With 7.8 million Uber drivers on the roadways, it’s inevitable that they’re going to have an occasional accident.
As a passenger in one of these vehicles, you might be asking yourself, “What happens if my Uber driver gets in an accident in Indiana?” It’s not like you can call your insurance company and sort out the details because you weren’t driving.
The good news is that you can still recover from your injuries, and this article guides you step by step through the process while explaining some important legal implications for Uber accident claims.
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
No matter what kind of accident you’ve been in, it’s vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, like soft tissue injuries and whiplash, may not be immediately apparent, and can get even worse without treatment.
Further, if you are requesting a certain amount of compensation due to your injuries, you will need medical records to support your claim.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Before determining Uber accident liability, there will be a thorough investigation into the circumstances that caused the accident and whether there is Uber driver fault. Uber accident attorneys can facilitate the investigation, and things can go a lot more smoothly if there is ample evidence to work with.
Therefore, if you are able to collect evidence at the scene of the accident, you can put your case in a stronger position. This includes getting information about the drivers, including their contact details and license plate numbers. It’s also a good idea to take photos or videos of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and road conditions.
If anyone witnessed the accident, request their contact information and ask for a brief statement of what they observed.
Step 3: Report the Accident Through the Uber App Immediately
As a passenger in a rideshare accident, you should report the accident to Uber through the app. Uber has a built-in process for reporting incidents, and when you use the app to report what happened, it triggers the coverage process so that you can begin seeking Uber accident compensation.
Who Pays for Damages in an Uber Passenger Injury Claim?
Rideshare accidents can involve multiple layers of insurance coverage. In Indiana, Uber drivers have their own policies, but Uber insurance coverage may apply to your situation, depending on whether your driver was on duty and some other key details.
Uber does carry up to $1 million in coverage for each incident, and this coverage is available if the Uber driver has been directly en route to pick up a passenger or has a passenger inside the vehicle. A key caveat is that the driver needs to be logged onto the app, so be sure your driver is logged in before getting in the car!
What If Another Driver Is at Fault?
Just because your Uber driver was in an accident, it doesn’t necessarily mean they were at fault. If another driver caused the crash, the Uber accident policy may not apply, though it depends on the situation. Typically, the policy of the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover your damages.
However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, then you may be able to cover it through Uber’s insurance policy.
Contact an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney
Dealing with an Uber accident can get complicated, and it’s recommended to work with an attorney to seek financial compensation for your injuries and any other damages. Uber accident attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your rights, gather evidence, and spearhead negotiations to help you recover maximum Uber accident compensation.
To schedule a free consultation, call Tabor Law Firm at 317-236-9000 or contact us online.
