After an Uber accident, the first thing you should do is check for injuries and seek medical attention. Some injuries might not show up right away, so quickly seeing a doctor protects your health and helps prove your injuries came from the accident.
You should also focus on protecting your compensation case. Whether you were a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, being in an accident with a rideshare vehicle can involve extra hurdles that make it harder to get financial compensation for your losses.
Call the police and report the incident to Uber as soon as possible. You should also gather evidence that establishes your case against the party at fault. Our Raleigh Uber accident lawyers know how complex these cases are, so we can work to recover your losses.
One Thing to Do Now After the Accident: Report It to Uber
After an Uber accident happens, you must report it to Uber as soon as possible. Doing so starts the process of documenting the accident, which can affect future claims. Uber has its own insurance policies in place that may cover injuries or damages, depending on your situation.
By reporting the accident immediately, you will make Uber aware of the incident, and it can begin assessing the claim. This step also helps to establish a clear timeline, showing that you acted promptly, which can help our Raleigh car accident lawyers when they must talk with insurance adjusters about your claim.
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How Does Uber’s Insurance Work When a Crash Happens?
Since Uber drivers work on a contract basis and are not employees, their insurance typically applies unless they are actively using the app. Uber’s insurance coverage varies based on the driver’s actions during the accident.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the tiers of coverage:
- Driver not signed in or active on the app: When the driver is off-duty and not using the Uber app, their personal auto insurance applies.
- Driver logged in and standing by for a ride request: Uber provides limited liability coverage, which includes up to $50,000 per person for injuries, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- Driver on the way to pick up a passenger or during a trip: Once the driver accepts the or has a passenger in the car, Uber’s full coverage kicks in. This includes $1 million in liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for injuries or damages caused by another driver without enough insurance.
Understanding these tiers helps you know which coverage applies to your situation. If you’re uncertain, we can clarify your options and assist in pursuing compensation under the right insurance policy.
Who Can You Hold Responsible for an Uber Crash?
In an Uber accident, multiple parties could be held responsible depending on how the accident occurred. Here’s a breakdown of who may be liable:
- Uber’s driver: If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding, caused the collision, they can be held liable. You may file a claim against both the driver’s personal insurance and Uber’s insurance, depending on whether they were logged into the app.
- Another driver: If another driver was at fault, you would typically file a claim with their insurance. If that driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance, Uber’s coverage may help cover your damages.
- Uber as a company: While Uber generally denies responsibility since it hires self-employed drivers, it could be liable in cases where it did not properly vet a driver, such as someone with a dangerous driving record.
- A third party: External factors like poor road conditions or defective vehicle parts may shift liability to a government agency or manufacturer.
The more parties that may be held responsible for your damages, the more complicated your case can become. Our legal team has the experience to handle even the most complex cases.
We will identify all responsible parties, assess their level of fault in the accident, and pursue the appropriate financial award from each. We’ll also take care of the settlement negotiations with their insurance companies, ensuring you don’t settle for an offer that doesn’t meet your needs.
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Damages You Can Seek From Liable Parties After an Accident
After an Uber crash, you may be entitled to seek compensation for a variety of damages from the parties responsible. These damages can include:
- Medical expenses: You can pursue compensation for current and future medical costs related to your injuries, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek damages for lost income during your recovery, as well as any future earning potential if you cannot return to your job.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Property damage: If your property, such as a vehicle or other belongings, was damaged in the accident, you may seek damages for repair or replacement costs.
- Other related expenses: You can also claim financial losses, such as transportation to medical appointments or modifications to your home due to injuries.
- Wrongful death damages: If a loved one was fatally injured in an Uber accident, you may be able to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and other losses. Our wrongful death lawyers in Raleigh can advise you further.
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After Getting Medical Help, Get Legal Advice for an Uber Crash
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate health needs after an Uber accident, the next thing to do is seek legal guidance that can help you recover your losses. The Raleigh personal injury lawyers at Whitley Law Firm can seek compensation from those responsible for your damages.
We will handle your entire case, from investigating the collision to negotiating fair compensation so you can focus on getting back on your feet. If we cannot settle your case, we can sue for damages within North Carolina’s two-year statute of limitations deadline, per G.S. § 1-52.
Call us today to review your legal options during a free, no-obligation consultation. We aim to return calls within 24 hours.
Call (800)785-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
