Rideshare services like Uber have become a regular part of life for many people. While convenient, accidents involving Ubers can create confusion—especially when multiple parties are involved. If you’re a passenger, another driver, or even a pedestrian impacted in a crash involving an Uber, you may wonder who is responsible and how to move forward. A lawyer, like an Uber accident lawyer, knows that these cases often involve several people, different insurance policies, and varying degrees of liability. Taking the right steps early can make a big difference.
Start By Getting Medical Help
The first priority after any type of personal injury accident is always your health. If you or anyone else is injured, call 911 right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s a good idea to get checked out. Some injuries take hours or even days to show symptoms, and having medical documentation early on helps support any future claims. If emergency help isn’t needed, you should still visit a doctor as soon as possible.
Gather Details At The Scene
If you’re able to do so safely, collect information before leaving the scene. Get names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details from all drivers involved. Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, and the overall accident scene. Speak to any witnesses and get their contact details. This kind of evidence can be very useful later, especially when more than one party may share fault.
Report The Crash To Uber
If you were a passenger in an Uber, open the app and report the accident. Uber has its own insurance coverage, but when and how it applies depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Uber typically provides liability coverage when a ride is in progress, but other drivers’ policies might also come into play. Reporting through the app triggers Uber’s internal process and helps preserve records related to your ride.
Speak To Your Own Insurance Company
Even if you weren’t driving, it’s important to let your own auto insurance provider know about the accident. Your coverage might offer benefits like medical payments or uninsured motorist protection that could apply. Don’t assume you’re only covered by Uber or the other driver’s policy—your insurer should be part of the conversation.
Multiple Insurance Policies Could Apply
In cases with several involved parties, there could be multiple insurance carriers reviewing claims. Each may have a different view on fault and responsibility. That’s where things often get delayed or disputed. A claim could involve Uber’s insurance, the Uber driver’s personal insurance, and the other driver’s insurance. If you were another driver or a pedestrian, your own policy may also play a role. Sorting out who pays what often depends on fault and the coverage limits of each policy.
Talk To A Personal Injury Attorney Early
Accidents with multiple parties can quickly become complicated from a legal standpoint. It’s not always clear who’s responsible, and insurance companies may be more interested in minimizing their payouts than helping you recover. Even if you think your injuries are minor or the situation seems straightforward, legal advice can help you avoid mistakes that might hurt your case later.
Don’t Wait To Take Action
Time matters after an accident. There are deadlines for filing insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits, and waiting too long can affect your ability to recover compensation. If you’re dealing with more than one party and insurance company, those delays can add up. Reaching out to an attorney sooner rather than later can help you stay ahead of the process.
Dealing with an Uber accident that involves several parties can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step can keep things manageable. Attorneys like those at Barry P. Goldberg can attest to how important it is to protect your rights early on. Focus on your health, gather all the facts, and make sure your rights are protected from the start. For help, reach out to your local attorney’s office.
