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Rideshare companies like Uber’s popularity have risen worldwide over the last decade.
However, it comes as no surprise that the number of Uber drivers involved in accidents has also risen.
And as we all know, car crashes often come with damage to property or injury.
The question is, who pays what?
Whether you are a passenger, an Uber driver, or perhaps a pedestrian involved in an accident, it’s crucial to find out what happens after an accident.
Who caused the accident, and what procedure should be followed to get compensated for your loss or injury?
Common Injuries in Uber Accidents
These are the types of injuries that most have to deal with after an accident:
Whiplash
When a vehicle comes to a sudden stop due to crashing, perhaps being rear-ended, your head can be thrown forward and then back at a high speed, causing whiplash.
Symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, or headache don’t always show up immediately but might only show up after a few days.
Rest and care are usually prescribed because whiplash can take a few days to heal, but in some cases much longer.
Fractures
Fracturing of bones can easily occur with a car crash.
Depending on the type of fracture and which bone, it can take anything from weeks to months to heal such an injury, depending on the seriousness.
Head Injuries
There is a possibility of hitting your head in a car accident, which can cause concussion or even brain damage.
This might cause memory loss, dizziness, or confusion. It can be very serious and should be addressed as quickly as possible after the accident.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are very common in a car accident. This would include injury to tendons, ligaments, muscle injury or strain, as well as bruises and sprains.
Who Is Liable in an Uber Accident?
Well, it depends on who caused it. The accident could be the fault of the Uber driver, but there is the possibility of another party causing an accident.
Sometimes the Uber company itself could be liable, depending on whether the driver was on duty and using his app at the time or not.
Uber’s Insurance Coverage
Uber drivers mostly use their own vehicles; however, their insurance is usually covered by Uber.
The coverage is completely dependent on what the driver was busy doing at the time of the accident.
If the driver wasn’t using the Uber app, then their personal car insurance would kick in as coverage, and not Uber’s insurance.
App On, Waiting for a Ride
However, there is limited coverage available if the app is on, but Uber is waiting for a ride.
In such cases, Uber offers limited coverage for personal injury or any other claim due to the accident.
Ride Accepted or Passenger in Car
Once the ride has been accepted by a passenger, Uber’s full insurance comes into effect.
This would help cover medical costs, loss of income, or damage up to a fixed amount.
How to File a Claim:
Depending on who caused the accident and at what point it was caused, a claim could be filed with the insurance company of Uber or with the driver of the car.
The following information will be needed when filing a claim:
Names and contact details of everyone involved in the accident plus photos of injuries and damage to all vehicles involved.
All medical records and visits to the doctor in connection with the injuries, including the police report if available.
Compensation Available
Compensation could include much more than medical expenses; for example, it could include emergency room treatment, medication, physical therapy, doctors’ visits, and other needed treatments.
If you are unable to work because of injury, you could possibly claim for loss of income.
When physical pain and emotional distress are involved due to an accident in an Uber, compensation might also be available for pain and suffering.
When ongoing care or long-term disability was caused by the accident, this might also apply.
Role of Legal Representation
It might be quite tricky to compile a claim after an Uber accident, simply because insurance companies try to pay out as little as possible, or they might not approve a payout.
The rules and regulations of Uber policies are not easy to interpret correctly. That is why appointing a lawyer to fulfill the role of legal representation is very important.
Someone, like a personal injury lawyer, that knows how to handle insurance companies and fully understands the Uber system would be ideal.
They would assist in filing all the paperwork, gather evidence, and negotiate for you in court.
Conclusion
Find out what steps to take after an accident, especially when dealing with injuries, loss of income, or property damage.
Understanding how Uber insurance works and what can be claimed for can be a major process, but when using an accident lawyer, it could drastically soften the process.
Don’t hesitate to ask for legal assistance after an accident in an Uber, and remember, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
With the needed knowledge, you could successfully navigate your way through an Uber claim with minimal stress and get the compensation you need.