An Uber accident can be serious—and expensive.
Rideshare services like Uber have become increasingly huge in Los Angeles over the last few years. Although each Uber passenger who like to hope their driver is responsible and safe on the roads, there’s always the risk of an Uber accident. If you were injured in an auto accident involving an Uber, you might wonder if it’s handled the same way as other auto accidents. The truth is, if you were hurt in an Uber-related accident, you’re entitled to financial recovery just like any other situation. And a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer can help you determine the best way to pursue it.
Our lawyers at Simmrin Law Group are here to take your side. Our goal is to help you get what you need to recover from being injured in an accident—like an Uber wreck. We have some of the top personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles, and we’re ready to fight for you—starting with a FREE consultation and NO charge to you unless we win. To get started today, call us at 310-997-4688 or fill out the quick contact form to the right.
What should I do if I am in a Uber accident in Los Angeles?
The first thing you should in in any auto accident, including an Uber accident, is take care of any serious injuries. If you and/or someone else involved in the accident needs immediate medical attention, call 911.
Your next call should be to Los Angeles police. Even if the Uber driver or other parties in the accident want to avoid calling police, do it anyway. Police will come on the scene and create a report of the accident, which is vital for you as an Uber accident victim.
Besides these two steps, you’ll also want to:
Get information from the Uber driver:
This includes their full name, phone number, and how to contact Uber directly.
Take pictures of the scene.
This includes all injuries, vehicle damage, the Uber’s license plate, and any other identifying information about the vehicle.
Look for witnesses.
If you see anyone standing around, ask if they saw what happened. If they witnessed the wreck, get their name and phone number so your attorney can contact them later.
If you didn’t get immediate medical attention, see a doctor now.
After the above have been taken care of, make a doctor’s visit your priority. Even if your injuries don’t seem serious, a medical appointment will confirm you were hurt in the Uber accident what treatment is needed. Plus, injuries can worsen over time and you may end up with a longer recovery than expected. This matters when you’re pursuing financial recovery after the accident.
Call a Los Angeles Uber accident lawyer.
As soon as possible, set up a consultation with an attorney who knows Uber accident cases. Accidents involving ride sharing are unique since the Uber driver is paid to be on the road. A good lawyer can help you in proving who was at fault and navigating the complicated legal process of Uber accidents.
Can I sue an Uber driver if I’m injured in the accident as a passenger?
In short, yes. But suing an Uber driver varies from suing a “regular” driver in a car accident. There are three main ways it’s different:
- If the Uber driver is “off the clock” (not available to accept passengers and fares) and hits you, their personal car insurance is usually responsible for damages. Just like other drivers in California, the driver must carry auto insurance of at least $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.
- But when the driver is “on the clock” and carrying a passenger for Uber, they’re fully covered by Uber’s insurance, which is $1 million in liability and $1 million in property coverage.
- If the Uber driver is “on the clock” but not carrying a passenger at the time of the accident, the driver’s own insurance would apply. However Uber does provide contingency insurance of $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 in property damage to the driver.
These three factors are the most important when determining which insurance applies when suing for damages. Since, in this scenario, you were a passenger in the Uber when the accident occurred, your claim would likely be with Uber itself and not the driver. Many times, you can file an insurance claim against the company and not have to pursue a lawsuit.
What if I was injured in an Uber accident but wasn’t a passenger in the Uber?
If you weren’t a passenger when the wreck happened, that means you were probably either:
- A driver or passenger in another vehicle that collided with the Uber
- A pedestrian who was hit by an Uber
In either case, you’ll need to know if the Uber driver was actively “on the clock” or “off the clock.” If they didn’t have a passenger in the vehicle, your insurance claim would be against the driver and their insurance. If the driver didn’t have a fare at the time of the accident, Uber will likely deny liability. But if the driver was “on the clock,” Uber’s liability policy should apply.
It can be hard to know whether the Uber was on/off the clock if you weren’t their passenger. Either way, make sure you exchange information (names, phone numbers, insurance information) with the Uber driver. Your attorney can find out whether or not Uber claims their driver was on the clock during the accident.
Talk to a Simmrin Uber Accident Lawyer for Free
Uber accidents can be complicated since the scenario determines how you pursue a claim. Don’t go it alone if you were injured in an Uber accident. Speak with an Uber accident lawyer who knows how to proceed in the best way. At Simmrin Law Group, we know how to help. For a completely FREE consultation to get started, call us today at 310-997-4688 or fill out the quick form to your right.