Uber provides a valuable service of offering transportation in an easy and convenient manner. While Uber drivers are qualified and undergo background checks based on their driving records, sometimes accidents happen. If your Uber driver is involved in an accident, this is what you need to do.
Right After the Accident
Immediately following the accident, stay calm. Take a few deep breaths if necessary and confirm whether you can move your body without discomfort. If you feel okay enough, wait for your driver to discuss the accident with the other driver or drivers and contact their insurance providers. You should also note each type of vehicle involved in the accident, license plate numbers, personal information (such as addresses), and what the circumstances were (rear-ending, sideswipe, etc.).
If you feel any sort of discomfort or inkling of an injury, call for an ambulance to bring you to the hospital. Not only is this a good idea for your own health and well-being, it also increases your chances of being compensated for damages.
Report the Accident to Uber
The driver should report the accident themselves. However, if you are injured, it is vitally important for you to get in immediate contact with Uber. This will not ensure you immediate compensation, but you will be providing an invaluable service to Uber by offering details about the accident they might have otherwise not received. If you believe your driver’s recklessness is to blame for the accident, you have the right to give the driver a low rating and advise they no longer be allowed to drive for Uber.
Receiving Compensation
You might think that Uber would automatically compensate you as a passenger of a vehicle involved in an accident, especially if you were injured. However, Uber’s business strategy is devised in a way that attempts to absolve them of blame in situations such as these. An Uber driver is not considered an employee of the company, but rather, a private contractor that they hire. Therefore, Uber drivers are expected to have their own personal insurance. With these policies, Uber can attempt to maintain their business without worrying about complications from road accidents.
Liability Coverage
Uber does have insurance policies implemented in the event of an accident. The company has a $1 million insurance policy for scenarios such as being injured in an accident with someone who lacks insurance. However, you cannot ensure that you will be fairly compensated by Uber. In these scenarios, it is very easy to simply deny culpability and Uber may attempt to use the defense of the driver being a private contractor and not an employee of the company. However, this does not mean that Uber is entirely absolved from any legal blame in the event of an accident.
Other Options
If Uber refuses to compensate you, you should get in contact with the insurance provider of the driver. Explain your injuries and the circumstances. If your driver’s insurance policy precludes driving for hire or they are not willing to adequately compensate you, you will need to find a legal professional to help you with your case.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers
At Harron Law, you will find a professional and dedicated attorney committed to bringing you the compensation to which you are entitled. When you contact our offices, be sure to tell us all crucial information regarding the accident, such as when it occurred, your injuries, and how your day-to-day life has been affected following the accident.
If you are injured in an accident as a passenger of an Uber and need to be compensated for the injuries and/or trauma you’ve endured, contact us today.
