Injured in an Uber or Rideshare Accident? Know Your Rights as a Passenger

You and your friend are headed home after a day exploring the city when your Uber is involved in a traffic accident. What should you do?

Studies show that the vast majority (99.9%) of rideshare trips are accident free. But if you are in the small number of rides that involve an accident, you need to know how to protect yourself. Here’s what you need to know about your rights as a rideshare passenger in the event of an accident.

Call the police. 

Even if you are not visibly injured, stay with the vehicle until the police arrive and make an official police report. Be sure to get a copy of it. Give the police as much detail as you know, such as:

• Was the driver speeding, running a red light, driving recklessly or distracted?

• Was the driver using their Uber app at the time of the accident?

• Were there eye witnesses?

Notify the rideshare company of the accident.

You’ll also want to report the accident right away to Uber or Lyft, which both carry passenger liability coverage of $1 million in the case of accidents. If police determine the other driver was at fault, their insurance coverage will be liable for your compensation. Do not speak with the insurance company for the at fault party.  Remember, they do not represent you or your best interests.

Check for injuries. 

It is important that you document your medical condition immediately after an accident. If emergency medical personnel are on the scene, request a medical evaluation. If they are not, arrange to have someone drive you directly to an emergency room for a medical exam. 

Often, accident injuries aren’t immediately apparent. If you begin noticing pain or injuries days after the accident, see your doctor and keep records of your care.

Take pictures.

Document as much detail as you can. Take photos of the vehicles involved and their damages, license plates, the area where the accident happened, and the drivers. Take photos of your injuries. Talk to eye witnesses and get their contact information. Look around at local business who may have surveillance footage of the crash. Your documentation will be critical in ensuring you receive fair compensation. Make a note of the time of accident, road and weather conditions, and details about your rideshare including pick up location and time.

Even though you likely are shaken up, try to write down your own account of events while they are fresh on your mind. It’s easy to forget or mix up details as time passes. Your immediate recollection of the events is key to helping your legal team best represent you.

Hire a car accident attorney.

As a rider injured while riding in an Uber, you have the right to compensation. But because various insurance companies may be involved, pursuing a claim can be complicated. In addition, even though the rideshare companies carry liability insurance, they can make it difficult to pursue a successful claim.

It’s likely you will be contacted by the insurance companies, which may offer a settlement or ask you for a recorded or written statement. Never discuss your case with the insurance before speaking with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents. A knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney will protect your rights, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Your attorney will investigate the accident and damages and guide you to a fair settlement amount. 

Your attorney will also know important deadlines for submitting a claim, and for filing a lawsuit in the event that a settlement cannot be reached.. Under Texas law, you have two years to file a lawsuit if a settlement has not been reached. Miss that deadline and you are forever barred from seeking recovery for your injuries. 

Injured in an Uber accident?

Call us. Blake Law is Houston’s trusted personal injury advocate. Trust our team to get the compensation you deserve, at no charge to you until we win.