What Should Riders Do If Their Uber Driver is Involved in an Accident?
The explosion of Uber in recent years has expanded transportation options for countless individuals. Millions of people utilize the rideshare service each day, which in turn means tens of thousands of Uber drivers roam cities around California waiting to meet the demand when a ride request arises. Unfortunately, these are not professional drivers – there is no guarantee these individuals will operate their drive safely and get you to your destination without incident. If you’re involved in an Uber accident, it’s important you take some important steps to protect your health and preserve your chance to recover the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Call 911 if Anyone is Injured
Check yourself for injuries as soon as an accident occurs – if you’re hurt, call 911. If you seem physically unhurt, check to see if anyone else involved was hurt; if not, call 911 immediately.
Call the Police and Stay at the Scene
California does not require reporting an accident when it happens; the law only requires reporting an accident resulting in injury or death within 24 hours if a law enforcement officer did not respond to the scene. Call the police right away and wait for an officer to arrive at the scene.
The responding officer will ask questions, document the scene, and note any important details such as weather, names of eyewitnesses, and may even diagram the accident. These critical details will be valuable in your claim for compensation, so you’ll want to get a copy of the police report from the police station or courthouse when it’s complete.
Gather Important Evidence and Information
Memories fade, so it’s important to document the accident when it happened. If possible:
- Photograph the accident scene from different angles
- Photograph your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses, passengers, and drivers
- Write down vehicle information and insurance information
- Write down your recollection of what happened
Notify Uber of The Accident
It’s important you notify Uber an accident occurred. Uber has a $1 million insurance policy that goes into effect from the moment you are picked up until you end your trip at your destination – you may need to pursue compensation for your damages from Uber if their driver’s insurance is insufficient. However, it can be difficult to succeed if you didn’t formally report the accident to Uber.
Seek Medical Attention Even If You Believe You’re Not Injured
It’s important to be seen quickly by a medical professional no matter what. Some potentially fatal injuries don’t present symptoms for days after they occur. Not only will a doctor be able to diagnose and treat any injuries, but the medical records created can also provide documentation as to the time, nature, and cause of your injuries – injuries that can be linked back to your Uber accident.
Avoid Speaking with Insurers Before Speaking to an Attorney
Insurance companies want to pay as little as possible in insurance claims, so they will often ask questions when you call to notify them of an accident. They will also ask if they can record you. Decline to provide a recorded statement and be careful what you say. In an initial call, you only need to provide your identifying information and inform them an accident occurred. After that, you can direct them to an attorney for questions to avoid having your words twisted and used against you.
Contact a Los Angeles Uber Accident Attorney Today
The time following an accident can be disorienting, so it’s understandable you may not know what you need to do to strengthen your claim for compensation and avoid expensive legal missteps. The experienced California Car Accident Attorneys at Daneshrad Law can help you navigate the tricky legal landscape of insurance companies and personal injury claims. Attorney Alan Daneshrad has spent years dealing with difficult insurance companies and handling complex claims between Uber, Uber drivers, and victims. Call us 24/7 at (888) 881-3529 to schedule a free initial case consultation. Let us evaluate your case and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
