How do I protect my claim after an Uber Accident?
Uber accidents, just like any other motor vehicle collision, can result in severe, devastating injuries. But following an Uber crash, you may encounter legal challenges that are specific to this type of accident.
In the aftermath of an Uber crash, someone who has been seriously injured as a result of a negligent Uber driver may struggle to find a source of compensation for their injuries. Victims may also find themselves dealing with multiple insurance companies to figure out their claim. That’s why it’s critical that you know and understand how to preserve your claim after an Uber-related crash. An experienced Uber accident attorney can help you with this.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber collision, an Uber accident attorney at William Mattar can analyze the details of your case and help to preserve your claim. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; the particular facts of your case must be considered. The car accident lawyers at William Mattar are here to help. For a free and confidential consultation, call (844) 444-4444 today.
Things to consider after an Uber accident
Uber accidents are somewhat unique, but injured motorists generally tend to take certain actions after a car accident. These include, but are not limited to:
- Contacting the police: Motorists almost always call the police to the scene of an accident. A police officer is often required by law to file an official report concerning the details of the accident. This report could be important for filing a potential insurance claim.
- Receiving medical care: If you or someone else has been injured, you may want to consider seeking medical attention by calling 911 for emergency services.
- Taking photographic documentation of the accident: Photos of an Uber accident scene, including photos of the vehicles involved, and documentation of important details, can help you down the road. This evidence may be helpful if you choose to bring a claim.
- Speaking to other parties and witnesses: Collecting information regarding the involved drivers, passengers, and bystanders is essential. This information may include driver contact information or statements from witnesses.
- Compensation: Although obtaining compensation is not guaranteed, if you’ve sustained a “serious injury” as defined by the Insurance Law, you are entitled to make a claim for pain and suffering. An experienced accident attorney can help you with this process.
Ways to protect your claim following an Uber accident
After an Uber ridesharing accident, you may want to consider taking certain steps to protect your claim. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Stay at the scene of the accident: If the situation is safe and you do not require emergency medical treatment, you should always consider waiting for law enforcement to arrive to the scene of an Uber accident. In fact, if you or someone else is injured or property damage is sufficiently severe, you are legally required to contact the police so they can generate a police accident report. The Vehicle and Traffic Law contains additional helpful information concerning your obligations at an accident scene.
- Avoid being influenced by the at-fault driver: The driver who caused your Uber accident may want to avoid getting the law involved for a variety of reasons, especially if they are at fault. They may try to convince you to not call the police. You should be careful in this situation, as calling the police can help you protect your claim.
- Be wary of small settlement offers: In the aftermath of an Uber accident, an insurance company may offer you a very small settlement to discourage you from filing a claim. The offer may seem generous in the moment, but it may not be enough to compensate for your injuries. These types of settlements must take into account past as well as future pain and suffering. Be cautious when interacting with any insurance representative. Accepting any offer may prevent you from asserting your right to seek full compensation at a later time.
If you’ve been injured in an Uber crash, William Mattar law offices can help. Our personal injury attorneys have the experience to help ensure that your legal right to file a claim is protected.
If you were injured as a passenger while taking an Uber
The next step after suffering an injury in an Uber crash will vary based on the circumstances of your case. You may find that you need compensation for your injuries. If you were a passenger at the time of an Uber accident, you will likely be covered by Uber’s company rideshare coverage of $1.25 million.
Eligibility for protection under Uber’s company rideshare coverage depends on if a driver was “online” at the time of the accident. If a driver is “online” and carrying a passenger, the $1.25 million coverage should generally be in effect.
If a driver is not online or on a “pre-arranged trip,” company rideshare coverage of $1.25 million will likely not apply to an Uber crash. In other words, the driver, along with every party involved, will be left with less available insurance coverage.
If you are not a passenger but were injured by an Uber driver
If you were not an Uber passenger when an Uber driver caused you to sustain a personal injury, you should still be entitled to insurance protection. You may have been a driver or passenger traveling in another car, or a pedestrian who was struck by an Uber vehicle. The status of the Uber driver—if they were not online, if they were online and not on a pre-arranged trip, if they were online and on a pre-arranged trip—will dictate the amount of insurance coverage available to you.
There is no guaranteed outcome or result after an Uber collision. It may be beneficial to hire an experienced accident attorney to navigate any complications or loopholes.
Contact our Experienced Uber Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been seriously injured in an Uber accident, consider contacting an experienced Uber accident lawyer. At William Mattar law offices, we offer our No Fee Until We WinSM, a promise that you will not need to pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you. Call us today at (844) 444-4444 for a free consultation.
