In the last 100 years, transportation has been drastically transformed for the better. The advent of the automobile, followed by highways, made it possible for more people to go many more places and get there much faster.
But with cars came accidents. And the shared experiences and stories told about those accidents have been part of the psyche of drivers for almost as long as there have been vehicles. With the next step of transportation evolution, rideshares have become highly popular for passengers of all ages and backgrounds.
However, this creates an entirely new area of auto accident law. Uber accident attorneys are required to understand specialized automotive laws, exclusive to rideshare incidents. Here are a few tips from our expert lawyer regarding what to do following an accident in an Uber or other rideshare provider:
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Attending the health and safety of all individuals involved is the top priority following any automotive incident. Assessing the danger of the situation and the potential injuries of victims is a must.
You’re going to need to call 911 even if no one is hurt or needs immediate medical attention, as you will want law enforcement officers to sort everything out. But even if medical care doesn’t seem urgently required, encourage those around you to still be seen by a doctor, just to make sure they don’t have any unseen or developing issues.
Report the Accident
Should you find yourself riding as a passenger during the incident, report it to Uber. They have a section within their app just for reporting accidents. Using it creates an official record of what happened. *Note to Drivers: You need to use that same pathway to alert Uber to the accident*.
Also, it’s important to tell your insurance provider what happened. Even though you are not liable or even in your own vehicle, there still may be some type of coverage or compensation in your policy that you are entitled to. All of this documentation allows Uber accident attorneys to construct a clear timeline and series of events.
Gather All the Evidence You Can
Any possible legal or insurance claims hinge on having the right evidence. If you can do no more than take still photographs, then do that. But, if possible, get video footage. You want to show the appearance of not just the vehicles but also the condition of the road, any relevant traffic signs or signals, and anything else that might give context to the situation. And remember to photograph any injuries.
You also need to secure the right contact information from all involved – drivers, witnesses, and the rideshare company.
Consult with Uber Accident Attorneys Before Settling an Accident Claim
A rideshare accident can leave you feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do next. Still, taking clear and decisive action in the moments after the accident can make a huge difference in how things resolve later.
These steps guide you back to safety, strengthen your case (if it comes to that), and can help lead to a favorable resolution for you in the end. If you find yourself in a situation like this, reaching out to a legal professional right away is a good idea.
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