The unfortunate truth is that accidents happen — and sometimes Uber is involved. Whether you were injured as an Uber passenger, Uber driver, or another party on the road, you may be at a loss for what to do next. Luckily, the best steps to follow after an Uber accident are very similar to those you should follow in the event of a traffic collision involving everyday drivers.
Pull Over to a Safe Spot and Assess the Situation
Like in any traffic accident, take stock of your own health and pull over to a safe spot. Call 911 if you need emergency medical help. Next, check on the other parties involved; if they need help, don’t hesitate to call 911.
Do Not Admit Fault
Never apologize or admit fault to the other party. After an accident, it is likely that you will be in shock. At-fault parties, no matter how nice they seem, may try to get you to take the blame amid this confusion. Try to say as little as you can (preferably nothing) regarding what you were doing leading up to the accident. It is very easy for their insurance agents to twist what you tell them and use it against you.
Exchange Insurance and Contact Info
Make sure to exchange insurance and contact information with the other motorists involved, including any Uber passengers. If you are the Uber passenger in this scenario, it is highly advised that you participate in the insurance/contact info exchange so you have all this info for your own records.
Call Law Enforcement to File a Report
Contact your local police department to file a formal accident report. This will create an official paper trail of the accident, which can come in handy during the insurance claims process, as well as if you need to take the matter to court.
Take Pictures to Document the Accident
Take pictures of all four corners of each vehicle involved. If any other property damage occurred, take pictures of that as well. It is also a good idea to take a picture of the site of the crash. These photos can greatly help you in your insurance claim or, if needed, in court.
Report the Accident to Uber
Regardless of whether you were in an Uber at the time of the accident, you should report any accidents involving one of the rideshare company’s drivers to Uber itself. This will add to the paper trail already created by the police report. Remember: If you don’t report the accident to Uber, they will have no idea the accident happened, which means you will likely have no way to recover compensation if an Uber driver was at fault.
Visit a Doctor
It is always best to seek medical help after being involved in a crash. It is not uncommon for persons involved in accidents to sustain injuries that are not apparent from the outside (such as internal organ damage). A doctor can ensure that everything is okay, or if you were injured, treat your injury promptly.
A Preeminent Orange County Firm Dedicated to Helping You
If you have been injured in an Uber accident, the Law Office of Marshall Silberberg can discuss your legal rights in a free consultation. Founded in 2004, our firm offers clients professional guidance and a unique insight into how the other side will operate during litigation: Attorney Marshall Silberberg worked as an insurance defense lawyer for 29 years, and he and his team bring all that knowledge to the table when litigating your case. At our Orange County firm, we make it easy for you to exercise your legal rights and maximize your compensation.
Call the Law Office of Marshall Silberberg at (949) 565-4281 to connect with a seasoned trial lawyer. If we don’t win, you won’t owe us a dime!