Going on vacation is supposed to be a fun and relaxing experience. The last thing you want is to be involved in an accident, especially one that involves your Uber ride. Being in an unfamiliar place and unsure who to turn to can be stressful and overwhelming. Here are some tips on what to do next if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
Assess the Situation and Call for Help If Needed
The first thing you’ll want to do is assess the situation. Are there any serious injuries that require immediate medical attention? If so, call the emergency services right away. Even if the injuries seem minor, it doesn’t hurt to have emergency personnel examine everyone involved.
If the accident resulted in only vehicle damage and no injuries, move to a safe location out of traffic. Ask the driver to turn on their hazard lights and set up roadside reflectors or flares if they have them. Contact the police to file an accident report – Uber may require this for insurance claims.
Exchange Information with Other Parties
Just like any motor vehicle accident, you’ll want to exchange information with the other driver and any passengers. This includes names, contact info, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and license plate numbers.
If the other vehicle is also an Uber, get the driver’s name and Uber information. Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and the scene of the accident if it’s safe to do so. Having photographic evidence can help support your version of what happened.
Report the Incident to Uber
Report the accident to Uber as soon as possible. The Uber app has an option to report any issues with a trip, including accidents. Provide all the details of what happened and any damage or injuries.
Uber’s insurance policy should cover accidents during active trips, but you need to alert them right away. Not reporting the incident promptly can risk your claim being denied. Uber may also deactivate the driver’s account until the situation is investigated.
Seek Any Necessary Medical Attention
Even if you don’t have apparent injuries, you should still get examined by a doctor after an accident. Some injuries like whiplash may not be obvious for hours or days. Uber’s insurance should cover any required medical treatment for you as a passenger.
For major injuries, you may need extended treatment that keeps you in the vacation location longer than planned. Uber’s policy will pay for any reasonable medical expenses and even extra accommodation costs if you can’t travel as scheduled.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
You’ll also want to contact your own auto insurance company to file a claim, even if you weren’t driving. Let them know you were injured while riding in an Uber on vacation. They can walk you through the process of recovering costs like medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and pain and suffering damages.
Be sure to find out from both Uber and your insurer what documentation you need. This may include police reports, medical records, and statements from witnesses. Maintain thorough records as your case progresses.
Consider Hiring a Local Personal Injury Attorney
Experiencing an accident in an unfamiliar area can be daunting. You may want to consult with or retain a local personal injury lawyer to handle the insurance claim process. An attorney can interact with Uber’s insurance and negotiate a fair settlement that covers all your accident-related costs.
Having a legal advocate in the area means you don’t have to stay behind or travel back and forth to deal with insurance companies. The attorney can investigate the accident, determine fault and liability, file the claim, and represent your interests during settlement negotiations.
Don’t Settle Right Away
Insurance providers may try to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement, often with a lowball amount. It’s generally wise not to accept any settlement offer immediately after an accident. The full extent of damages like medical expenses and lost income may not be clear yet.
A personal injury lawyer can buy you time to thoroughly assess the value of your claim. Let the attorney handle interactions with insurers so you can focus on recovering from the accident. Patience usually leads to a fairer outcome.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
Hopefully Uber’s insurance accepts liability for the accident and provides reasonable compensation. However, if you run into resistance getting your expenses covered, a lawsuit may be warranted.
An attorney can file a formal case and argue for damages before a judge. Suing Uber’s insurance provider could result in a court-ordered settlement or jury award rather than the low amounts the insurer offers voluntarily.
Lawsuits take time but may be necessary if Uber drags its feet on your rightful claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise whether litigation seems prudent in your case.
Don’t Let the Accident Ruin Your Vacation
Being in an accident during vacation can certainly dampen your experience. However, try not to let it completely overshadow the time you have left. Focus on recovering from any injuries so you can get back to enjoying your trip as soon as reasonably possible.
Continue with whatever activities you’re still able to do and appreciate your remaining time in the destination. Don’t dwell on the accident or spend your whole vacation dealing with Uber and insurers. Let your attorney handle most of that legwork.
With the right assistance from your lawyer, Uber’s insurer, and your own insurer, you can still have a fulfilling vacation. Follow these steps after an Uber accident to resolve issues responsibly and get right back to sightseeing and relaxation.
Seek Legal Counsel If Needed to Get Compensation
Dealing with insurance claims and lawsuits can be complex, especially when accidents occur far from home. An experienced personal injury attorney can be an invaluable ally. They have the knowledge and resources to get you maximum compensation whether through settlement negotiations or formal litigation.
Don’t hesitate to consult an attorney after any accident with injuries. They can advise you of your rights and best course of action. Your health, well-being and peace of mind should be the top priorities, so let a legal expert handle achieving fair compensation from Uber and its insurer. Focus on recovering and enjoying what’s left of your vacation while your attorney resolves the legal aspects.
If you need legal help, call into our office at 700 Bishop St, Ste 2100, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
Or call us for a free consultation on (808) 745-1592.