Who You Should Call After an Uber Accident

Since its debut in 2009, Uber and Lyft have helped countless individuals get around. Ride sharing services are ideal if you need a ride to the airport, are searching for a way to get home after a night out, or are waiting for your car to be repaired. Regardless of when and how often you use Uber or Lyft, you should know that the drivers are just like regular motorists, and may cause accidents.

Since getting into an Uber accident can be frightening, we’ve created a list of people to call in the event you find yourself in a crash while in a rideshare vehicle. If you’ve incurred injuries in a collision, reach out to our experienced Charlotte car accident attorneys at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys. Call us at (980) 237-4579, or reach out via our online contact form to schedule a free case consultation.

Parties and Individuals to Call Following a Rideshare Accident

Certain parties and individuals can help you protect your rights after suffering from an injury in an Uber or Lyft accident, including:

The Police

If the police haven’t arrived at the accident scene on their own, call and make sure they are aware of the crash. Law enforcement can file an accident report that you may be able to use as evidence, in the event you file a claim against the Uber driver. In most cases, police reports include the date, time, and location of the crash, weather and road conditions, a diagram of the scene, a narrative of the accident details, the vehicles involved, and witness statements.

Uber

Call Uber and let them know the accident occurred. If you are a frequent Uber user, it’s wise to keep their hotline in your phone just in case. If you call their hotline and you can’t seem to get a hold of anyone, send them an email. Your Uber app will list the name of your driver, so you shouldn’t have any issues naming them when Uber asks.

A Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer

An accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver can be complex, making it important for you to seek experienced legal representation. A car accident lawyer who is well-versed in Uber and ridesharing accidents can investigate your situation and help you determine liability.

It is important to understand that while Uber drivers must pass a background check, have a clean driving record, and carry their own auto insurance policy, they are independent contractors. Therefore, Uber is not always liable for the conduct of its drivers and the accidents they cause.

Depending on the particular circumstances of your case, you may be able to collect compensation from Uber’s commercial insurance policy, the driver’s personal car insurance policy, or both. Although Uber carries a liability insurance policy that may cover the damages in your accident, you must prove your injuries were a result of the crash. Uber will not provide coverage if the accident happened when the driver was off-duty or did not have their Uber app turned on.

Most Common Causes of Uber Accidents

Just like traditional car crashes, there are a wide variety of reasons Uber drivers get into accidents, including:

• Distracted driving
• Speeding
• Fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs
• Failing to follow traffic signs and signals

By filing a claim after sustaining an injury in an Uber accident, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, disability, and pain and suffering.

Injured in an Uber Accident? Contact Us Today for Help

When you get into an Uber to head to the airport or out on an evening with your friends, you expect that your driver will operate the car carefully, and that you’ll remain free from harm. This is not always the case, however, and Uber drivers are just as susceptible to car accidents as other North Carolina motorists. If you’ve been hurt in an Uber accident, you can count on the Charlotte car accident lawyers at Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys to inform you of your legal options and ensure your rights remain protected. To schedule a free, no-obligation evaluation of your case, contact us today at (980) 237-4579.