About six million car accidents occur every year in the US. You’re not always the one driving, though. With millions of people using Uber every day, accidents are unfortunately a potential risk.
Do you know what to do after a Uber car accident? It’s important to gather evidence before filing your Uber accident claim. Otherwise, your lawyer might struggle to build a case on your behalf.
Here are the seven steps you need to follow after an Uber car accident. With these tips, you can build your case with an experienced Uber accident attorney at your side.
Make a case for yourself using these seven simple tips today.
1. Move to Safety
There are now over 91 million monthly active Uber users and 3.9 million drivers worldwide. These drivers complete about 14 million trips every day. Unfortunately, every drive presents the risk of an Uber car accident.
After a crash, it’s normal to feel a little disoriented. Try to remain calm. Take a deep breath and try to remember these tips.
First, have the Uber driver move to a safe area nearby. Don’t allow them to leave the scene of the crash. Otherwise, you’ll have a hit-and-run case on your hands.
Make sure the car is out of the way of incoming traffic. Otherwise, you could increase the chance that someone else will get hurt.
Make sure the car is safe to drive before they move. If you smell gas or anything is leaking, it’s not safe to drive. Get out of the car and move to safety right away.
2. Assess Your Injuries
Take the time to assess your injuries following the accident. Were you hurt? Where?
Take a picture of your injuries right away. You’ll want to gather evidence while it’s still fresh.
If you or the driver was injured, call for medical help right away. Did someone sustain a neck or back injury? Don’t move.
Instead, wait for medical professionals to arrive.
In some cases, adrenaline can mask pain symptoms. You might not realize you were hurt until weeks after the crash. It’s important to visit a doctor immediately following an Uber car accident.
3. Contact the Police
Don’t neglect to call the police immediately after your Uber accident. In some states, you’re legally obligated to file an official police report. Call the police to cover your bases.
When you speak with the police, stick to the facts. Let them know what happened without embellishing.
The police officers will record any deaths, property damages, or injuries that occurred as a result of the crash. Make sure to get their badge number and the officer’s name. Your Uber accident attorney might need to contact them directly.
Then, ask for a copy of the official police report. You’ll need their report before filing your Uber accident claim.
4. Gather Evidence
While you’re at the scene of the crash, avoid conversation as much as possible. You’ll want to avoid saying anything that could impact your case.
Don’t apologize. An apology is as good as an admission of guilt.
Instead, start gathering evidence. First, get your Uber driver’s information. Write down their name, license plate number, and car information.
Get their insurance information as well.
Then, speak with the other driver. Gather their contact information, too.
Start gathering photo and video evidence, including:
- Where the accident occurred
- How the cars are positioned
- Damages and injuries
- Nearby road signs
- Road conditions
You might start to forget certain details in the days following the crash. Write down everything you remember as soon as possible. That way, you won’t have to rely on your memory.
You can give your Uber accident attorney these notes to help them build your case.
5. Seek Medical Attention
The doctor’s medical opinion will benefit your claims against Uber. Otherwise, you might fail to build a case against the driver or Uber.
Make sure to ask your doctor for a full assessment. Once they write down their report, ask for a copy. Your Uber accident attorney will need this report when building your case.
Otherwise, keep up with your doctor’s appointments. It’s important to follow up.
The insurance company will want to pay as little as possible for your Uber car accident settlement. If you don’t continue seeking treatment, they’ll argue your injuries weren’t as severe as you claimed.
They might try to argue that you sustained your injuries before or after the crash.
Instead, keep a record of any medications you take and treatments you receive. Record the contact information for every specialist you visit as well.
6. Find a Lawyer
You don’t have to file your Uber accident claim alone. Any small issues with your claim could delay the claim process.
Don’t wait too long to file your claim, either. Otherwise, the statute of limitations could lapse. You’ll lose your chance to fight for compensation as a result.
Instead, hire an experienced Uber accident attorney. Look for a lawyer with years of specialized experience. They’ll know which laws and procedures are relevant to your case.
Their prior experience can help you avoid costly mistakes with your lawsuit.
They’ll walk you through the claim process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
7. Understanding the Claim Process
Talk to your lawyer about the Uber accident claim process.
Uber’s drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. Uber uses this classification to avoid risking liability after a crash. Instead, Uber drivers are responsible for acquiring personal auto insurance.
Whether or not they acquire insurance coverage is their own decision.
If you’re in an Uber car accident, you might struggle to sue the company directly. The company won’t take responsibility for the driver’s negligence. Uber has limited legal liability in these instances.
You’ll need an experienced Uber accident attorney if you want to sue the company directly.
However, you can hold Uber financially responsible through their insurance coverage.
Your Uber accident attorney will help you determine the best course of action for your case.
Uber Compensation: 7 Tips to Strengthen Your Uber Accident Claim
Filing an Uber accident claim doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, speak with your Uber accident attorney. They can help you avoid potential issues as you work through the Uber claim process.
With their help, you can fight for compensation to cover your losses.
Want to discuss your case with an experienced attorney? We’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation.