What Happens If Your Uber Gets in a Car Accident?

Rideshare services such as Uber have become prevalent over the last decade, particularly in cities and metropolitan areas. It is a popular mode of transportation to and from work, appointments, and social gatherings, especially if you wish to indulge in a cocktail or two. With more and more Ubers on the road comes an increase in Uber car accident claims. If you or someone you love was recently involved in such an accident, you should consult with an attorney to better understand your options. At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we are available anytime to take your call.

Types of Injuries

As with any car accident, the injuries in an Uber accident can range from minor to severe. Unfortunately, many Uber passengers riding in the backseat choose not to wear a seatbelt. This might result in more severe injuries than would otherwise occur. Common injuries following an Uber car accident include:

• Minor cuts and scrapes,
• Whiplash, 
• Bruises,
• Broken bones,
• Neck and spinal injuries,
• Scars and disfigurement, and 
• Even death. 

You may be entitled to compensation if you believe your injury is minor, moderate, or highly debilitating. Contact today our car accident attorneys at Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C, for assistance with a rideshare injury claim.

Who’s at Fault?

There are generally two different scenarios at play in an Uber car accident. The first is your Uber driver caused the accident, and the second is your Uber driver was not the cause of the accident. If your Uber driver is at fault for the accident, you may have a potential claim against the driver. However, the caveat is if your driver only has personal auto insurance coverage and is not covered while working, it will be difficult or impossible to seek damages against the driver. Generally, individual auto insurance policies do not cover commercial operation, which includes driving passengers in Uber. 

You may also be eligible for benefits or compensation from the other driver’s insurance policy, especially if the other driver was at fault for the accident. 

It is important to remember that personal auto insurance policies can be a minimum of $15,000 in coverage regardless of injuries. You must seek the advice of an attorney to pursue the maximum possible recovery, which may include seeking compensation from several sources. 

Uber’s Insurance Policy

Despite which driver may be at fault or the amount of insurance policy coverage they have, Uber has its insurance coverage that applies. At the same time, you are a passenger in an Uber vehicle. The policy covers up to one million dollars in liability coverage and another million dollars in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. 

The liability coverage typically covers any potential claims made by the other driver or passengers involved in the accident. If your Uber driver was the cause of the accident, this policy would also apply to you. In other words, that million-dollar policy will potentially be split amongst injured individuals. 

Average Rideshare Accident Compensation

Unfortunately, it is challenging to pinpoint an average for rideshare accident compensation because each accident and case is unique. Several factors will determine what an Uber accident victim’s recovery will be. Many of the factors weighing in on an accident victim’s settlement or award include:

• Who is the at-fault party or parties,
• Insurance coverage,
• The severity of injuries, and
• The extent of property damage.

An experienced rideshare attorney can help you recover the maximum compensation.

Steps to Take Following an Uber Accident

If you are a passenger in an Uber and are involved in an accident, there are several steps to take immediately following the crash. Much of these are similar to your actions in a non-rideshare car accident. 

Call the Police or 911

Immediately following an Uber car wreck, the first thing you should do is call the police if you are able. If the severity of injuries warrants it, call 911. You want to call the police immediately so they can respond to the accident scene, administer medical attention if necessary, draw up an accident report, and speak with those involved and witnesses. 

Obtain Contact Info

After an Uber accident, you should obtain the information of everyone involved and at the scene, including your Uber driver, the other driver, any other passengers, and potential eyewitnesses.

Take Photos

If capable, you should try to snap quick photos of the accident scene, vehicles, and any injuries.

Seek Medical Attention

If you did not require immediate emergency medical attention after the crash, you should seek medical care as soon after the crash as possible. This may be by visiting the emergency room or seeking an appointment with your primary care physician. It is not uncommon for injuries to manifest over time. In other words, immediately following the accident, you may believe you are unharmed but later feel otherwise. It is essential to get medical care to prevent further injury.

Report the Accident

It is imperative that you report the accident to three separate entities following an Uber accident. You should report it to:

• Uber,
• Your auto insurance company, and
• The other driver’s auto insurance company.

It is always best to report the crash shortly after it occurs. Some insurance companies even require that it be done within 48 hours, barring exceptional circumstances. 

Seek the Advice of a Rideshare Accident Attorney

Lastly, you must seek the advice of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer. Uber accidents are more complex than the average car crash and require the skill and knowledge of a well-versed attorney. Uber is a multi-million dollar corporation with deep pockets. Do not try and deal with them alone. Let our lawyers help.

Rideshare Injury Claim Attorneys

At Gerash Steiner Blanton, P.C., we understand how nerve-wracking it can be when you entrust someone to drive you and end up in a car wreck. No matter the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to rideshare accident compensation. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for our accident victim clients. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim!