What Steps should you take after an Uber Car Accident

Rideshare services are widely popular in the United States and have transformed how people travel. Brands like Uber are the most preferred rideshare apps among consumers, leading to a significant number of rideshare cars on America’s streets. 

But what happens if your Uber gets in a car accident? Who will bear your damages? Can you sue Uber or the driver responsible for the accident? 

Here’s when this blog will answer your urgent questions. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, our Uber accident attorney in Winter Haven can help you with the requirements of an accident. Before you appoint us, here’s what you need to know. 

What should I first do in an Uber accident? 

Following your collision, you would want to do everything possible to secure your right to compensation. Apart from the legal considerations, here’s what you should do immediately after an Uber accident: 

Step 1: Move to Safety and Call 911 

First, try to reach a safe location and call emergency services, such as 911. Report your accident to the police as soon as possible. As Section 316.065 of Florida Law states, reporting an accident with all details and injuries incurred needs to be reported to the police, even if it’s a hit and run case, commercial, or property damage.  

If you are unsure who to call and how to lodge a complaint, calling emergency helplines like 911 can always be helpful. 

Step 2: Get Treatment within 14 Days 

Under Florida’s No-Fault PIP Law, Florida Statutes 627.736 requires prompt treatment for accident victims for benefits to apply. Many accident injuries might not appear to be serious, but can be deadly if not treated at the right time, along with complicated injuries that need immediate treatment. 

Try to get proper treatment within 14 days of the accident. Seeking medical help later on and then claiming that your damage was serious might seem fake and manipulative, depriving insurance coverage. 

Carefully keep all copies of medical bills, discharge, prescription and imaging orders. These details will be essential for linking your medical condition to the crash. 

Step 3: Document the scene thoroughly

While you wait for the officers to arrive at the scene, continue recording the scene on your phone. Take photos, short videos, screenshots of a driver waiting for a request, en route to a rider or carrying a passenger. 

Collect names, phone numbers, and insurance details, if any, that the driver possesses. Note the exact time, lane closures, location and external situations, among which the accident took place. The more facts you can collect from the accident, the stronger your evidence becomes. 

Step 4: Preserve Uber app and phone records

Do not delete any data or app notifications from Uber that you receive at the time of rideshare booking and after the accident. If possible, store them in a safe place, either on your personal drive, in your hard-copy storage files, or with your family, as this is evidence required for future legal cases. 

Step 5: Refrain from Posting on Social Media

Insurance adjusters and defence lawyers will regularly review your social media. Any claim, a single post or story can be used to challenge how the crash happened or how badly you were impacted. Keep your updates private with your investigator and Uber accident lawyer, but refrain from sharing any legal or accident updates on social media or with online friends. 

What happens if you’re in an Uber and they get into an accident?

Suppose you are in an Uber accident. While in the car, you are likely covered by Uber’s $1 million liability insurance. Uber provides liability coverage for passenger protection. This coverage applies when you are riding as a paying Uber passenger, and the driver is at fault. The rideshare insurance policy covers medical bills, lost income and accident-related damages. 

The third-party liability coverage covers passengers, pedestrians, and people inside your Uber vehicle. This coverage is active when the drivers are en route to pick you up or take you to your destination. In many cases, the company might try to negotiate coverage charges with the affected party. Consulting an experienced car accident attorney in Winter Haven can provide the assistance you need. 

How much is the settlement for the Uber accident?

Generally, injured passengers may receive approximately $20,000 to $100,000 in an Uber accident. However, the exact settlement amount may vary widely depending on the strength of your evidence, the losses you have faced or are facing, and any casualties. 

How long does an Uber car accident settlement take?

Uber accident cases typically take around 3 to 12 months to get settled, while complex cases with severe injuries may take almost a year to get settled. Simple claims can be resolved mostly within 3 to 6 months. In other cases, where disputes over liability or extensive medical treatment occur, the settlement can significantly extend the timeline. 

Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Uber Accident Cases

The statute of limitations states the timeframe within which an accident or personal injury claim can be filed. It generally starts from the date of the incident to a specific time and varies depending on the type of accident and the legal procedures associated with it. 

Florida Statute § 627.748 states that the deadline for filing an Uber Accident case is 2 years from the date of the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this timeframe, you will lose the right to seek compensation for your injuries. 

In many cases, the affected person or victims often fail to arrange legal requisites or have the knowledge to file within the timeline. Consulting with an experienced Uber accident attorney in Winter Haven can help you successfully file within 2 years of the accident date. 

Injury Assistance Law Firm Helps with Free Case Evaluation 

If your Uber accident claim sounds more complicated, we are right here to help. At Injury Assistance Law Firm, we offer a free case evaluation to affected individuals. Our experienced attorney will thoroughly evaluate your case, assist you at every step, and stand firm in your legal representation to secure a fair and proper negotiation. 

Connect with us today, because you are not alone. 

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