According to one source, death occurs every 24 seconds on our roads due to road accidents. This number may seem exaggerated, but it is quite plausible given the extensive global network of roads and the lack of safety on the roads. A recent addition to our roads has been the smartphone-driven ride-hailing services. The most ubiquitous of these services is Uber which merged public transport with an element of personal transport.
However, if you’re involved in an Uber accident, your options for compensation and immediate reaction to the accident become important. You must keep certain things in mind if faced with such a situation as it could help you get a sizeable compensation for your troubles. The compensation varies depending on different parameters, including local state laws, which comprise of:
- First, if the driver at fault is an Uber driver waiting to get a ride, the limit of liability coverage stands at $50k per person and $100k for the accident, and in case there’s property damage, it amounts to $25k.
- Secondly, if the Uber driver at fault is in the process of picking up a ride, the liability coverage balloons to a whopping $1,000,000.
- Third, if the at-fault driver is not your Uber driver, you must file against the opposing driver. In this case, you may only get minimum insurance coverage (the minimum coverage can considerably vary from state to state).
- Uber generally is not liable to pay for damages since its drivers are considered independent contractors. However, the company’s insurance coverage makes it possible to compensate accident-hit persons for up to one million Dollars per accident.
Dealing with Your Uber Accident:
Whether your Uber caused an accident or was involved in an accident involving an at-fault driver, there are certain things to do in the immediate aftermath of the incident. It doesn’t matter if you were injured; you should follow these steps to safeguard yourself and keep the door open for filing for just compensation.
1. Reporting the Accident:
The first thing to do if you have been involved in an Uber accident is to report the incident to Uber and the police. It is crucial that you don’t flee from the incident site even if you’ve no blame on your part. It is essential that when the police arrive, they get to know the whole gist of the incident. The police usually conduct a thorough canvas of the incident and ask for everyone’s statement who witness the accident. Helping the police get a clearer picture may help you get favorable compensation from the insurance company.
2. Documenting the Accident:
The next step is to keep your wits about you as the accident can take a toll on people mentally. At this moment, it is crucial to take as much evidence as you can of the scene of the accident. These may include pictures of the cars hit, location, ride details, etc. All this information may come in handy once the insurance company begins its investigation to apportion the blame and thus compensate those affected by the accident.
3. Get Medical Help:
After getting all the requisite information from the accident scene, including contact information, you should swiftly move to get yourself checked by a medical examiner. First responders at the accident location are there to help anyone in distress. If you have sustained any injuries or feel traumatized by the incident, it is important to check yourself so that a medical record is generated.
4. Don’t Settle Immediately – Get an Experienced Attorney First:
In the wake of the accident, you may experience certain medical conditions such as dizziness or light-headedness. In such situations, it is important that you don’t negotiate quickly without knowing the full extent of the accident. The at-fault party may lure you into a negotiation that may not represent a just settlement. Thus, getting a lawyer with experience litigating Uber accidents is important to fight your case. An attorney can help here in the navigation of this stressful incident and file for the necessary compensation.
Knowing Your Rights:
The above information is vital for any person experiencing an Uber accident or involved with an at-fault Uber driver. The insurance coverage for accidents involving Uber can vary considerably, so you must know what your compensation amount could be. However, merely knowing this information isn’t enough. You should also strengthen your case by documenting evidence and keeping your medical records in order. Finally, you will need an experienced attorney who deals with litigating Uber accidents to fully realize the compensation you’re owed.