What if I Get into an Accident While Driving for Uber?
Posted on April 23, 2018 Written By: iadminlaw
Driving for a rideshare company—whether Uber or Lyft—can be a smart way to earn some supplemental income. In some situations, though, becoming an Uber driver can be less than advantageous—specifically if you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle and you wind up in an auto collision.
In this scenario, it’s important to know what your rights are—and what steps, if any, you can take to receive compensation for your damaged vehicle, medical expenses, and lost wages.
How Uber Accidents are Different
Uber accidents aren’t quite like regular, everyday car accidents. Normally, it’s a fairly clear-cut matter of the at-fault party being liable for property damages.
When you’re driving for Uber, though, there are complicating factors. For one, you have a passenger in your car—someone who is likely a stranger to you. And for another thing, you have to consider the stated terms and conditions of Uber.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
With that said, there are some aspects of being in an Uber accident that are just like any other collision. If you’re driving for Uber and your vehicle is involved in an accident, follow these steps:
1. STAY CALM.
2. Call 911 if anyone is injured. Always check to see if your passenger has any bodily injuries. Keeping everyone safe is your top priority.
3. Make sure you snap a few photos of the damage to your vehicle. Get pictures of all the other cars at the scene, as well.
4. Collect information from the witnesses who are present, including basic contact information.
5. Call Uber’s emergency hotline! Always make sure you have this number handy. Report the accident but don’t admit fault, even if you think you are at fault.
6. Call your insurance company. Again, don’t admit fault.
7. When the police show up to make their report, be calm. Don’t blame other people, and don’t argue, but also avoid apologizing or admitting responsibility.
8. Write down any note about the accident, ensuring you remember the scene later on, once the dust has settled a bit.
Should You Contact an Uber Accident Attorney?
From there, the way your claim plays out will be dependent on several factors:
1. The rules/guidelines of the state you’re in.
2. Whether you were “online” with Uber at the time or not.
3. Whether you have rideshare or GAP insurance.
4. Whether the damage is sufficient to meet the insurance deductible.
These four variables may impact the attribution of blame and the extent to which Uber will step in to cover your expenses. What you should remember through all of this is that Uber is ultimately trying to save money, which means you can’t always count on them to back you up. You may find yourself going to battle not with the other driver, but with Uber or even with your rideshare insurance company.
If that’s the case, you’ll want to make sure you have some legal expertise behind you—and that’s where an Uber accident attorney comes into play. I Accident Lawyer has ample experience working Uber-related cases, and we know what it takes to defend drivers who are caught in the crosshairs.
Our firm only represents individuals who have been injured in accidents—never big companies like Uber—and we’re known for our aggressive representation style. We’re on your team, and we won’t rest until you get all your expenses compensated.
The bottom line: If you’re an Uber driver, it’s vital to know what to do in the event of an accident. And part of that means having the name of an Uber accident lawyer handy. For Uber accident lawyers in Los Angeles, make I Accident Lawyer your first call, no matter the hour!
