What To Do After Uber Accident

Uber is a popular ride-hailing service that has become a part of everyday life for many Californians. However, like any other type of transportation, Uber accidents can and do happen. If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, either as a passenger or in your own vehicle, do not assume you have no legal rights. This guide will help you understand what to do after an Uber accident in California.

Call the Police

The first thing you should do after an Uber accident is to report it to the police. This is important even if the accident seems minor. The police report will document the accident, taking into account the vehicle damage, tire skid evidence, driver and witness statements, and vehicle location at the scene of the crash. The official accident report can be used as a critical piece of evidence when you file an Uber accident claim.

To report the accident, call 911 or the Rancho Cucamonga police department. If you are not able to obtain a police report at the time of the accident, you may file a “late traffic collision report” at the police station.

Gather Evidence

Once you have reported the accident to the police, gather as much evidence at the scene as you can, as long as you are not seriously injured. The following evidence will support your Uber accident claim for damages.

Photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries
The names and contact information of any witnesses
The driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information
Medical treatment records related to any injuries you sustained

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you were injured in the accident, it’s important to seek medical assistance. This is especially true if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Pain
Stiffness
Numbness
Headaches
Dizziness
Nausea
Fatigue

If you do seek medical attention, be sure to keep all of your medical bills. These records can be used to support your claim for damages.

Contact Uber

You should also contact Uber after an accident. You can do this by going to the “Help” section of the Uber app or by calling Uber’s support line. When you contact Uber, be sure to provide the following information:

Your name, address, and phone number
The date, time, and location of the accident
The names and contact information of any other drivers or passengers involved in the accident
A description of the damage to the vehicles involved
A brief description of how the accident happened

You can also submit an Uber crash report here.

Talk to an Attorney

If you were injured in an Uber accident, it’s best to talk to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. If you accept an early settlement without legal representation, you may be awarded less than you deserve. An attorney can represent you in a personal injury claim and negotiate a generous settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

What to Know About Uber’s Insurance Coverage

One of the most stressful things about being in an accident with an Uber driver is trying to determine who is liable. It’s not always as straightforward as you might think.

Uber has designated three “periods” to distinguish what coverage will apply if an accident occurs.

Period 1

Period 1 is when the driver is using the Uber app but is waiting for a pickup request. Just because the Uber app is running does not mean that Uber will assume liability for an accident.

During this period, Uber is not liable because Uber drivers are independent contractors rather than employees. If an accident occurs during this period, the driver’s own insurance will apply.

Under California law, all drivers are required to carry at least the minimum insurance coverage as following:

$15,000 bodily injury per person
$30,000 bodily injury per accident
$5,000 property damage per accident

Period 2

Period 2 begins when Uber drivers are officially on the clock. That is, they are on their way to pick up a passenger who has requested a ride. If an accident occurs during this period, Uber’s third-party liability insurance will apply.

$50,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
$100,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
$25,000 in property damage coverage per accident.

Period 3

Period 3 is when a passenger is en route to their destination with an Uber driver. If an accident occurs during this period, both Uber’s insurance company and the driver’s own insurance company will apply.

$1,000,000 third-party liability coverage
Comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about insurance coverage in Uber accidents:

If the accident is your fault, your own insurance will apply.
If the accident is the fault of the Uber driver, Uber’s insurance will apply.
If the accident is the fault of a third party, such as another driver, that party’s insurance will apply.
In some cases, it may be possible to file a claim with multiple insurance companies.

Uber Accident Attorney in Rancho Cucamonga

If you have been injured in an Uber accident, it is important to take steps to protect your rights. By reporting the accident to the police, gathering evidence, seeking emergency medical attention, contacting Uber, and talking to an attorney, you can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Contact Sierra Accident Lawyers at (909) 942-7632 or simply contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Our car accident attorney serves clients in Rancho Cucamonga and across San Bernardino County.