About six million car accidents occur every year. In some cases, however, you're not the one behind the wheel. Do you know what to do after you're in an Uber crash?
Taking the right steps could help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Otherwise, you'll have to pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket.
Don't waste valuable time and money! Instead, fight for your rights. Here are seven steps you should take after being in an Uber crash.
Following these steps and finding an experienced lawyer will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Make your case! Get started with these seven tips today.
1. Prioritize Safety
Immediately after you're in a car crash, it's normal to feel disoriented. Try to take a breath. It's important to remain calm as you start following these steps.
Remember, taking the right steps will help you fight for compensation. Getting angry or speaking out of frustration could hurt your case, though. Instead, try to remain calm.
Have your Uber driver move to a safe space. Make sure they don't leave the scene of the crash. You don't want to get involved in a hit-and-run.
Instead, make sure they pull over and remain away from incoming traffic.
Consider the state of the car during this step. If the car is making a strange sound or leaking oil, get out. Remember to prioritize your safety above all else.
2. Call the Police
Make sure to call the police right away. In some states, you're legally obligated to report a crash. You'll also need an official police report if you plan on seeking legal help.
The police will report all property damage, injuries, and deaths involved with the crash.
When you speak with the police, make sure to stick to the facts. Don't embellish. Tell them what happened clearly and concisely.
Before the police leave, get the reporting officer's name and badge number. Your car accident attorney might want to speak with them in the future.
Make sure to request a copy of their police report. Remember, their police report can benefit your lawsuit.
The police could indicate who caused the crash within their report. A police report won't officially determine negligence, though. Your lawyer can start an investigation to gather more evidence and determine what happened.
Your Uber accident attorney can help determine who was at fault.
3. Assess Your Injuries
While you wait for the police to arrive at the scene of the crash, assess your injuries. Adrenaline could mask your pain.
Over 38,000 people die in crashes every year. Another 4.4 million people are injured seriously enough to require medical attention. Road crashes cost the US over $380 million in direct medical costs, too.
A doctor's official report can help you further build your case. If you're severely injured, call for medical help from the crash site. Otherwise, visit a doctor after the police clear you to leave.
Only a doctor can fully assess your medical state. Ask them to complete a full assessment. Then, ask for a copy of their report.
Make sure to write down the name and contact information for every doctor you visit. That includes chiropractors and pain specialists. Track any treatments they suggest and medications they provide, too.
Keep track of your medical expenses. Your lawyer will use your medical bills to calculate your losses. They'll ensure you receive compensation for any expenses related to the crash.
4. Gather Evidence
Try to gather evidence while you're still at the scene of the Uber crash.
Someone might clean up the crash site in the days or even hours after a commercial crash. Gathering evidence right away will ensure you have the information you need to build your case.
First, gather information about your Uber driver, including their:
- Name
- License plate number
- Car information
- Insurance information
Get the other driver's information, too.
Then, look around the crash site. Use your phone to gather photo and video evidence. For example, you can record:
- How the cars are positioned
- Damages
- Injuries
- Where the accident occurred
- Road conditions
- Road signs nearby
It's normal to forget details as the days begin to pass. Taking the right steps will help you preserve evidence. You won't have to worry about relying on your memory.
Write down a record of what happened. Then, give your attorney the evidence you gathered. They'll use your records when building your lawsuit.
5. Don't Accept Offers
Uber crashes can get complicated, especially if multiple parties are involved.
Don't try to negotiate a settlement alone. Insurance companies will try to give you as little as possible. They'll also try to prove your Uber driver was responsible for the crash.
Instead of handling the situation on your own, seek out a lawyer.
6. Find a Lawyer
Look for a personal injury attorney who specializes in Uber accidents. Their previous experience could strengthen your case. They'll understand the laws and procedures that are relevant to your lawsuit.
Your lawyer can handle any discussions with the insurance companies and other parties.
They'll protect your rights and help you file a claim.
7. Fight for Compensation
Talk to your lawyer about your legal options. They'll help you when taking the right steps for building your lawsuit. With their help, you can maximize your compensation.
Look for a lawyer with a strong legal network. For example, they might call a medical expert to discuss your injuries. They can prove another driver's negligence caused you pain and suffering.
They might call an investigator to gather evidence as well.
Tell Uber you were involved in an accident, too. Your lawyer will help you determine which steps you need to take to strengthen your lawsuit.
Getting Uber Help: 7 Steps to Take After an Uber Crash
Don't try to handle a lawsuit or insurance negotiations on your own. Instead, take these seven steps after an Uber crash. Following these steps will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
With a lawyer's help, you can cover your medical bills and more.
Need help building your case? We're here for you.
We deal exclusively in commercial auto and truck accident cases within Georgia. This gives us an expertise that’s unparalleled by other law teams. Best of all, if you don’t win your case, then you don’t pay a dime.
Get a free consultation for your case by calling us at (404) 662-4949 or filling out our online contact form today. Please provide as much detail as possible about your case, and one of our lawyers will get back to you shortly. We look forward to hearing from you.