Uber helps people get around town by connecting drivers with riders through an application (called an “app”) on their smartphones. This service has been a huge hit, allowing many people to make extra money on the side. However, Uber car accidents are not uncommon, and as a result, people get hurt, including people who aren’t an Uber driver or passenger.
Knowing what happens after an Uber car accident occurs involves understanding what the rideshare company’s role is in the process and how a lawyer can help you recover your damages. A lawyer who handles Miami rideshare car accidents can help you if you have been in an Uber accident as a passenger, driver, or another party. Below, we share everything you need to know about Uber car accidents.
You Can Seek Legal Action After an Uber Car Accident
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber car accident, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and what compensation you are entitled to receive. A personal injury attorney can help you recover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other losses, including property damages.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
If you get into an accident while riding in an Uber, you can protect your rights and insurance claim. First, ensure everyone involved is OK. This includes calling 911 if anyone is seriously injured or unresponsive at the accident scene.
Here are the steps to take:
1. Report the Accident
Make sure to report an accident to as soon as possible. We also recommend calling the police. You can use a police record to negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement.
2. Call Uber Support
You’ll need to explain what happened and let the company know which car was involved in the incident to take appropriate action, such as notifying that driver has been in an accident. As , you can also speak with the company’s claims support team, which can explain the claims process and how to report an accident to an insurance company.
3. Keep a Record of the Incident
Take photos of the accident and write out your version of events as if you were filing a police report. In addition, keep track of any medical treatment you’ve had. In an Uber accident claim, the evidence can help determine who’s at fault.
4. Seek Medical Care Promptly
Obtain a medical examination immediately after the accident and again if any symptoms appear later. The insurance company would most likely argue that your injuries occurred after the collision if you don’t go to the hospital and document your medical treatment in a timely manner.
5. Refuse Any Premature Settlement Offers
You may feel upset or foggy after a car accident, so it’s best to wait until you’re feeling settled and able to discuss a proposed settlement with a clear head. It will be tough to back out of a settlement once you accept it, so you can reach out to a legal professional first before accepting a proposed settlement from an insurance company.
6. Consider Having a Car Accident Attorney Review Your Accident
A lawyer managing your Uber accident case can identify all potential liable parties and determine whose insurance coverage was active when the accident occurred. This is important as Uber’s insurance coverage applies only at certain times during a driver’s shift.
What to Know as a Passenger in an Uber Car Accident
If you’re an Uber passenger who has been injured in a car accident, you should be aware of a few things, including:
- Except under the most extreme and unique situations, as a passenger hurt in an Uber accident, you’re not liable for your injuries
- In a rear-end collision, you may sustain a soft-tissue injury like whiplash, so even if you don’t believe you’ve been hurt, seek medical help right away.
- Your personal insurance may cover you if you were involved in an Uber crash as a passenger. Uber typically covers passengers’ damages. However, you can consult with an attorney to determine what your damages are, and which party will pay for some or all your losses.
What to Know If You’re an Uber Driver Involved in a Car Accident
if a car accident involving an Uber driver occurs, but only under specific circumstances. It requires its drivers to have the minimum amount of liability insurance in their state. This minimum may not be enough to cover your injuries or losses if you file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies also may not pay the claim as they consider driving for a rideshare company as commercial driving, not personal driving.
An Attorney Can Confirm If You Can Recover Benefits
If you are an Uber driver in Florida, you won’t qualify for workers’ compensation if you have an accident while driving for the company. Uber drivers are contractors for the company, not employees. Still, if you are a driver for the rideshare company, you may be able to file a claim for your injuries using your insurance policy and your Uber insurance policy.
If you were transporting an Uber passenger or on your way to pick one up, or if your Uber app was active and you were waiting for an assignment, your benefits would differ. You can review Uber’s policy with an attorney to see what benefits you are eligible to pursue.
Deadline for Personal Injury Cases Applies to Uber Accidents
If you want to seek legal action in an Uber accident, you have a limited time to do so. Most states set a strict deadline for injured car accident victims to file a lawsuit. Florida generally allows four years from the accident date to file an injury lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). If you miss this deadline, you likely will pass up the chance to hold the liable party accountable for your damages.
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine for a Free Case Review
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, it’s essential to seek medical help, report the incident to the authorities, and reach out to a lawyer as soon as you can.
The legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine is ready to help you recover from the damages you incur in an Uber accident, whether you were a passenger or driver. We can explain everything you need to know about Uber car accidents as they pertain to your case. Call us today at 1-800-747-3733 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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