Posted in Car Accidents,Rideshare Accident on February 13, 2024
If you find yourself involved in an accident while in an Uber, the steps you take immediately following the incident and in the days after will set the course of your process for recovering compensation. Claims involving Uber accidents are challenging, and you may need to speak with a skilled Uber accident lawyer with experience handling rideshare accidents.
You Talk to the Police
The vast majority of every vehicle accident that occurs in this area of California must be reported to law enforcement officials. Information provided by the state DMV indicates that failing to stop at the scene of a collision and wait for police could result in severe penalties. Additionally, state law requires that any vehicle accident where an injury, fatality, or property damage of more than $1,000 occurs be reported to the state.
Gather Evidence and Contact Information
While waiting for the police to arrive, you can use the time to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and road conditions that might have contributed to the accident. Additionally, exchange contact information with the driver, any passengers, and witnesses. This information, providing firsthand accounts of the accident, will be crucial for your claim.
- If you are at a crash scene right now. Take out your phone if you’re able to do so, and take photographs of everything that you see. If you do not think you have the time to do this, take your phone out, put it on video recording mode, and calmly sweep the entire area to try and capture all possible damage, debris, and injuries.
Report the Incident in the Uber App
Uber makes it relatively easy to report the incident to them through the app. When you make your report, this will trigger the internal insurance processes at Uber. They will begin the process of gathering information related to the incident from all parties involved as well as gathering the official action report the police will provide within a few days.
- Important to remember. If you are contacted by an employee of Uber or their insurance carrier or a member of any legal team, refer these individuals to your attorney. Do not give any recorded or written statements without speaking to your lawyer first.
Medical Treatment is Crucial
Uber accident victims should seek immediate medical care after the incident occurs. Even if there are no immediate signs or symptoms of injuries, this does not necessarily mean that no harm occurred. Seeking prompt medical treatment helps detect any presently hidden injuries, begin treatment on obvious injuries, and move towards the path of recovery. Additionally, by seeking prompt medical care, Uber accident victims establish a critical documentation link between the incident and the injuries that arise.
Ask a Rideshare Accident Lawyer for Help
We encourage you to speak to a rideshare accident lawyer who has experience handling complex vehicle collision claims in this area of California. An attorney can conduct a full investigation into your claim and handle all communication with other parties involved. Ultimately, your lawyer will work to recover economic and non-economic damages, including coverage of your medical expenses, any lost wages you incur, property damage expenses, and pain and suffering losses.