Getting in a car accident is always a trying time. Whether you’re injured or you’re just shaken up, it can take a lot of time, therapy, and adjustment to get back into your everyday life. You might have medical bills or need to take time away from the office, meaning getting in an accident can seriously cost you.
However, if you’re not at fault for the accident, you should be able to get coverage from the responsible driver. But what about in the event that you’re a passenger in an Uber?
If you’re a passenger in an Uber that’s been in an accident, it might not be clear what to do––especially if you’re injured. It’s important to note that even though you weren’t driving or responsible for the accident, you can still get compensation to help cover medical bills and time away from work.
It’s important to follow the right steps after you’re in an accident as an Uber passenger. Let’s walk through what you should do.
What to do if you’re in an Uber accident
1. Double check that everyone is okay and call 911.
As with any accident, the first thing you want to do is ensure you’re okay. Check in with other passengers, your driver, any injured pedestrians, or the driver of the other vehicle and make sure everyone is safe.
Call 911 to get medical help out as quickly as possible. If you’re seriously injured, focus on getting the treatment you need over everything else.
If the damage is minor, your driver might be tempted to just leave the scene without reporting it to the police. After all, getting in an accident could increase their insurance payment and cause them to lose their job with Uber.
However, in order to get the insurance money you deserve, you need to get the police on the scene to make a report. Call 911 to report the accident.
2. Collect as much information as possible.
If you don’t need immediate medical attention, collect as much information on the scene of the accident as you can. Don’t leave this responsibility up to the driver.
Take photos of the damage. Photograph both the vehicle you were in, and any other vehicles that were involved in the accident. Take photographs of any of your injuries or injuries sustained by members of your party.
You’ll also want to collect insurance information from your Uber driver. Uber has a sizeable insurance policy that covers passengers when they’re involved in an accident, so talk with your driver about what you need to do to make a claim.
Finally, talk with any witnesses on the scene or other individuals involved in the accident. Because you’re a passenger, you can never be found at-fault for the accident, but you do need to have accounts that back up what you say happened.
3. Keep detailed notes of expenses and lost wages.
In order to get proper compensation, you need to keep a record of all your medical expenses and wages lost because of any injuries. These can be as small or as large as possible.
Be sure to keep records of major expenses, like medical bills, but also keep track of any expenses related to going to your appointments, such as gas to get there or if you need to take an Uber to your appointments. You can be reimbursed for these expenses as well.
4. Contact an Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles.
A ridesharing personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities that come with getting in an Uber accident. Working with an Uber accident attorney in Los Angeles can ensure you’re not taken advantage by either Uber or the insurance industry.
Unfortunately, getting money to cover your expenses related to an Uber accident isn’t as easy as contacting Uber and getting a check. You’ll need to sufficiently prove that you deserve compensation, and whether or not your driver was at fault could impact this process.
For example, if your driver was not at fault, Uber might encourage you to first go through the other driver’s insurance. However, they might not have a policy that covers your medical expenses and time away from work. But Uber has extensive insurance policies, including up to $1 million in coverage for passengers.
A ridesharing personal injury lawyer can ensure you know who to sue and what money you deserve. This takes the stress off of you, allowing you to just recover from your injuries and get back on your feet without needing to fight.
A lawyer can also guarantee you get the appropriate amount of compensation. Insurance providers will always try to low ball you. With legal representation, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the compensation you deserve, and you didn’t accept a deal that didn’t have your best interests in mind.
What damages can you recover from an Uber accident?
If you were in an Uber accident, there are many different kinds of damages you can claim. Again, working with an attorney can ensure you know which fit your situation and what to claim. Best car accident lawyers missouri is what you need to get an idea of how you’re going to interact with the attorney during your case.
One of the most common are medical expenses, including past and future. Remember to keep records of more than just appointments or traditional doctor’s visits. Rehabilitation, disability, or other healthcare related expenses also apply.
Be sure to consider any future medical issues you could experience related to your injuries––not just expenses you’ve already incurred. For example, if you’ll need to continue going to rehab for years to come, you can get compensation to cover future expenses.
You can also claim for losses due to lost wages, property damage, or loss of income. This can include something as small as needing to be out of work for a few days to being unable to do your job because of your new injuries. If any personal property was damaged in the accident, for example your laptop or cell phone, you could also get money to repair or replace it.
Finally, in the event that a loved one passed away in the accident, you can receive wrongful death compensation.
While Uber is required to insure passengers up to $1 million, this does not mean you have a right to full compensation. You’ll need to prove expenses. However, working with West Coast Trial Lawyers can ensure you follow the appropriate steps for determining what compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
If you’ve been in a car accident during an Uber ride, don’t panic. Although it can be an overwhelming and difficult time, you can recover and get the compensation you deserve by following the right steps.
To recap, get necessary medical attention immediately. Gather information related to the accident, including notes, pictures, and witness accounts. Talk with the police to file a report. Keep an accurate log of any expenses related to your medical bills or missing work. Finally, contact West Coast Trial Lawyers for additional help, support, and direction for handling your case.
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