Uber Issues: What to Do If Your Uber Is in an Accident

Most of us love Uber and have a lot to be grateful for. But what happens if you’re a passenger and your Uber gets into an accident? After all, accidents happen. When they do, the situation can unfortunately become very confusing and borderline stressful.There are safety concerns and legal implications to take into account. It can be deeply overwhelming for anyone involved. However, knowing ahead of time what to do can make the situation less intense and more manageable.

Uber Accidents: What to Do

Uber has become one of the go-to options for getting around, and for good reason. The app provides flexibility, rider and driver accountability, and competitive ride-hailing prices. However, accidents cannot be avoided—they are part of life. As a passenger, it’s hard to avoid an accident, since you’re not behind the wheel. But you can certainly learn how to handle them.

What to Do in the Event of an Accident: Step-by-Step

1. Exit the vehicle and find somewhere safe to stand: Your primary focus should be staying safe after an accident. If you can, leave the car and move to a safe space away from traffic. Accidents can lead to more crashes, especially on busy roads or highways, so it’s best to distance yourself from the vehicle as quickly as possible. If you’re critically injured—or suspect a possible debilitating injury—then wait for emergency services to arrive.
2. Contact Uber or wait for their call: Uber has a process for dealing with accidents. You might get a call from their support team if the crash has already been reported by the driver. Whether the driver has contacted Uber or not, it’s still a good idea to file a report with them to ensure everything is well documented. 
3. Scan your body and be upfront about injuries: Even if you feel alright directly after the accident, it’s crucial to check yourself for injuries. Adrenaline can hide pain, so take a moment to see if you feel any discomfort or see any visible injuries. If you realise any pain points or think you might be hurt, let the driver, responders, and Uber support know. Documenting injuries early is critical for any future claims or medical care you might need.

Can You Sue Uber After an Accident?

Many passengers are curious about whether they can sue Uber after an accident. Uber has robust  insurance policies for their drivers that covers injuries to passengers in the event of an accident. Their policy can cover up to $1 million—if the accident happens while the driver is on the job. It’s important to note that an Uber driver’s personal insurance (and any other drivers’ insurance involved in the crash) could also be factors in an accident claim. If your injuries are severe and the coverage by Uber isn’t enough, you might need to consider legal action through professional Uber accident lawyers to get the compensation you deserve.

Should You Settle?

Following an accident, you might get a settlement offer from Uber. Think things through before you say yes. Jumping at a settlement offer too quickly—especially when you haven’t grasped the full impact of damages or injuries—could mean you end up with less than you deserve. Contacting a personal injury lawyer with specialised knowledge of Uber accident claims can help you decide if the offer is reasonable or if you should seek more compensation. Once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money for the same accident later.

Compensation from Uber Accident Claims

Uber has a pretty solid insurance policy, but getting the compensation you deserve can take time and effort. Depending on what happened in the accident, you might qualify for various types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Uber’s insurance can help cover your medical bills from injuries, including emergency treatment, hospital visits, and physical rehabilitation or therapy.
• Lost wages: If the accident keeps you from working, you could get compensated for the income you miss out on during your period of recovery. 
• Pain and suffering: In addition to the financial burden of medical assistance, you can also claim compensation for any emotional struggles or lower quality of life associated with the accident.
  

The total amount you are entitled to will depend on the severity of the accident and the injuries sustained during the crash. For serious incidents, it is highly recommended to reach out to lawyers specialized in Uber accident cases to help navigate the claims process and get the best compensation for the circumstances.

Wrap Up: What to Do If After an Uber Accident

Dealing with an Uber accident can be scary and overwhelming. It may never happen to you, but knowing what to do in the case of such an emergency can turn a very stressful experience into something you have the skills and knowledge to deal with. Just remember: first prioritise your safety and then look into getting the compensation you need. Reach out and get support if necessary, so you can have the confidence to deal with any situation.

In any case, don’t be afraid to use Uber—still, keep close to your heart what to do in the case of an accident. Happy riding!

Share this:

ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.