(275+)Getting into a car accident is always a stressful and scary experience. But what happens if your Uber gets into an accident? Who is responsible for medical bills and other damages? What steps should you take to protect your rights? At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have helped many Uber accident victims seek compensation for their injuries. In this blog post, we will explain what you need to know if you find yourself in an Uber passenger accident.
Determining Liability in an Uber Accident
The first step is figuring out who was at fault for the accident. In many cases, the Uber driver will be at least partially responsible. However, there may be other parties that share liability, such as:
- Another driver on the road who caused the collision
- The manufacturer of a defective vehicle part that led to the crash
- The city, if poor road conditions or improper signage contributed to the accident
As the passenger, you generally will not be found at fault. Your Uber driver has a responsibility to operate the vehicle safely and follow traffic laws. If they fail in this duty and it results in a crash, they can be held liable for your injuries. This is true regardless of whether the Uber driver is classified as an employee or independent contractor. Either way, the company’s insurance should cover your losses up to the policy limits.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber does provide a $1 million insurance policy that covers accident injuries for passengers. However, this insurance only kicks in under certain circumstances:
- If the Uber driver had already accepted a ride request and was on their way to pick up the passenger when the accident occurred.
- If the Uber driver had a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
If the app was turned off or the driver had not yet accepted a ride, Uber’s insurance will likely not apply. In that case, you would need to seek compensation from the at-fault party’s personal auto insurance. An experienced rideshare car accident attorney can help determine all potential sources of insurance coverage. They can also assist you in filing claims with the appropriate insurers and negotiating a fair settlement that accounts for all your damages. Do not accept any offer before consulting a lawyer.
What to Do After an Uber Passenger Accident
Taking the right steps after an Uber passenger accident is critical to protect your health and your legal rights. Here is what we recommend:
- Call 911 and request emergency medical attention for any injuries. Even if you feel okay, some serious conditions like concussions or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away. Shock and adrenaline can mask pain initially.
- If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and your visible injuries. Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Talk to any eyewitnesses and get their names and phone numbers.
- Give a statement to the police about what happened, but avoid admitting any fault or apologizing. Stick to the objective facts of what occurred. Request a copy of the police report, as this will be valuable evidence for your claim.
- Notify Uber through the app or website that you were involved in an accident as a passenger. They may reach out to you for more information. Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking to an attorney.
- See a doctor for a full medical evaluation as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of the crash. Follow your treatment plan and attend all appointments. This documents the severity of your condition.
- Before accepting any insurance settlement offer, speak to a knowledgeable Uber accident lawyer. The first offer is often much lower than you deserve. An attorney can accurately value your claim and negotiate for an amount that covers all your damages.
- Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages from missing work, travel costs to doctor visits, and other accident-related expenses. You may be entitled to compensation for these economic losses as well as your pain and suffering. Keep everything in a folder or spreadsheet.
Why You Need a Philadelphia Rideshare Car Accident Lawyer
Uber accident claims are complicated. You may be dealing with multiple insurance companies who will try to deny liability and minimize your payout. The experienced legal team at Gibbons & Crichton knows how to stand up to these tactics and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious crash can take. Our mission is to help you get justice.
When we take on your case, we will:
- Thoroughly investigate the accident to determine fault, looking at police reports, surveillance footage, black box data, and other evidence
- Identify all potential sources of compensation, including Uber’s $1 million insurance policy, the at-fault driver’s coverage, and your own UM/UIM if applicable
- Gather evidence to document the full extent of your injuries and other losses, including working with experts to calculate future medical needs
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance adjusters on your behalf, presenting compelling proof of your damages and countering any attempts to shift blame
- If needed, file a lawsuit and present a persuasive case in court before a judge and jury, tapping into cutting-edge trial technology
We have decades of combined experience handling complex accident cases and know what it takes to win against big companies like Uber. You can trust us to be your tireless advocates and guide you through every step of the process with compassion. We are ready to take on the insurance company and hold all at-fault parties accountable.
Get in Touch with Us Today
Being injured as an Uber passenger in Philadelphia through no fault of your own is incredibly frustrating. The personal injury attorneys at Gibbons & Crichton are here to help you get back on your feet. We have a proven track record of success in Uber accident claims and will provide the caring, personalized representation you need during this challenging time.
If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, do not wait to get legal advice. Contact our office today for consultation.
