You’re in an Uber, cruising down Ocean Avenue. The sun is shining, there’s a cool breeze, and a beautiful ocean view. The driver is playing one of your favorite songs.
All of a sudden, the car jolts. The driver has been rear ended at a stoplight. Confusion sets in. You’re probably shaken. The driver seems ok, but what about the other driver? What about yourself?
Scenarios like this are not common, but they can still happen. They are always unpredictable and often cause a sense of mild panic. What next? Most adult drivers know what to do when they are driving and experience a crash. But what do you do if you are a passenger in a ride sharing car and an accident happens?
First Step
In the immediate moments following any accident, your priority should always be safety. Get to a place that is safe, well-lit, and out of the way. You don’t want the consequences of an accident extended by getting hit by a passing car.
No matter how minor or severe the accident, check yourself and others for injuries. You may feel fine, but remember that adrenaline can cover pain and that some injuries do not immediately show themselves. Whiplash and concussions can take hours or even days to become problematic.
If anyone appears injured, or even if you’re unsure about the severity of the accident, call emergency services and ask for medical attention to be sent to the scene of the accident.
Second Step
Everyone is ok, injuries do not seem severe (but medical assistance is on the way regardless), and Uber has been contacted. Great! Now it’s time to document the crash. Passengers are rarely at fault for crashes, but it’s good to collect information to support insurance or legal claims and protect your rights.
Capture photos of the scene of the crash, including any damage to the car, the condition of the road, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from the Uber driver (name, insurance info, and license plate), from the other driver, and any witnesses.
Third Step
Report the accident to your insurance company and contact Uber. The driver may have already called them, but you should also reach out to them to report the accident on your own. They may reach out to you and ask questions about the crash: answer honestly, without exaggeration, and do not downplay any injuries you may have obtained during the accident.
Uber has insurance policies in place for their passengers should an accident occur while the driver is on duty. It can be confusing to understand the ins and outs of the coverage. The amount covered will likely vary depending on the severity of the accident, who was at fault, and if the driver was logged in and the ride was active. You should never allow a driver to take you if the app is malfunctioning or if you are not both using the app.
Notify your personal insurance as well. While Uber’s coverage should take care of a majority of potential damages, it’s always a good idea to cross all of your Ts and dot your Is—in case additional coverage is needed you may have to rely on your personal insurance.
What Not to Do
There are a few things you should not do if you are a passenger in an Uber accident.
- Do not downplay your injuries. Some people feel that they are not in need of medical attention after a crash, especially if they are feeling an adrenaline rush or are not used to seeing a doctor for pain or illness. In the event of a traffic accident, not taking an injury seriously could affect your long term health or potential compensation.
- Do not try to negotiate. Talks about fault and liability should be left to the insurance company and lawyers, if it comes to that. Do not let either of the drivers settle on the spot. Do not argue about the circumstances of the accident.
- Do not leave the accident scene without documentation. The accident may seem minor, but gathering evidence (even if it feels embarrassing or pointless) can really help you down the line. Note the date, time, location, and the weather conditions during the crash.
When to Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Although Uber does provide insurance, getting the compensation you are entitled to may not always be straightforward. In some cases, you may experience delays to payments, underpayment, or pushback from Uber’s insurance providers. Do not let this happen.
An Uber accident lawyer can help you navigate the claim process and ensure you are getting compensated appropriately and in a timely manner. California has many firms experienced with handling Uber accident claims.
Conclusion
Santa Monica residents are protected by California in the case they experience an accident while riding as a passenger in an Uber. Passengers are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and any pain and suffering caused by the crash. Being in an accident can be stressful; being armed with knowledge and support is powerful.
