Ridesharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, have changed the transportation industry forever. They are incredibly convenient, accessible, affordable, and easy to use. Although ridesharing platforms are the most preferred choice when needing a ride somewhere, they are not always safe. Just like any other vehicle operator, Uber drivers can put you at risk when hitting the road. If you are in an Uber ride that gets into an accident, understand how to file a claim with the company’s insurance provider. Medical expense bills should be not coming out of your own pocket, especially if your Uber driver was at fault. Speak with a car accident lawyer experienced in rideshare accidents for more information on how to proceed with a claim.
What Are the Steps to Take in An Uber Accident?
As passengers in an Uber or another rideshare service, we put trust in our drivers to take us to our destination as safely as possible. However, car accidents happen more often than we think. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, the first thing to do is check if everyone in the vehicle is okay. You should also check if the other parties in the other vehicle are okay as well. Examine for any bodily harm. Important questions to confirm are:
- Do I feel pain anywhere?
- Does anyone else have pain in their body?
- Is anyone bleeding?
Next, like any other car accident, get in a safe area to gather information on the scene. Try to write down as much contact information as possible. This includes:
- Uber driver’s name
- Other passenger names
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Location of the accident (street names)
- Contact information of any witnesses
- Make and models of the vehicles involved in the accident
After, you’ll want to dial 911 to the scene. Even if it’s a minor accident, it’s important to file a police report. This can help you with your claim when dealing with insurance companies, and all the parties involved.
Lastly, you’ll want to make a report on the Uber application. Contact support by going to Help, then Trip Issues and Adjustments, and “I was in an accident.” You can also submit a crash report here.
Understanding Uber’s Insurance Policy
Uber’s insurance policy can be complex and dependable on a case basis. Generally, if you are in an Uber accident, the company’s $1 million dollar insurance policy should cover all damages. However, their coverage limits vary by state. If your Uber driver was at fault or not, their insurance policy will reimburse you for damages if the accident happened in the middle of your ride.
Some losses that are covered include:
- All crash-related medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost wages if the accident caused you to miss work or other obligations
- Wrongful death if the accident was fatal
Filing a Claim – Is There A Time Limit?
Yes, there is a time limit to file a claim for accidents. This is called the statute of limitations, which vary state by state. In California and plenty of other states, the deadline to file a claim is two years from the date of the car collision. If you do not file within the statute of limitations time frame, you may not be able to be compensated for any damages incurred from the accident.
No Comment