The advent of Uber, a ride-sharing program that provides door-to-door service, drastically changed the transportation landscape when it first hit the United States in 2010. Over the next few years, Uber saw its services expand throughout the US and the world, landing in New York City in March of 2011. By 2018, Uber was serving more than 75 million commuters, with nearly 500,000 of them in NYC.
The condition of more drivers on the road speaks to the company’s expansion and their ever-growing presence. As more Uber cars proliferate our roadways, the chances of Uber car accidents grows. And because the numbers of both cars and by extension car accidents, is on the rise, it is high time passengers know what to do if they are ever in an Uber accident.
What to Do if You Are in An Uber Accident
It is important, before you even step foot into an Uber, that you check your driver’s ratings. Gathering as much additional information as possible, prior to entrusting your safety and route to someone you have likely never met before, is also encouraged. If you are involved in an Uber accident however, as accidents can happen at any time, your medical status will need to be assessed and driver information shared.
Medical Care
Much like a motor vehicle accident with a non-Uber car, the first thing you are encouraged to do is call 911. Having emergency medical personnel evaluate you and any others at the scene can make or break a personal injury lawsuit. Even if you feel OK and do not think you really need to be seen at a hospital, you should be examined by the medical providers who know best.
Gathering Information
Depending on your physical and mental status, you or a representative will need to take pictures of the scene, the damage sustained by the Uber, as well as any other vehicles or injured parties involved in the accident.
Similar to other types of fender- benders, you will need to record the names of the victims and drivers, relevant car insurance policies, and the names and numbers of witnesses who may have seen what happened.
Who is Financially Responsible For Damages From an Uber Accident?
Uber has enacted a plethora of policies and revised rules to ensure that their drivers transport commuters as safely and securely as possible. But as anyone who has ever been in a car can attest, road conditions, other drivers, and a host of distractions can cause an accident. This is true for new drivers and the most seasoned motorists amongst us.
Complicating matters when it comes to Uber service, is the issue of insurance. Drivers use their own vehicles, not company cars. These cars are insured under private auto insurance and depending on locale, may or may not have additional coverage through Uber.
Insurance coverage for Uber vehicles can vary greatly, depending on whether or not the Uber app is open during the ride if there are passengers in the vehicle, and if your state considers you a private or commercial contractor
The Next Steps to Take
Both victims and drivers need representation that can untangle the legal issues often at play in motor vehicle accidents. Uber accidents present a unique legal challenge, however, which is why you need to contact a personal injury lawyer in Brooklyn if you have been involved in one. Whether you are traversing the busy streets of Bay Ridge or the pastoral areas of Park Slope, your Brooklyn personal injury lawyer is here to help.
