Ridesharing services like Uber have changed the way we get around, making it easy to catch a ride with just a few taps on your phone. While these services are convenient and common in everyday life, many passengers aren’t sure what to do or what rights they have if their Uber gets in an accident.
Knowing the steps to take and how insurance works after a rideshare crash is essential to protect yourself and ensure you can recover for any injuries or losses. Contact our skilled rideshare attorney in Washington DC for a free consultation.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
If you’re involved in an accident while riding in an Uber, taking the right steps in the moments that follow is important to protect your health and your legal options.
Call 911
If anyone has been hurt or there is significant damage, report the crash right away. Emergency personnel can treat injuries and law enforcement can document the incident. Getting an official police report creates an important record for insurance and any potential claims.
Take Photos of the Scene
Photograph the vehicles, any visible injuries, road conditions, and the surrounding area using your phone. Pictures taken immediately offer valuable evidence if there are questions or disputes about what happened later.
Screenshot the Trip and Save Ride Info
Quickly screenshot your Uber trip in the app and note other details like the time, pick-up and drop-off locations, and your driver’s information. Don’t assume the information will remain there forever – make sure you do this as soon as possible.
Get Contact Info from Everyone Involved
Request full names, phone numbers, and insurance details from your Uber driver, all other drivers involved, and anyone who witnessed the crash. These contacts can provide backup for your account and support your claim.
Contact a Lawyer Right Away
Reach out to a Washington D.C. personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you report the incident to Uber and walk you through the claims process. Taking these steps after an accident is the best way to protect yourself and any future claims.
Filing an Injury Claim After an Uber Accident
If you were injured in an Uber accident, understanding how to file an injury claim and which insurance company pays can be confusing. Here’s where you can turn for compensation after a rideshare incident:
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
If your Uber driver or another driver caused the crash, you can typically pursue a claim through that driver’s insurance policy. Their insurance should step in first to help cover your medical bills and other accident-related expenses.
Uber’s Insurance
Uber provides its own underlying insurance coverage for riders when a trip is ongoing. If your Uber driver was at fault and doesn’t have enough insurance coverage, Uber’s policy will generally apply and help cover your damages.
Your Own Car Insurance
Your personal auto insurance is sometimes used as a backup if Uber’s insurance and the at-fault driver’s policy fall short. Every situation is different, so you always need to check your policy and discuss details with your lawyer and insurance company.
Figuring out who should pay when you’re an injured passenger isn’t always easy, so make sure you talk to a lawyer. Contact our car accident attorney in Washington DC today to schedule a free consultation.