It is convenient and has clear pricing. An Uber picks you up right where you are. Since its launch in 2009, Uber has been steadily taking over the car service market. It has a footprint in major cities around the world; in the U.S. alone, it facilitates as much as 40 million rides a month. As of this year, it has 110 million estimated users worldwide. This ride-sharing app is increasingly outplaying the taxis and has encouraged a fleet of competitors in the transportation service field globally.
Since Uber operates where there is a high volume of passengers, mostly in big and congested cities, it is not uncommon to hear of car accidents involving this company and other mobility service providers as well. In a report published by the University Of Chicago Booth School of Business, researchers found that ride-sharing services have upped the vehicle-related deaths by 3%, which translates to 1,100 mortalities annually.
What Can You Do When You Get in an Accident with Uber?
The possible course of action in case of accidents involving Uber (and other ride-sharing services for this matter) depends on the situation. In most cases, if not all, insurance is the chief concern; after all, it’s the insurance coverage that provides compensation for accident victims. Consider the following pointers to help you with your case later on:
- The first thing you have to do when you get hit by an Uber driver is to establish the liability. Who is responsible for the accident? It is essential to prove one’s negligence if you want to make a claim.
- Precisely indicate where exactly you were when the impact happened, and how much bodily and property damage occurred.
- Gather as much as evidence as you can – names and contact information of everyone involved, including the witnesses. Take as many photos as you can of the accident scene as well as the cars involved, from as many angles. In case you aren’t able to take pictures because you have no access to a camera or due to injury, you may ask someone willing to take pictures and email them to you.
- Call the police right away to make a formal investigation of the accident. It is required by law in many states to inform the police in case of accidents that result in injury or property damage. Their official accident record might help back up your claim.
- One of the most important things to remember when you get in an accident involving Uber is to refuse to give a recorded statement to and sign any form from an insurance company representative! They will most likely ask you leading or “trick” questions to evade possible claims or cases. Tell them you will consult your lawyer first. This is a technique used by insurance companies to avoid a pedestrian injury lawsuit.
Keeping these five pointers in mind can make a massive difference between winning and losing your case.
Is the Driver Accountable? Or is it the Company?
The thing about ride-sharing companies like Uber is that they do not consider drivers as their employees, but an independent contractor. With this, the company maintains its legal separation from its drivers. Simply put, Uber may deny any accountability to the victim and place all possible responsibilities upon the driver.
In the event you get hit by an Uber driver – meaning, the driver is actively logged in on the app and is therefore considered “on duty” – you are entitled to No-Fault or PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance coverage from your own/your spouse’s/your resident relative auto insurance. In case you don’t have one, you may seek this insurance claim against the driver involved in the accident.
The PIP benefit, however, may not be enough to cover all costs incurred from the accident. In some instances, such as when the driver did not purchase commercial coverage, this benefit cannot be availed to cover injury and damage costs.
If your injuries are severe and pass the “injury threshold”, you may be entitled to pain and suffering compensation as well but you need a strong case with supporting medical evidence along with being able to prove the Uber Driver was at fault.
The Clark Law Office Offers Reliable Legal Service for Uber-Related Accidents
If you or a loved one was hit by an Uber driver, or have gotten into any accidents involving Uber and have suffered significant losses, consider getting help from The Clark Law Office.
We have experienced, dedicated, and trustworthy personal injury lawyers who will safeguard your rights. We will see to it that you get the right advice and the best claim that you are legally entitled to. Fill out our contact form or call us at (517) 347-6900 for a free consultation today.
- What Happens When You Reject an Insurance Settlement Offer? - September 18, 2024
- Understanding The Impact: What Happens If The Cerebellum Is Damaged? - September 9, 2024
- What is the Speed Limit on Unmarked Roads in Michigan? - September 5, 2024
