Uber accidents don’t occur often, with only one crash per 100,000 miles. But, that doesn’t mean they don’t happen at all. If you’re an Uber car accident passenger, it can be difficult to know the right way to move forward.
There are three things you should do immediately if you’re involved in an Uber car accident. By following the car accident checklist below, you can ensure you’re fully covered and get any compensation you may be entitled to.
It can be deeply traumatic to be an Uber passenger involved in an accident. So follow the three steps below to make the process as straightforward as possible.
1. Assess Your Own Injuries And Call 911
First things first; make sure that you’re okay. You’ll probably experience at least a little shock, even for minor collisions. So make sure you’re not cut, in pain, or dizzy. Always check in with yourself first.
You can ask your Uber driver if they’re all right, too. Knowing the extent of the injuries of anyone involved in the accident will allow you to decide if you need an ambulance on site.
The next step is to call 911. This is important even for accidents you wouldn’t consider serious. Alerting the police can allow them to keep you and other road users safe from traffic caused by the accident.
They’ll also be good for taking statements from you, your Uber driver, and anyone else involved in the collision. The 911 dispatcher may ask if you require an ambulance, too. This is up to you and the other people involved in the accident.
It can often be a good idea to have a medical team close at hand. This will allow them to check and treat shock, and assess if there are any hidden injuries. Some injuries may not show up the second the accident happens. In fact, some may not appear for a number of days.
Whiplash is particularly guilty of this. Caused most frequently by the impact of your seatbelt against your body, whiplash is a painful condition that can plague you if not quickly treated. A medical team will be able to make sure you’re okay. They’ll also record any injuries you’ve sustained.
Make sure you tell them if you are in pain anywhere you weren’t before the accident.
2. Get Your Driver’s Full Information
You will likely already have some information on your driver on the Uber app. This generally includes their first name and an identity photo. You’ll also have their license plate and the kind of car they drive. But, in the event of a collision, you should make sure to get all the information you could need for a claim.
The first step is to get your driver’s insurance details and policy number. Your own insurance company may ask for this, so it’s good to keep it on hand. If you decide to pursue compensation, your legal team may also ask for these details.
Additionally, you should get the details of any other drivers involved in the collision. If it was a two-car crash, then you should get the contact number and insurance policy of the person driving the second car. Your Uber driver may do this too, but it is a good idea for you to have your own copy.
In the days following the incident, feel free to contact Uber customer service. You can simply let them know what occurred and provide any evidence you may have. Be as factual as possible. You may find an email correspondence with one of their team useful for future reference.
With this information, you’ll be able to get in touch with your own insurance who can guide you in the right direction. These details will also help you if you decide to take legal action with the help of a dedicated legal team.
3. Take Photos of the Damage
This should be a top priority if your Uber had just been in an accident. As you would with any other type of collision, take pictures of the damage immediately after it happens.
Doing this is helpful for a number of reasons. You’ll be able to send the pictures to your own insurance company for further proof. Uber may also ask to see the pictures you have taken so they can assess the damage to the vehicle.
Don’t be afraid to check all areas of the vehicle. If the collision was head-on, there will likely be a dent or more serious damage on the hood or front of the car. But having a look at the back and sides can let you know where else the car may have been damaged.
A video can also be useful in this instance. As long as you are able, walk slowly around the car and record it. If you happen to notice any serious damage, zoom in on this.
Having pictures of the impact of the collision can also offer you peace of mind. You may not be thinking straight directly after an accident. Having pictures to look back on can reassure you of the damage that was caused.
Finally, pictures are great for helping legal teams get you the compensation you deserve. By having proof of the kind of collision and the damage to both yourself and the car, you’re already on the right track to getting any payout you may be entitled to.
An Uber Car Accident Passenger Deserves More Than Just Compensation
Knowing that you will be fully covered for any medical bills and will have time to let your mind and body heal can make the process a little less stressful.
As an Uber car accident passenger, you should rely on a law team to stay by your side and get you any compensation you’re entitled to. Any kind of collision can be incredibly upsetting, so don’t wait around to get the help on offer to you.
To see the wide range of legal services available for you, have a look at the website here. The team of legal specialists will be able to answer any questions you might have about your accident.
