What Should I Do After an Uber Accident?
Rideshare services like Uber have significantly changed the way that many people commute. The convenience of getting a ride almost instantaneously from wherever you are has become a part of everyday life for many people in New York and beyond. While rideshare services provide convenient and affordable transportation, there are many reasons to be concerned about your safety when hailing a ride.
Uber drivers have no specialized training and little supervision. This means they could easily make a mistake resulting in a severe injury accident. Even if the Uber driver you ride with is a cautious, experienced driver, they cannot control how others on the road will act. This means that accidents involving rideshare accidents can and do happen. Innocent riders are often forced to deal with severe injuries as a result.
If you were involved in an Uber car accident, you should take these steps to protect your health and your right to recover compensation after the crash.
Steps You Should Take After an Uber Accident
If you’ve been involved in an Uber collision, you should consider taking the following steps:
Report the accident to the police and Uber
Report the crash immediately by calling 911. When the police arrive on the scene, they will create an accident report containing essential details about the accident, including a description of any injuries you suffered and possibly an initial determination of fault. You should also report the accident to Uber. If you later try to file a claim with Uber’s liability insurance policy but failed to report the accident, Uber’s insurer could fight your claim.
Document the accident and relevant information
Take photos to digitally preserve the accident scene. With time, your recollection of the accident will likely begin to fade. A visual record of your injuries, the damage to each vehicle involved, and the accident scene can be incredibly beneficial down the road. If any bystanders nearby witnessed the accident, ask for their contact details.
Gather information
Gather all documents related to the accident, including:
- The police report
- Medical records
- Hospital bills
- Evidence of missed work
- Other documentation that shows the losses you suffered because of the accident
Seek medical treatment
Seek prompt medical attention. Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away, but delaying treatment can lead to severe, even life-threatening complications. When you seek medical treatment, be sure to tell the provider that your injuries are the result of a motor vehicle so this information is documented in your medical records.
Don’t accept a settlement before speaking to a lawyer
Uber accidents tend to be more complex than a typical car accident because multiple parties might be involved. In addition to the Uber driver, other motorists could potentially have contributed to the accident. They could try to shift blame for the accident to avoid liability.
You should never accept any settlement offers without consulting a seasoned Uber accident lawyer. Insurance companies are for-profit entities, so their goal will be to minimize their losses. They may offer you a quick, lump-sum payment to cover your medical expenses and other losses, but their initial offer is unlikely to be generous.
Your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf or suggest filing a lawsuit to seek damages in court.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If you were involved in an Uber accident, contact a skilled New York car accident lawyer at Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney to discuss your case. Our consultations are free and confidential, so call us or reach out to us online now. We have a long track record of successfully securing large settlements and verdicts for injured people.
