Knowing what to do after an Uber accident and taking these steps quickly is crucial for protecting your right to recover fair compensation. After you report the accident and get medical care, you will want to discuss your options with a Virginia Uber accident lawyer.
Our team provides a FREE claim review for Uber accident victims in Virginia. We can handle your claim while you heal from your accident injuries and get back to your previous activities.
Prioritize Safety After an Uber Accident
Immediately after the crash, make sure you are safe. Put your medical needs first and call 9-1-1 to have an ambulance come to the scene if you have any pain, discomfort, or other signs of injury.
Under Va. Code § 46.2-894, Virginia law requires you to report most accidents to law enforcement. This includes any accident that causes injuries or property damage. The police report filed will create an official record of the crash and could be key evidence to support your claim.
Do Not Hesitate to Get Medical Attention for Any Accident Injuries
Adrenaline and delayed symptoms could mask Uber accident injuries. You may feel fine initially and develop pain, stiffness, discomfort, or other symptoms later. Delaying treatment could make it more difficult to treat your injuries and hurt your personal injury claim.
Getting a medical assessment as soon as possible after a crash protects your health while also documenting your accident injuries. If you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may claim your injuries occurred after the accident or were pre-existing.
You Must Identify the Uber Driver’s Status at the Time of the Crash
The Uber driver’s status at the time of the collision plays a significant role in how you will proceed with your case. The liability insurance policy that is in effect depends on what the driver was doing on the app when they caused the collision. The possible statuses include:
- Off the App: When the driver is not logged into the Uber app, their own auto liability policy applies.
- On the App: If the driver is logged into the Uber app but not assigned to a rider, the rideshare company provides a policy with minimums of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident.
- During an Active Ride: If the driver is going to pick up a rider or has a rider in their vehicle, Uber provides a $1 million+ commercial liability policy.
If you are in an Uber when a crash occurs, Uber’s commercial liability coverage should pay for your injuries and damages. Take a screenshot of your Uber app to document the trip and report the accident to Uber in the app. This could be critical to your case later.
Report the Crash to Uber as Soon as Possible
Uber has a process for reporting an accident built into the app. If you were a passenger in the Uber, follow the in-app instructions to notify them of the collision. Be factual, and avoid discussing injuries or providing your opinion about what happened until you have a Virginia personal injury lawyer representing you.
If you were in another vehicle, a pedestrian, or a cyclist, you can report the crash on the Uber website.
It is important to know that this will alert Uber’s insurance carrier about your accident, and an adjuster could contact you about the claim. Do not provide a recorded statement or agree to any offers until you have discussed your options with an attorney.
Speaking to Uber’s Insurance Adjusters Could Hurt Your Case
Uber works with large corporate insurance carriers to provide liability coverage. These companies aim to minimize payouts and close cases quickly. It is not unusual to get a call with a quick settlement offer within a few days or weeks. These early offers usually undervalue your injuries and leave out long-term damages like future medical bills or lost earning capacity.
You should tell them you need to discuss your options with your Uber accident lawyer first. Your attorney will manage all communication with the insurers, protect your rights, and negotiate for fair compensation.
Keep Track of Your Uber Accident-Related Expenses and Losses
From day one, keep records of all accident-related expenses and losses. This could include keeping a file folder of all medical bills and receipts, and writing down all days missed at work. Obtaining a copy of your relevant medical records could also support your claim.
Some of the common costs and losses in these cases include:
- Medical bills and prescriptions
- Missed pay
- Therapy and rehabilitation
- Travel costs for medical care
- Future care needs and financial losses, including diminished earning ability
- “Pain and suffering” and inconvenience
Talk to an Uber Accident Lawyer to Understand Your Legal Options
Knowing how to proceed with an Uber accident case can be challenging. Your Virginia rideshare accident lawyer will help you determine whether a claim against Uber’s insurer or the Uber driver is your next step. This claim often leads to a negotiated settlement.
If a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or another party is necessary, you generally have two years from the accident date under Va. Code § 8.01-243. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case could be. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and witnesses forget what they saw.
Discuss Your Virginia Uber Accident With Our Team Members Near You
At the Parrish Law Firm, PLLC, our firm helps accident victims across Virginia get justice. We will go toe-to-toe with large insurance companies to hold Uber and the rideshare driver accountable and secure fair compensation based on your injuries. A Virginia Uber accident lawyer from our team is ready to get started on your case today. Contact us for a FREE claim review.
Call or Text (571) 229-1800 or Complete a Free Case Evaluation form