Remember when Uber was known as UberCab back in 2009? Since then, it has transformed into a global giant, serving around 150 million monthly users in 70 countries and facilitating close to 10 billion trips every year.
Unfortunately, like all forms of transportation, Uber rides carry the risk of accidents.
Being in a car accident while riding in an Uber can be confusing. As a paying customer and a passenger in a car that isn’t your own, you may feel uncertain about what steps to take next.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at ten essential actions you should take following an Uber crash to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Step one: Ensure your safety
After an accident, your first priority is your own safety and the safety of everyone involved. If possible, check yourself and any other individuals involved in the crash for injuries, and call 911 immediately if anyone appears hurt.
Even if you feel fine, it’s still wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Certain injuries—like concussions or whiplash—may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time. By getting checked out early, you’ll have documentation of your condition in case you decide to file a claim, which can help prevent insurers from questioning the timing or severity of your injuries.
Step two: Move to a safe location
If the accident is minor and it’s safe to do so, ask your driver to pull over to the side of the road to reduce the risk of further collisions. However, if it’s unsafe to exit the vehicle—such as in heavy traffic or poor visibility—stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
Step three: Call the authorities
Always report an Uber accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report serves as an official record of the incident and can be crucial for both insurance claims and any legal matters that may arise later.
When the police arrive, calmly provide them with accurate information about what happened. Avoid making assumptions or guesses—simply describe what you observed. It’s also important not to admit fault, even casually, as statements can be misinterpreted and used against you later.
If you’re able, request a copy of the police report or take down the report number, as this will make filing a claim a little easier down the road.
Step four: Gather information
Collecting detailed information at the scene is essential, especially as a passenger in a rideshare vehicle. This information can be invaluable for insurance claims or legal purposes. Here’s what to gather:
- Uber driver information: Record the Uber driver’s full name, contact number, and the vehicle’s license plate number.
- Other drivers involved: If there are additional drivers involved in the crash, get their names, contact details, and license plate numbers.
- Insurance details: Ask each driver for their insurance information. Be sure to note both the Uber driver’s personal insurance and any details about Uber’s coverage for the trip.
- Witnesses: If there are witnesses nearby, politely ask for their contact information, as their statements may be useful later.
- Accident details: Note the time, date, location, weather, traffic conditions, and any other relevant factors. Include any specific observations, such as the direction each vehicle was traveling or any obstructions in the road.
Step five: Document the scene
If it’s safe to do so, take plenty of photos to document the accident scene. It’s better to have too many photos than too few, so capture a wide range of images. Here’s what to focus on:
- Vehicles involved: Take photos of all vehicles in the crash, including close-ups of any visible damage and license plates.
- Road conditions: Capture the road surface, any skid marks, debris, traffic signs, and signals in the area. If there are hazards like potholes, wet surfaces, or poor lighting, be sure to photograph these as well.
- Surrounding area: Snap shots of the entire scene from multiple angles, showing how the vehicles are positioned relative to each other and any nearby landmarks, intersections, or obstructions.
- Injuries: If you have any visible injuries, photograph them as well, as these images can help document the immediate impact of the accident.
- Weather conditions: If possible, capture images that reflect the weather at the time of the accident, such as rain, snow, or fog.
Step six: Report the accident to Uber
Report the accident to Uber through their app. To do this, open the app, go to “Your Trips,” select the trip involved in the accident, and choose the option to report an issue. You’ll be prompted to provide details about the incident, so be as accurate as possible.
Reporting the accident through Uber’s app not only helps the company document the event but also initiates their investigation and claims process if needed.
Step seven: Notify your insurance company
Inform your personal insurance provider about the accident, even though you were a passenger in a rideshare. Your own policy may cover certain costs, depending on your coverage and the specific circumstances of the crash. Some policies include medical payments coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which could help with expenses Uber’s insurance might not fully cover.
When you contact your insurer, be prepared to provide them with all relevant information and documentation.
Step eight: Monitor your health and seek follow-up care
After an accident, some injuries may take time to appear. Even if you initially felt fine, monitor your health closely in the days and weeks that follow. If you notice any new pain, headaches, stiffness, or other symptoms, schedule a follow-up visit with a healthcare provider. Keeping track of any delayed symptoms not only supports your well-being but also strengthens any future claims by documenting ongoing health issues related to the accident.
Step nine: Consider legal advice
If you sustained injuries or significant damages, consider consulting with a car accident attorney. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, assess your case, and accurately determine the full extent of your damages and the potential value of your claim. They can also guide you through the process of filing any claims against Uber, the driver, or other parties involved.
Attorneys specializing in car accidents are trained to negotiate with insurance companies, using their knowledge of the law to counter common tactics that insurers might use to minimize payouts.
Additionally, a skilled attorney can identify other possible sources of compensation that you might not have considered, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, employer liability, or additional coverage provided by Uber.
Step ten: Keep records
It’s important to start a file in order to keep thorough records of everything related to the accident. Here’s what to include:
- Medical records and bills: Keep copies of all medical evaluations, diagnoses, treatment plans, and bills related to the accident. This includes records from initial ER visits to follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or specialist care.
- Repair estimates and receipts: If your belongings were damaged in the accident, such as a phone or laptop, retain repair estimates, receipts, or any proof of the cost to replace or fix them.
- Correspondence with insurance companies: Save all emails, letters, and notes from phone calls with both Uber’s insurance representatives and your own insurer.
- Lost wages documentation: If the accident impacts your ability to work, keep records of any missed workdays, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer confirming lost income.
- Other expenses and out-of-pocket costs: Document any additional expenses you incur due to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or hiring help for household tasks you can no longer perform.
Experiencing an accident while using a rideshare service can be overwhelming, but following these steps can help you manage the aftermath more confidently. Prioritize your safety and well-being, document everything carefully, and seek professional guidance if needed. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.