What Should I Do If My Uber Is In An Accident?

When we use a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft, we trust that the driver will safely transport us to our destination. However, not all Uber drivers operate their vehicles safely or we may be on the road at the same time as a negligent driver – leading to an accident.

While you may experience significant damages as a result of the collision, you can collect monetary damages through an Uber or Lyft insurance claim. If you are in a rideshare vehicle and get into an accident, follow these steps to document the incident and claim compensation.

Step #1: Call 911 and Emergency Services

The first thing you should do after an Uber or Lyft accident is to call 911 to bring law enforcement and emergency services to the scene. This is important because you will need to seek medical attention as soon as you possibly can following the accident, and calling 911 will bring an ambulance to the scene. Your police report will also be a crucial piece of evidence in your claim, and you want to give your statement to a police officer as soon as possible.

Step #2: Collect Contact Information

If you are able to walk after the accident, it is important to collect the contact information of everyone involved in the collision. Ask for the names, contact information, and insurance details of the drivers involved in the accident, including the Uber or Lyft driver. In addition, ask any witnesses at the scene if you can have their information as well.

Step #3: Take Pictures and Document the Scene

If you are able to move without injury, you should also take steps to document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Take pictures of all of the vehicles damaged in the crash, including any exterior damage and license plates. Photograph any other details that are relevant to the accident, including traffic signs and the surrounding area.

Step #4: Seek Medical Attention

Even if you do not feel like you have any injuries, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible following the crash. Your injuries may not be showing symptoms at the moment, and denying medical attention could reflect poorly on your future claim. Go to the hospital and receive treatment, and collect all pieces of documentation as evidence for your claim.

Step #5: Understand How Uber and Lyft’s Insurance System Works

Uber and Lyft both follow a very similar insurance system in situations where their drivers are in an accident with a passenger in the car. Uber and Lyft classify accidents in a series of different periods that determine how much coverage a passenger or driver may be eligible for following an accident.

• Period 0 accidents occur when the driver has not logged into the Uber or Lyft app. In these situations, the companies do not provide coverage for any accidents that occur in this period. You will have to file a claim with the at-fault party’s personal insurance company.

• Period 1 accidents occur when the driver is logged into the app but has not accepted a ride request. In these situations, the companies provide coverage up to $50,000 per person, $100,000 in total injury liability, and $25,000 in property damage for accidents caused by the driver.

• Period 2 accidents occur when a driver is on the way to pick up a passenger. The companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage.

• Period 3 accidents occur when a passenger is inside of an Uber or Lyft. The companies provide up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as limited property damage and uninsured motorist coverage.

Step #6: Contact Your Injury Attorney

Before you speak to any representatives from Uber, Lyft, or any insurance company, contact your attorney to discuss your case. Speaking to an insurance representative before you talk to a lawyer can lead to issues with your claim further down the road – for example, you may say something in your statement that could reduce the value of your claim, or you may accept a settlement offer lower than what you need.

Your attorney can guide you through the aftermath of the accident efficiently and help you navigate these complex insurance systems. Contact a Las Vegas Uber accident lawyer as soon as you can following your Uber or Lyft accident.

If you would like to learn more about the car accident injury claim process, or you would like a guide on how to win your personal injury case, just add your email below. We will send you our top tips for absolutely free.

 

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