Sometimes, a seemingly safe Uber ride turns into a serious car accident that leaves you with severe injuries, impressive medical bills, and spiraling emotional distress. Dealing with the aftermath of the incident may be quite challenging. Not everyone is well aware of what to do if your Uber crashes. Many injured Uber passengers choose to leave the matter unattended and deal with the consequent problems on their own.
In reality, you can have all the damage and expenses rightfully compensated due to existing liability coverage or other auto insurance coverage, but it takes an experienced Uber accident lawyer to navigate the insurance nets and legal labyrinths.
Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident in Massachusetts
After you’ve been in a car crash, you must take the necessary steps to ensure that your health isn’t compromised, your rights are protected, and a fair Uber accident claim is filed. Our lawyers have compiled a practical Uber car accident checklist for you to follow.
Seek Medical Attention
The immediate action you should take after you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident is to get proper medical care. Even if you feel like you are not seriously hurt, you should have a medical professional check you. Some severe injuries, like concussions or internal organ damage, may have a delayed effect, and only a trained expert will be able to recognize the hidden symptoms.
A medical evaluation will also provide the necessary proof of the sustained damages, which will help your legal representative solidify the case and, consequently, win it. Most insurance companies pay a lot of attention to timely medical records.
Call the Police (911)
The next critical step is to contact the police—call 911 as soon as possible. After the authorities arrive at the scene, they will document everything, including the parties involved, potential causes of the incident, location, and witnesses, in an official report. It is advised to fully cooperate with the police officers so that you can later obtain a police report. This document will add credibility to your insurance claim. Besides, if there are any inconsistencies and questions about ongoing personal injury cases, police reports can help resolve those in your favor.
Stay at the Scene of the Uber Car Accident
People involved in an Uber car accident should remain at the scene until it is fully assessed. When accident victims leave the scene prematurely, they are most likely to face insurance claim complications. Whether it was a negligent driver, a malfunctioning Uber vehicle, or other parties that caused the car accident, you should present your statement to the arriving authorities. While staying at the scene, you can share your version of events and request official reports that your attorneys will find useful while working on your claim.
Don’t Admit the Fault
You may be denied insurance coverage if you are found responsible for the car accident, even partially. That is why it is essential not to admit any fault right after the incident, not even casually mentioning some potentially incriminating details. Most victims get overly emotional after car accidents and may unintentionally say something that will be used against them. It is best to entrust the investigation and fault determination to the legal experts and insurance adjusters.
Exchange the Information with Other Parties
Usually, there are third parties involved in an Uber or Lyft accident. Whether these are injured passengers or eyewitnesses, it is a good idea to interact with them and exchange information. Ask for their contact details, such as phone numbers, license plate numbers, addresses, or insurance policy numbers. In some cases, other Uber or Lyft drivers may be partially responsible for the collision, so you should access their details. While it may seem like not your job to do, the more information you have on the accident, the easier it will be to streamline your insurance claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Document the Scene of the Uber Accident
If your bodily injury is mild enough and does not require serious medical assistance and potential hospitalization, you can start documenting the scene to support your future claim.
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Photo/video evidence
Please take photos of vehicles involved to prove property damage. Capture all license plates, location peculiarities, and other details that stand out to you.
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Road conditions
Many serious Uber car crashes happen because of unfit road conditions. Record missing traffic signs, skid marks, and other pointers that may have led to the car accident to hold the city administration accountable.
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Driver’s information
Ask your Uber driver to provide their complete information, including their personal insurance details. It also helps to take screenshots of your Uber app with the name of the driver and the vehicle listed there.
Videos are the most valuable pieces of evidence, so you should try to record as many of the scene details as possible.
Contact an Experienced Uber Accident Lawyer
In the majority of cases, companies like Uber or Lyft will try to reach out to the rideshare accident victims with the sole intention of minimizing their liability insurance settlement. It takes an experienced injury lawyer to file an accident claim that reflects the full value of the sustained damage. That is why it is a wise idea to contact your legal representative while still at the scene. Professional Uber accident attorneys will take on the burden of negotiation with an insurance company agent while you focus on physical and mental recovery.
Get a Free Case Evaluation
How Much Is My Uber or Lyft Accident Case Worth?
The worth of an Uber accident depends on how good your attorney is and how evident the liability is. Our recent settlements prove the unparalleled professionalism and dedication of our legal team. We calculate the worth of an individual Uber accident based on the following criteria:
- Medical costs, including past and future treatment-related expenses
- Lost wages and potential decrease in earning capability caused by the accident
- Pain and suffering inflicted by the physical and mental status of the injured victim
- Damaged property repair or replacement costs
How Can an Uber Accident Lawyer Help in Your Case?
Hiring a reliable Uber car accident law firm can assist your claim in a variety of ways. The advantages of working with a legal expert include but are not limited to the following:
- Field expertise: Not every accident lawyer knows how to make the most out of an Uber or Lyft accident case. A trained expert knows all the ins and outs of the insurance coverage, ensuring you get fair compensation.
- Liability: Often, it is challenging to determine Uber incident liability right off the bat. A qualified lawyer will assess and investigate the case and gather undeniable evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiation skills: Every insurance company operates in its interests, and a skilled attorney knows how to evade unfair settlements and secure maximum compensation for your case.
- Anti-blame-shifting policy: Should other parties try and blame-shirt, a dedicated legal representative will anticipate and defect the tactics.
Get Help From Our Uber Accident Lawyers!
Don’t let the nets of the Uber car insurance policy tangle you and rid you of the rightful reimbursement of the damages that you’ve suffered! Contact our team for a free consultation today, and we’ll point you in the direction of a successful case settlement!
