One of the greatest inventions of modern transportation is rideshare technology. In short, this is the technology that enables you to conveniently get a ride from one point to the other via a phone app. This is what people have come to commonly refer to as Uber. While technology may have helped many of us reach their destination on time, not everyone is as lucky.
The thing you have to understand is that Uber cars and drivers are also vulnerable to accidents. In such instances, you may end up being a victim as a passenger or pedestrian. When this happens, you may face a huge dilemma of what to do. Do you sue the company or the driver? These are some of the questions that this article by providing you with steps to follow when involved in an Uber accident.
Call the Emergency Number
Similar to any other accidents, your first step should be to call 911. This should be the standard protocol, which you should never assume to ignore. Calling the emergency number helps you get access to the police, ambulance and fire services depending on the nature and extent of the accident. Having the police at the accident scene helps them file a report of the incident, including taking witness statements.
Get The Important Details About the Accident
If not in need of medical attention, it is important that you get some details about the accident. If possible, ensure that you have collected the following details:
- The Uber driver name and contact details
- Name and contact details of other parties involved in the accident
- Photos and or videos of the accident scene
- Report the Accident to The Necessary Parties
Get Yourself an Attorney
When dealing with large entities such as Uber, things can get complicated very fast. Therefore, to be on the safe side, it is important to get yourself a lawyer. For example, get yourself an Uber Accident Attorney Chicago if within this state. They will help you get the most out of your claim.
Report The Accident to Relevant Parties
Once you have all the facts gathered, it is important to go ahead and report the accident to the relevant parties. If possible, report the accident soonest possible to avoid missing out on any deadlines. Remember, you can lose out on substantial insurance compensation because of failing to act within the right time frame.
You should be looking to file a report with Uber company, your insurance company and that of any other parties involved in the accident. If you have an attorney, they will advise you on where else to file your report.
Apply for Compensation
There are two ways of going about this depending on what your attorney deems right. One involves seeking settlement outside the courts and the other one involves suing Uber. Under the California laws, a passenger has a right to sue for compensation for accidents caused by an Uber driver or by a third-party.
This law requires rideshare companies such as Uber to hold a $1 million insurance policy for death, injuries and property damage caused by their drivers. This amount is claimed by suing the company and not the driver.
On the other hand, the law requires that these companies also hold $1 million in uninsured and underinsured policy for their passengers. The aim of this policy is to ensure that a passenger in an Uber can sue the rideshare company for accidents caused by another motorist. Therefore, you can sue and get compensated for injuries suffered in accidents caused by third-parties while riding in an Uber.
In conclusion, we could argue that there is another reason to ride an Uber home in California. From this discussion, the importance of getting an attorney to help you pursue your claim has been highlighted. Having the right lawyer will help ease the otherwise complicated process.
