Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than typical car crashes due to the involvement of multiple insurance providers. If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, the Uber accident lawyers at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. in Fayetteville can help you pursue compensation and understand your rights. Call 770-205-8887 today to schedule a free consultation.
Steps You Should Take After Being Involved in an Uber Accident in Georgia
Getting into a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when it involves a rideshare service like Uber. Whether you were a passenger, a driver for Uber, or someone in another vehicle, these situations come with unique challenges. In Georgia, the laws surrounding rideshare accidents involve different insurance policies and liability rules. Knowing what to do right after the accident can help protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
If you were hurt in an Uber accident in or around Fayetteville, following the right steps from the beginning can make a major difference in your case.
Make sure everyone is safe and call for help
Your first priority should always be safety. If you can move, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident, even if it seems minor. Emergency responders can provide medical help and make sure the scene is secure.
Georgia law requires that you report any accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Don’t rely on the Uber driver or another party to make that call. Reporting the crash yourself ensures that your side of the story is included in the official police report.
Get medical attention right away
Some injuries don’t show symptoms right away. You might feel okay at first but wake up the next day in pain. That’s why it’s important to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are minor.
Prompt medical care protects your health and helps document the connection between the accident and your injuries. Insurance companies often question claims if there’s a delay in seeking treatment.
Be sure to follow up with your doctor and stick to the treatment plan. Keep copies of medical records, bills, and prescriptions, as these can support your injury claim later on.
Document the accident scene if you’re able
If it’s safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture images of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signals, license plates, and anything else that seems relevant.
Also, write down the following information:
- Names and contact info for all drivers and passengers
- Insurance information from every driver involved
- The Uber driver’s name and whether they were logged into the app
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
This kind of documentation can be very helpful later when you’re trying to prove how the crash happened and who may be responsible.
Report the accident through the Uber app
If you were a passenger in an Uber vehicle at the time of the crash, you should report the accident through the app. Uber has a system for logging incidents, and doing so creates a record that their insurance provider can review.
That said, be cautious about what you say in the report. Stick to the facts and avoid making statements about fault or the extent of your injuries. Anything you say could be used against you during the claims process.
Avoid discussing fault at the scene
Even if you think you know what happened, don’t admit blame or speculate about who was responsible. Let the police gather the facts and prepare the accident report. You should cooperate fully with the officer on the scene, but limit your comments to what you directly experienced.
Making assumptions or apologizing might be used later by an insurance adjuster to reduce or deny your claim.
Understand how Uber’s insurance coverage works
Uber provides different levels of insurance coverage depending on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. This is where things can get complicated.
- If the driver was offline or not logged into the app, only their personal auto insurance applies.
- If the driver was online and waiting for a ride request, Uber provides limited liability coverage.
- If the driver had accepted a ride or had a passenger in the vehicle, Uber’s $1 million commercial insurance policy becomes active.
Determining which coverage applies is not always simple. That’s one reason it’s wise to speak with an attorney early on if you’ve been hurt in an Uber crash.
Start a record of your losses
Keep track of any costs or losses that result from the accident. This may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income from missed work
- Transportation to and from appointments
- Costs for medication or medical devices
- Pain and suffering
Writing everything down helps you stay organized and builds a stronger case when it’s time to file a claim.
If you’re unable to work for an extended period or suffer a long-term injury, it’s even more important to document how the accident has impacted your life.
Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement
After a crash, it’s not unusual for an insurance company to offer a fast settlement. They may do this before you fully understand the extent of your injuries or the total cost of your recovery. Accepting a quick payout might seem appealing, but it often comes with a catch—you’ll be required to sign a release giving up your right to pursue further compensation.
That’s why it’s critical to avoid settling before you know the full impact of your injuries. Once you accept a settlement, you typically can’t go back and ask for more.
Talk to a personal injury lawyer before filing a claim
Handling a rideshare accident claim can be complicated. Between identifying which insurance policy applies, gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating with adjusters, it’s easy to make a mistake that could cost you.
A personal injury attorney who has experience with Uber-related cases in Georgia can help you navigate the process. They can also make sure that your claim includes all available damages—both economic and non-economic—and that you don’t leave money on the table.
In many cases, a lawyer can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf so that you can focus on healing. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can take the case to court.
Don’t wait too long to act
In Georgia, there’s a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury claims. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the accident date, or you may lose your right to recover compensation.
Waiting too long can also make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, or access Uber app data related to the crash.
Speak with a Fayetteville Uber Accident Attorney You Can Rely On
If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, don’t let confusion over insurance and liability prevent you from getting the help you need. A Fayetteville Uber accident attorney at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. can guide you through every step of your claim. Call 770-205-8887 today for a free consultation and start protecting your rights.