Car Accident Attorney
Ride sharing is a multi-billion-dollar industry that has taken the place of taxis in many locations. It’s convenient and flexible, but there are some concerns about the lack of regulations. Drivers keep in touch with customers through an app, which could make them distracted. What do you do if you are injured in an accident when you’re using Uber?
Call 911
Handle an Uber accident much like you would if you were in your private vehicle. The first thing is to assess the situation and get medical help for anyone injured. The police should be called to document the incident. Give only facts when speaking about the incident. You should consider going to the emergency room, even if you don’t feel injured. Soft tissues injuries often show up much later.
Collect Evidence
If you can get pictures of the scene of the accident, you should do so. Get pictures of the vehicles involved, as well as road conditions and traffic. Try to get a copy of the police report, at least take down the name and badge number of the police officer to make contact later. Take down the names and contact information of any witnesses.
Whose Insurance Pays for Your Medical Bills?
The insurance company that pays your medical bills will depend on which driver was at fault. But this can get complicated. If the other driver, not the Uber driver, was responsible, then that person’s insurance company should pay for your bills. If the Uber driver was responsible, then you should go after his or her insurance company.
Uber drivers should have a commercial insurance policy on their vehicle, but the reality is that many drivers do not carry any added auto insurance for business purposes. If the Uber driver’s insurance policy isn’t adequate to meet your medical bills, you may have to go after the corporate office.
Riding sharing drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. This makes suing the company a little more difficult, but not impossible. The company does have liability insurance, but it is secondary insurance. You have to show that the Uber driver’s insurance is denying your claim.
Will You Have to File a Lawsuit?
Your insurance claim may be denied by Uber, in which case you may have to bring a lawsuit against the company. Although this is a last resort, it might be necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
