When you hop in an Uber, you leave all the hassles of driving, including navigating traffic, locating your destination, and parking, to someone else, which is an absolute convenience. However, if you’re injured in the process, it’s a different matter. The good news is that an experienced personal injury lawyer in Marietta can help.
You May Have to File Two Claims
If an Uber driver’s negligence injures you, you can seek compensation by filing a car accident claim. Whether the driver was in the Uber process at the time of the accident, however, determines which insurance company you’ll need to file your claim with, and if your injuries are severe, you may need to file with two providers.
Consider the following basics:
- If you were a passenger in the Uber vehicle, you’d file your claim with Uber’s comprehensive coverage, and the same is true if the Uber driver had another passenger or was on their way to pick up a passenger at the time.
- If you were injured by an Uber driver who was on the app but waiting to accept an assignment, you’d need to file your claim with the driver’s insurance coverage, which they must carry to drive for Uber. If your losses exceed their coverage limits, you must also file a claim with Uber’s provider.
- Once the driver gets off the app, the accident is no longer an Uber accident, and you’ll continue filing your claim against the driver’s policy.
Uber Accidents Are on the Rise
According to the University of Illinois Chicago, a full third of all rideshare drivers, including Uber drivers, self-report being involved in at least one crash while on the rideshare app. Contributing factors are distraction, exhaustion, and unfamiliarity with the roads, which are common to the occupation. To begin with, Uber drivers are required to interact with the app behind the wheel, which can be a serious distraction. Further, many Uber drivers have full-time jobs, which increases the risk of drowsy driving.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After an Uber accident, it’s essential to seek the immediate medical attention you need, and even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously injured, you’re well advised to get checked out by a medical professional. The fact that you aren’t experiencing any immediate symptoms does not mean that you weren’t seriously injured.
Ultimately, the stress and adrenaline surge you experience after a violent accident can mask a good deal of pain while allowing symptoms to recede into the background for the time being. It’s always in your best interest to be safe rather than sorry in the aftermath of an Uber accident.
Get Trusted Legal Help from a Marietta Uber Accident Attorney
At Essa, Janho & Associates, LLC, our experienced Marietta Uber accident lawyers are committed to helping you recover full and fair compensation. We take a strategic and compassionate approach to every case. Contact us online or call 770-955-8322 to get started.