Being involved in an Uber crash can be terrifying and confusing. Following an incident, you need to take the right steps to protect your health and legal rights.
Uber’s growing appeal means we should all be prepared to be involved in an Uber accident at some point in our lives. Anywhere from (130) to (150) million people use Uber every quarter, with the app dominating (75) percent of the U.S. market.
Given how many people use Uber every day, Uber accidents are not unusual. As such, knowing how to properly respond when they occur is important for both your health and your finances. To speak with one of the seasoned New York Uber accident lawyers at Schwartzapfel Lawyers, call us now at 516-342-2200 or connect with us online today. No matter your situation, it will be our honor and privilege to fight for you!
If, however, you would prefer to first read up on the subject, please continue.
Does Uber Have Insurance Requirements?
Uber expects its drivers to have personal vehicle insurance covering minimal standards per their state. However, personal auto plans often exclude coverage when the car is used for business, and that includes ridesharing.
To help close this disparity, Uber offers extra coverage throughout certain parts of a ride. For example, Uber provides liability coverage while the app is activated and the driver is accessible but hasn’t accepted a ride.
Generally speaking, this covers ($50,000) for personal physical injury, ($100,000) per accident for bodily injury, and ($25,000) for property damage. Moreover, Uber typically offers ($1,000,000) in third-party liability coverage after a driver accepts a trip until the customer leaves the car.
Commercial Policy
Uber’s commercial insurance program is meant to cover pedestrians and passengers hurt by an Uber driver’s negligence. This approach provides compensation even in cases when the driver’s own insurance rejects the claim. With ($1,000,000) in liability coverage per accident, the commercial policy gives anybody injured in a ridesharing crash considerable protection.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Apart from liability coverage, ridesharing firms like Uber have a legal obligation to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. Regardless of who is to blame, this coverage is required to provide a minimum of ($15,000) in medical bills for every driver, rider, or pedestrian hurt in a collision.
In this way, PIP helps injured parties obtain required medical treatment immediately and can be very important following an accident to assist in covering urgent medical expenses.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an Uber accident, please call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 for the direction and support you deserve. As well, you should remember that the clock is ticking, and that the window for you to file a successful claim and recover all the money and benefits you’re entitled to may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, you must act now and start protecting your tomorrows today.
What Immediate Steps Can You Take After An Accident?
Your safety and legal protection depend on knowing what to do immediately following an accident with an Uber driver. Following the correct procedures can help you get the required medical treatment and compile the evidence you need for any upcoming claims. With that in mind, here are the crucial steps to take after an accident with an Uber driver to protect your rights and well-being:
1. Move To A Safe Area
Following an accident, safety comes first. If you can move, get to a safe spot away from moving traffic to a neighboring walkway or the shoulder of the road. If driveable, request that the Uber driver and all concerned parties relocate their cars to the shoulder. Turning on hazard lights can notify other cars of the collision.
2. Seek Medical Assistance
Next, see a doctor right away. If you can move safely, check individuals involved in the collision for injuries and if needed, call for medical assistance. Your first concern should be everyone’s safety and well-being.
3. Contact A Skilled Attorney ASAP
After ensuring that you’re safe, you should speak with a skilled attorney about protecting your rights and getting all the money and benefits you deserve. Don’t delay – call Schwartzapfel Lawyers now at 516-342-2200 or schedule your free consultation online today.
4. Speak With The Police
Another important step is calling the police so they can create a report. Serving as an official record of the accident, a police report is often important for insurance claims and court processes.
Tell the police a clear, factual account of events that occurred prior to and during the collision. If you need to take legal action, this information will likely be included in the police report and might be significant evidence.
Gathering Evidence At The Scene
Once you get to a safe place and attend to your injuries, you can gather evidence at the crash site. This evidence can be vital for insurance claims and any possible legal action.
Collect Contact Information
First, compile comprehensive contact information for every motorist involved in the collision, including phone numbers, addresses, and complete names.
Additionally, record the drivers’ insurance details and license numbers with policy numbers. Also, be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses, if there are any.
Take Photos
To strengthen your case, it is important to gather photographic evidence. Take clear pictures of the accident site using your phone. Focus on capturing the damage to each vehicle, including any dents, scrapes, and deployed airbags. Also, take photos of the surrounding area, including street signs, traffic lights, and any visible skid marks.
Additionally, record on your phone any injuries that you or others may have sustained. These pictures and recordings can play a significant role in defining the extent of the damage and the circumstances of the event and can be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Quick and accurate collection of this data can significantly improve your chances of receiving compensation and protecting your rights. For further assistance at no charge, contact Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today.
Reporting The Accident
Next, report the accident to the proper channels. Accurate reporting helps initiate the claims process and creates official documentation of the incident.
File An Insurance Report
Please make sure to first contact your insurance provider, the Uber driver’s insurance, and the at-fault party’s insurance, if applicable. When communicating, it’s important to provide basic information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location. You should also share the names and contact details of those involved and any photos you’ve taken while refraining from discussing your injuries or medical treatment at this point.
Before making any statements, it’s wise to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney to avoid unintentionally harming your claim. As such, you should make sure to keep a record of the claim numbers provided by each insurer for future reference.
If applicable, your first step should be to contact the insurance providers for yourself, the Uber driver, and the at-fault party. Accordingly, you should give the basic information about the accident, such as the date, time, and location.
It’s important to share the names and contact details of the relevant individuals, along with any photos you’ve taken. At this stage, it’s generally best to avoid discussing the specifics of your injuries or medical care until you’ve consulted with a qualified personal injury attorney.
Make A Report To Uber
Don’t forget to report the accident to Uber using their app or website. This can create an official record in their system, which can be helpful if you decide to seek compensation. Make sure to include all the information you gathered at the accident site in your report.
Why Is Seeking Legal Assistance Important?
One of the most important things you do following an Uber accident is get legal advice. A qualified personal injury attorney can make sure you get just compensation and help you negotiate the convoluted claim filing procedure.
They can negotiate with insurance companies, who may want to settle quickly for far less than what’s actually needed to pay additional losses or medical expenses.
By compiling evidence, speaking with witnesses, and advocating your interests in court, a seasoned attorney can also assist in creating a solid case. Their knowledge makes a big difference in the outcome of your case.
What Compensation Are You Entitled To?
In the event of an Uber accident, you’re entitled to various forms of compensation, including coverage for medical bills, lost income if you are unable to work, and losses in annuity, pension, and other retirement benefits contributions.
You may also qualify for additional non-financial losses or compensation for pain and suffering. It is crucial to protect and maintain your rights by seeking legal counsel. A qualified attorney can ensure that you are aware of your rights and help you pursue the maximum compensation allowed by law.
Contact the experienced New York Uber accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 for the comprehensive legal counsel you need to win. But you shouldn’t wait, as your window to file a claim and start recovering may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, know that the time to call is now and that you must act without delay.
Call Schwartzapfel Lawyers Now!
While any involvement in an Uber accident can be taxing, understanding the proper actions to take afterward can make a big difference in the final outcome. With this in mind, if you or a loved one has been injured and requires a skilled New York Uber accident attorney, you shouldn’t wait until it’s too late and you’re unable to recover all the money and benefits you deserve. Instead, act now and contact the award-winning legal team of Schwartzapfel Lawyers today.
Fighting for you, both in and out of court, will be our honor and privilege. Moreover, a single phone call is all it takes to get started on your path to physical and financial recovery.
And so, for a free consultation and so much more, simply dial 516-342-2200 or schedule with us online today. No matter your situation, we will do all that we can, as best we can, day and night.
Call now!
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Uber Technologies – statistics & facts | Statista
Insurance for Rideshare and Delivery Drivers | Uber
Personal Injury Protection: What it is, How it Works | Investopedia
Report a serious incident involving a driver or vehicle | Riders | Uber Help
