Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a ridesharing vehicle, your path to compensation is not very different from seeking damages from other drivers. As a personal injury lawyer can explain, your compensation mostly depends on which driver caused the accident. Read on to find out what you should do if you are injured as an Uber passenger.
Immediately After the Accident
If you’re injured and you’re still able to use your phone, call 911 right away. The sooner you receive medical examination and treatment for your injuries, the better. If you are mobile (and not injured severely) check on your Uber driver. Look for witnesses and bystanders who can help you move the car off the road. If flares are available, they can be placed around the accident scene to warn oncoming traffic. The police should arrive soon since the 911 call was already placed. If you or the driver are able, report the accident to Uber and tell them you have been injured.
After Police and EMS Arrive
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you might either need to go to the hospital immediately or you might be able to stay on the scene for a while. If you are hurt, but still able to talk to the police, get the officer’s name and ask for a copy of the police report. Use your cellphone to take a screenshot of the open Uber app, which should show the location of the accident as well as a time and date stamp. Take pictures of the car’s damage with your cellphone if you can. You can also try to take pictures of your injuries before medical treatment.
During and After Medical Treatment
The source and the amount of your injury compensation will depend on which driver was at fault. If it was the other driver who caused the accident, you will be filing your injury claim through his or her third-party auto insurance. However, if your Uber driver was at fault, you will first seek payment through his or her supplemental or commercial auto insurance. Once that funding has ended, Uber will pay up to $1 million dollars for your injuries.
If you were able to document your injuries with photos and saving your medical records, you will help provide solid evidence for your injury claim. Hiring a law professional can reduce the stress and confusion associated with these circumstances. For peace of mind, contact a personal injury attorney who has experience working with injured Uber clients.