Uber is one of the most popular modes of transportation, and for good reason: Uber is convenient, affordable, eliminates the need to own a car, and can be called upon in an instant. As the rideshare industry grows, though, so does the number of rideshare accidents. While you may have a clear understanding of what to do if you’re involved in a crash while operating your own personal vehicle, this process may be less straightforward if you’re involved in a rideshare accident. To help you navigate the process, consider this list of what to do after an Uber accident in Los Angeles, and feel free to reach out to our experienced rideshare accident attorneys at the office of Fisher & Talwar for more information–
Exchange Information & Gather Evidence At The Scene
In the immediate aftermath of a crash, while you are still at the scene of the accident, the most important thing that you can do is take advantage of your time waiting for the police to arrive (and yes, you should call the police and report the accident) to collect as much evidence as possible. Types of evidence to collect or photograph include:
- The names of all parties involved, including your Uber driver and driver of the other vehicle;
- The contact and insurance information of all parties involved;
- The names of any eyewitnesses to the accident, including any vehicle occupants;
- The location and time where the accident occurred;
- Notes about how the accident occurred–i.e. What action each driver was taking at the time of the crash;
- Photos of the vehicles, including their positions and any damage (inside and out);
- Photos of any noticeable injuries you have suffered; and
- Details of surrounding damages and settings, such as photos of the stop sign that was run, pictures of skid marks, etc. Essentially, you want to collect evidence of anything that can be used as evidence in your claim.
Note that the above information pertains to steps a passenger of an Uber should take following an accident; if you were driving your personal vehicle and collided with an Uber vehicle, however, the same advice applies.
Get Medical Care
One of the most important things to do following a crash of any type is to seek medical care. You should seek medical care even if your injuries don’t seem severe, as certain types of injuries, such as concussions, may not be immediately apparent or easy to diagnose. Our law firm recommends seeking medical care as soon as possible after a crash–you should go directly from the scene of the accident to the hospital/your doctor’s office. If you do have any injuries, be sure to thoroughly document them, and to follow your doctor’s orders, as both will be important during the claims process.
Initiate The Claims Process By Reporting The Accident
Within 24 hours of the accident, you should make sure that it is reported to Uber and to any relevant insurance companies, including your own. Remember, you should report the accident to the police while still at the scene of the accident.
When you file an accident report with Uber or an insurance company, remember to provide important details about the crash, such as the details of where and when the accident occurred. If you were driving at the time of the crash, you may want to consider talking to an attorney before giving a statement. If you were a passenger at the time of the crash, there is a far smaller chance that liability for the accident could be placed on your shoulders.
Hire An Uber Accident Lawyer
Understanding your rights when you’ve been in an Uber accident, including who will pay for your injuries, can be confusing. One of the best things that you can do for yourself following a serious crash is to partner with an Uber accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and represent you during your claim. Your attorney will know how to build your case, how to prove fault and liability, what your case is worth, which insurance coverage may apply, how to negotiate a settlement, and more. By working with an attorney, you may greatly improve the outcome of your case.
Call The Office Of Fisher & Talwar Today
An accident of any type can be disruptive. When an Uber vehicle is involved, the complexity of the claims process may be elevated. At the offices of Fisher & Talwar, our experienced rideshare and motor vehicle accident attorneys can provide you with the level of representation and support you need. To schedule a free consultation, call our law firm directly today or send us a message online.