What to Do After an Uber Accident

After getting into an accident while riding in an Uber in Philadelphia, Center City, the Suburbs or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you may feel terrified and completely overwhelmed. Not only are you trying to come to terms with the traumatic ordeal, but you are also dealing with insurance companies, police paperwork, and injury worries.

During these times of distress, it is difficult to focus on recovery or even know where to begin, especially with insurance companies and creditors breathing down your neck. What can you do after an Uber accident to help you collect the compensation you deserve? Where can you turn?

After getting into an Uber accident, finding help is key to beginning the recovery process. Fortunately, you can take many steps to help your case, whether you are a driver or rider. Each of these steps can help ensure you get the compensation, support, and closure you need.

It is important to know that if you have been injured as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against the third party at fault in order to get monetary compensation for your injuries, property damage, medical bills, and more.

What Happens When An Uber Driver hits my Car?

If an Uber driver has hit your vehicle, you must proceed as you would with any car accident. First, dial 911 so the police and EMTs will come to the scene. You must involve the police no matter the accident’s seriousness because the police report could become important when filing an accident claim. The police will question those involved and any witnesses to the accident. If fault is apparent, then the police report will state this.

If you got hurt in the accident, seek medical attention. Even if you believe you were not severely injured in the accident, it’s always a good idea to be checked out by a medical professional. In many cases, the adrenaline rush you receive during an accident can mask injury symptoms. If you are medically able following the accident, you should do the following:

• Take photographs of the accident scene with your cell phone
• Exchange insurance and contact information with the Uber driver
• If there were witnesses, obtain their contact information
• Never admit fault, even if you believe you were at least partially to blame for the accident
• Once you are home, contact your own insurance company and let them know about the accident
• Take the time while your memory is fresh to write down every detail you can remember about the accident. The smallest detail could later be very important as your attorney builds a case on your behalf.
• As soon as the police report is available, obtain a copy of the report
• Keep all your medical expense receipts in one place
• If you cannot return to work because of your injuries, document your lost wages
• Contact a Pennsylvania Uber accident attorney at the earliest opportunity. The sooner your attorney is on the case, the more likely they will be able to investigate the accident and advocate on your behalf.

Will Uber Pay for My Injuries?

Although Uber does carry up to $1 million in liability that is meant to cover accident victims, there are limited circumstances in which this insurance can be accessed. Uber covers its drivers when they are on the way to pick up passengers (after logging into the app) and while transporting passengers. In reality, where you will file first will depend on whether you have limited tort insurance or full tort insurance. If you have limited tort insurance, you will first file with your own insurance to pay your medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle damages. If your injuries are severe, you will file against the Uber driver’s insurance, which is required for all Uber drivers.

Suppose your injuries are so severe that the expenses will quickly exceed the Uber driver’s insurance limits. In that case, your attorney may file against Uber to ensure all your damages related to the accident are fully covered. You will immediately file against the Uber driver’s insurance if you have full tort insurance. If your injuries are disabling or disfiguring, you will be able to recover pain and suffering damages in addition to medical expenses and lost wages.

How Will I Prove Liability Following My Uber Accident?

Proving liability following an Uber accident is the same as for any accident. Your first priority is to ensure the police come to the scene of the accident and that they file a police report. Often, this report will detail who was liable for the accident. One driver may have gotten a ticket for running a stop sign, speeding, or violating the law. If so, then this is likely to point to the liable party. If fault is not so clear cut—perhaps the drivers have differing accounts of how the accident occurred, and there were no witnesses—then the police report may not help prove liability.

When your attorney files against the Uber driver’s insurance, that insurance company—and your own—may conduct their own investigation to determine fault for the accident. Once you have an attorney on board, your attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation so that liability can clearly be shown. There may have been traffic cameras at the scene, which can be used to establish fault. If the accident happened in the city, cameras from neighboring businesses could be accessed. In some instances, your attorney may use an expert accident reconstructionist who can accurately determine which driver was at fault for the accident.

Once you have proven liability, the extent of your injuries will determine whether you will file only against the Uber driver’s insurance or whether your attorney will also involve Uber. As you might imagine, Uber has a veritable stable of lawyers on call, so it’s important that you have a highly experienced personal injury attorney who is not intimidated by a large corporation.

Because accidents involving Uber drivers can be more complex than “regular” auto accidents, you need an attorney following your Uber accident. An accident involving an Uber driver can involve several parties—the Uber driver, Uber, any other drivers involved, and yourself. Your attorney will know when to involve Uber, allowing you the time to recover without the added stress of navigating the case alone. A Pennsylvania Uber accident lawyer at Ciccarelli Law Offices can ensure you are fully compensated for your damages.