With the popularity of ridesharing services like Uber, more people than ever rely on them to get around. However, accidents can happen even when you’re a passenger in an Uber. If you find yourself involved in a car accident while riding in an Uber in Sherman Oaks, CA, it’s important to know your rights and the next steps you should take. This post will walk you through what to do if your Uber is in an accident and how you can seek compensation for any injuries or losses you experience.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage
One of the advantages of using Uber is that they provide a comprehensive insurance policy to protect passengers. The type of coverage that applies depends on what phase of the ride you were in when the accident occurred. Uber has specific insurance policies based on whether the driver is:
1. Not on the Uber App: If the driver is not logged into the Uber app at the time of the accident, their personal auto insurance applies.
2. On the App but Waiting for a Ride: Uber provides limited coverage of $50,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 per accident in these cases.
3.En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or During a Ride: When you are in the car, Uber’s $1 million liability insurance coverage is in effect. This also includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance.
This means that if your Uber driver is at fault or if another driver is responsible for the accident, you have insurance protection through Uber to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
Being in an Uber accident can be frightening and confusing. Here’s what to do immediately following the crash:
1. Check for Injuries and Call 911
First, assess your health and check if anyone else is injured. Call 911 for medical assistance if necessary. Make sure to request a police report as this will be an important document for your claim.
2. Document the Scene
If possible, take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. This will be valuable evidence when filing your claim. Also, gather contact details for any witnesses who can support your version of events.
3. Report the Accident to Uber
Uber has a feature in the app that allows you to report the accident. Open the app, navigate to the “Help” section, and select the ride in question. You can report the accident directly from there.
4. Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s critical to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not appear immediately but can have long-term effects.
5. Keep Records of All Expenses
Keep track of any medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses related to the accident. These will be essential when seeking compensation.
Filing a Claim After an Uber Accident
As a passenger, you are generally not held liable for the accident, but you can file a claim to recover compensation for your damages. Depending on the circumstances, you may file claims with:
- Uber’s Insurance: If the Uber driver was at fault, you would likely seek compensation from Uber’s $1 million liability insurance policy.
- The Other Driver’s Insurance: If the other driver was at fault, their insurance should cover your damages. However, Uber’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can step in if the at-fault driver doesn’t have adequate insurance.
In either case, you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and potentially non-economic damages like pain and suffering, depending on the severity of your injuries.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
While Uber’s insurance policies offer significant protection, insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for less than what you deserve. It’s important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation. Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a low settlement, but with the help of legal representation, you can better negotiate the true value of your claim.
