The Complexities of Uber Accidents
We live in a world where it has become almost impossible to get from point A to point B without a vehicle, especially in big cities. Due to this pressing need, ride-sharing companies such as Uber have grown in popularity. And concurrently, the risk of getting into an accident with a ride-share driver has also increased.
The problem with Uber accidents is that they are more complicated than other road accidents, according to an Uber accident lawyer. Below you will see exactly what steps you should take if you ever find yourself in such an accident.
Why Are Uber Accidents More Complex?
Uber accidents are much more complex than other car accidents for various reasons, including the number of insurance companies involved and where the fault lies if the ride-share driver caused the accident. Although the whole process looks pretty complicated, an Uber accident lawyer will know exactly how to proceed.
There Could Be Multiple Parties Involved
In a car accident, there are usually two parties involved – the one who caused the accident and the injured one. This is no longer the case in Uber accidents because there are other potential parties that can be involved:
- The Uber driver
- The passenger or passengers in the Uber
- The other driver
- The passenger or passengers in the other vehicle
- Pedestrians
Each accident victim has their own insurance company, so the issue becomes even more complicated at this point. In the simplest of scenarios, there are at least three parties: the Uber driver, their passenger, and the driver of the other car involved in the accident. The more parties there are, the more complex the case becomes.
It Is Difficult to Determine Liability
Uber drivers are considered to be independent contractors rather than employees. This means that Uber group insurance only works under certain conditions and imposes quite a few complications regarding compensation in an accident. In general, the group insurance policy covers the costs of an accident. Still, there are particular cases, such as when the Uber driver is not using the app at the time of the accident, where they will be responsible for paying for the damages. In this case, the victim will be compensated by the driver’s personal policy.
What You Should Do After an Uber Accident
If you get in an accident with an Uber driver, you need to act quickly and follow a few standard steps to ensure you get the best compensation for your damages and personal injuries:
Call 911
As with any accident, the first step is to call 911. The authorities must be notified so they can help, especially in situations with victims. They also need to restrict or redirect traffic to prevent another accident. You should also know that, most likely, the Uber driver will also call the company and notify them of the accident. Once the police arrive on the scene, the officers will note the accident in a report.
When the ambulance arrives, get a medical check-up even if you feel fine. It is extremely important for your health and your case later on.
Exchange Contact Information
After the accident, it is recommended to talk to the Uber driver and write down their contact information. You should also get the contact details of witnesses present at the accident scene.
Take Plenty of Photos
Lawsuits against Uber drivers can be time-consuming, especially if you have to deal with the company’s insurance provider. They will do their best to settle for as little as possible. That’s why you need as much proof as possible that you are not the one who caused the accident. This is where pictures come in handy. Take as many as you can from different angles, and ensure you catch all the damage that occurred due to the accident. You can also use your phone to record video and narrate over it to describe what happened.
Contact An Attorney Specializing in Uber Accidents
This is the most important step when you are involved in a car accident with an Uber driver. An Uber car accident lawyer knows exactly how to approach the situation, what steps to take, and how to help you receive full compensation for your property damage and other losses. They know how to proceed in an injury claim against Uber and their insurance provider.
You should also be aware that shortly after the accident, you will be contacted by the at-fault party’s insurance company to arrange a settlement. You must refrain from signing anything before discussing it with your lawyer. Insurance adjusters will try to take advantage of your condition to get the best deal for their client, but this puts you at a significant disadvantage. A skilled lawyer will know how to negotiate to cover all of your expenses from the accident.
The attorney will be able to hire expert witnesses to prove how the accident occured, acquire medical records and police reports, and build a strong case in your favor. However, you will need to contact an Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.
