easy to forget, so having everything in writing makes your case more solid. Additionally, report the accident to Uber. They have an insurance policy that covers a certain amount, and you may end up needing that money from them to pay for expensive medical bills.
- Document everything you remember from the accident. As we said before, memory fades with time. The more documentation you have about the scene, the more foolproof your case is. Take pictures where necessary, especially of your injuries and the scene in general.
- Seek medical attention. Even if at first you don’t feel or see injuries, there might be something hiding under the surface. It’s best to see a doctor after an accident to immediately identify and begin treatment on your injuries. The longer you wait, the less of a link there is between the accident and your injuries.
- Speak with your Shreveport personal injury attorney. Car accidents, especially in cases where Uber vehicles are involved, are complicated. You have to account for several parties, including the Uber driver, other drivers, and insurance companies. Your best bet is having an experienced attorney handle your case. Their main goal is to maximize your compensation and hold others accountable for your injuries.
What Does Uber’s Insurance Cover?
Maybe you’ve heard about Uber’s “$1 Million Insurance Plan.” How exactly does it operate? Does it really cover up to $1 million in damages? In this section, we outline how the insurance plan works, what it covers, and how you receive compensation.
Uber considers their employees to be independent contractors, not employees. Basically, this does not render Uber liable for the actions of their drivers automatically. They can and likely will deny liability when their drivers get into accidents.
Basically, the insurance plan involves three parts, depending on the status of the driver at the time of the accident.
- Not Available: The driver is not accepting rides and gets into an accident. In this case, Uber’s insurance policy does not apply. Instead, the driver’s own insurance policy kicks in.
- Available, No Passenger: The driver is available on the Uber app and ready to take passengers, but has none. They get into an accident. In this situation, the primary insurance is, once again, the driver’s own policy. However, Uber does provide extra liability coverage up to $50,000 per injury with a max of $100,000. They also provide $25,000 for property damage. If the driver’s insurance policy does not cover the damages completely, they may ask Uber to activate this policy.
- Available, With Passenger: This is where we normally see the $1 million policy. When the driver carries a passenger and gets into an accident, both the driver and passenger receive coverage. Any affected third parties like cyclists or pedestrians will also receive coverage.
Uber also carries a $1 million uninsured motorist policy.
What Happens After You Report an Uber Car Accident?
Once Uber receives your accident report, they send an incident report form to your registered email address. They will ask that you complete the form for insurance purposes. Once they receive your completed form, they send it to the insurer. Then, the insurer investigates the incident and determines whether or not they will provide coverage. Additionally, it is important that you notify your personal insurance company of any accidents you are involved in.
What Can I Recover in an Uber Accident Suit?
Recoverable damages depend on several important factors, like all personal injury settlements. The specifics of your case are unique; they will help determine what will and will not increase your potential settlement amount. Below, we outline some of the questions an experienced personal injury attorney might ask regarding Uber accident cases.
- Who was at fault? Proving fault is one of the foundations of recovering damages in a personal injury suit. If your attorney can use your information to prove that your Uber driver was reckless, you could potentially increase your settlement amount.
- How bad are the injuries? To recover as much as possible, you must prove just how serious your injuries are. Insurance companies never want to pay more than they absolutely have to, but if you can prove that your injuries have a long-term impact, you can significantly increase your settlement amount. (Take a look at our blog: 7 Most Common Car Accident Injuries)
- How much money is there? As a company, Uber has tricky insurance policies. It depends entirely on two things: the status of the driver and who was at fault. Increasing your settlement amount requires that your driver is at fault for the accident. This causes Uber’s largest insurance policy to kick in.
Unsure What to Do After an Uber Accident? Call The Greenwald Law Firm Today!
If you’re confused about what to do after an Uber accident, you need an experienced Shreveport car accident attorney on your side. We know that the aftermath of an accident is a stressful and frustrating time. Don’t settle for the first personal injury lawyer you come across. For experience, knowledge, and results, you need Joseph Greenwald. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office at 318-219-7867 today.