What Happens if I’m an Uber Passenger and Get into an Accident in a Rideshare Car?
Have you ever wondered what happens if you get into an accident in a rideshare car like Uber or Lyft?
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the way we travel. No longer do we have to stand on the corner and hope to flag down a taxi cab that will charge us $20 for driving 5 miles. All we need to do is pull out our smartphone, open the app, and in a few clicks our ride is on its way.
Even though ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft offer value and convenience, they are still prone to getting into car accidents. While Uber and Lyft have various safety measures, including a set number of hours that a driver can drive in any 24 hours period, accidents can and will still happen.
It’s important to know exactly what you should do if you’re involved in an accident in a rideshare car as a passanger.
Insurance Policy for Uber
If you got into an accident in a rideshare car like Uber or Lyft, you might be covered by the driver’s policy as well as a $1 million insurance policy that Uber offers to their drivers. “Might” in that specific terms and conditions apply for the one million dollars in Uber coverage to be valid. If the driver of the car was at fault, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, Uber would most likely try to deny the claim.
This is where things can get a bit confusing. If Uber denies your claim, then you might have to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. In situations like this, you’re much better off retaining a personal injury attorney to deal with the ensuing bird’s nest of insurance companies and Uber’s Terms of Service.
Immediately Following the Accident
If you’re able to safely get out of the Uber car that’s been involved in an accident, do so. Regardless of how minor the accident was, you should call the police and ask that they take a report. Keep in mind that your driver may have the temptation to not report the accident, so you might have to take the initiative yourself.
Once you’re safely out of the car, try to take as many pictures of the scene of the accident as you can with your cell phone. Make sure you get pictures of the surrounding area as well. If there were any witnesses, try to ask them nicely for their contact information.
After the Accident
If you weren’t injured and the only thing broken was the time frame it took you to get to your destination, be sure to still report the accident to Uber. If you did suffer injuries, you should gather up any photos, police reports, or medical treatment records and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Uber and the insurance companies could potentially try to deny your claim for any amount of reasons. They will also try to use your statements against you if they are forced to pay out a settlement.
This is where a personal injury attorney works to your advantage. They will have the experience and know-how to deal with both Uber and the insurance companies to help the outcome of your claim if you were involved in an accident in a rideshare car.
Rideshare Law Offices in Tacoma
If you’ve been involved in an accident in a rideshare car where you sustained injuries, give us a call at (253) 472-6000 to speak to one of our injury attorneys. At Evergreen Personal Injury Counsel, our empathetic and caring attorneys will fight hard to get you the justice that you deserve.