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Ridesharing services are a popular way to get around a new place, a responsible way to get home after a night out on the town, and a convenient way to avoid driving yourself. However, sometimes this convenience has a price. When an accident occurs, and you are an Uber or other ridesharing service passenger, recovering the compensation you need to cover your injuries can be complex and confusing.
Understanding what to do if you are a passenger in an Uber accident is the first step to protecting your legal rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You Are in an Uber Accident
Ridesharing accidents are complicated. Drivers are not employees of Uber. Instead, they are labeled as independent contractors, meaning the company they “work” for can skirt liability when an accident occurs in most cases. Who pays for your injuries following an accident depends on several factors, including which driver caused the accident and whether the Uber driver was active in the app before the collision. Parties who may be liable for an accident can include:
- An at-fault motorist
- The Uber driver
- Uber
As a passenger, you must take steps following an accident to protect yourself and put yourself in the best position possible to recover maximum compensation for your injuries. If you are in an Uber accident, take the following steps:
- Contact the authorities – Always contact the authorities after an accident. They can render medical aid and control the accident scene. Additionally, a police report contains valuable information you will need to file a compensation claim, including the name and insurance information of all motorists involved.
- Seek medical attention – Have a medical professional assess your injuries immediately. The adrenaline of the crash can mask signs of significant injuries. Your medical records can also help document your injuries when you file your compensation claim.
- Document the scene– Try to document the scene as best you can. Take photographs and videos of your injuries and the damage to all vehicles. You may be a passenger, but you must still exchange information with the other parties involved, such as their contact information, insurance, and license information.
- Notify Uber – You should report the accident to Uber through the app or website.
- Consult an attorney – Ridesharing accident claims can be confusing. Contact an attorney for help with the process.
- Document your losses – Record your medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses related to the ridesharing accident. These documents, in addition to paystubs and other information, can help your attorney calculate the value of your claim.
- Stay off social media – Never post about the accident on social media platforms. It is best to avoid posting anything online until your attorney can resolve your claim.
It is crucial to get an attorney on your side as soon as possible because one or more parties may be liable for causing the accident, making obtaining the money you need to cover your injuries more challenging. An attorney can review your situation and help identify who is responsible, then file a claim with the liable parties.
Your attorney can also collect and preserve evidence and negotiate on your behalf for maximum compensation. You can sit back and recover from your injuries without the stress of figuring out how to manage a complicated Uber accident claim.
A North Carolina Ridesharing Accident Attorney Is Ready to Help
The legal team at Bradford Law has the resources and experience to help you navigate the ridesharing accident compensation process. We will take the time to listen to you and build a strategic claim that offers you the best chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. Contact our office today to learn more about your legal options.
