Ridesharing has become extremely popular. At the forefront of this movement is Uber, a company that’s been in operation since 2009. If you’re hurt in an accident while taking an Uber ride, there are steps that should be followed. Here’s what can be done to increase your chances of successfully recovering medical expenses due to injuries you’ve sustained.
Assess the Situation
Do your best to stay calm. Figure out if anyone else has been injured, remain still, and wait for emergency services to arrive. Dial 911 or ask someone else to do so, just in case help isn’t already headed your way. Even if your injuries seem minor, get checked by emergency medical personnel, as it’s possible you have internal injuries that you’re unaware of. Being able to prove that you sought medical assistance is vital in court.
Report the Accident
Speak with the police about what happened, taking particular care to remain factual and truthful. A lack of candor could come back to haunt you during litigation. Refrain from offering opinions, such as assessments of the driver’s personality or taste in music. Be polite and leave a good impression on the authorities.
Collect Documentation
In order to determine whether you have a case, you need to assemble as much evidence as possible. Take photos and videos of the crash scene. If your injury does not allow you to do so, request that someone else handle the task and forward the files. Save all digital communication you had with the driver, and request a copy of the police report. Get in touch with witnesses and record their statements, or ask for them in writing.
Contact an Attorney
As a passenger, the injury could not have been your fault. Whether the guilty party was the driver of your car or the individual operating the other vehicle involved, you deserve compensation. Hiring an experienced attorney is the best way to get restitution. Choose a lawyer with a history of litigating rideshare cases. Attorneys who have knowledge of Uber crashes understand how insurance protects their business and that responsibility is likely to be denied, or the severity of your trauma downplayed. Further, car accident lawyers know what it takes to prove negligence.
Uber is a natural evolution of transportation services. However, there is always the risk of human error. You should be paid for injuries caused by someone else’s mistake. Hire an attorney with the right background to help relieve your sudden financial burden.
