The rideshare company Uber has become a mainstay for New York transit alongside traditional taxicabs. If you get hurt in an accident while riding in an Uber as a passenger, there are important steps you need to take to make sure your legal rights are preserved and protected as much as possible.
Check for Injuries and Get Medical Care
Your personal health and safety are most important. Immediately check yourself for signs of injury, such as pain, swelling or bleeding. Bear in mind that your adrenaline from the crash may initially mask symptoms such as pain. You may not notice or feel your injuries until hours or even days later. For this reason, it is important to get prompt medical care from the nearest hospital or medical center.
Notify the Police
Under New York law, it is the driver’s responsibility to report the Uber accident to the police without delay. If your Uber driver or the other driver involved in the crash has not called, however, you can call 911 yourself from the scene using your cell phone.
Notifying law enforcement is critical even after a minor accident so that you can obtain a police report. The police report can provide pertinent evidence for your injury claim. It is especially important to involve the police if there is evidence of a broken law, such as a drunk driver or running a red light.
Collect Evidence
If you can, gather evidence before you leave the scene of your New York Uber accident. The scene of the crash can contain key information that supports your injury case. Document as much as possible by exchanging information with both drivers, taking pictures of the crash scene, writing down a description of events in your own words, speaking with eyewitnesses, looking for nearby cameras and taking a screenshot of your Uber app ride information screen.
File an Insurance Claim
The claims process can be complex after a New York Uber accident. Rather than filing a claim with your own automobile insurance policy as you normally would after a car accident, you have the right to seek coverage from one or more other parties.
Start by contacting Uber to report the car accident. Uber’s claims support team will guide you through the process of reporting the accident and filing an insurance claim in New York. It’s important not to trust the insurance company that handles your claim, and not to accept a fast settlement before consulting with an Uber accident lawyer in Franklin Square.
With help from an attorney, you can negotiate a fair settlement from the Uber driver’s personal auto insurance policy as well as Uber itself. Uber provides up to $1.25 million in third-party liability coverage to injured riders.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating the confusing insurance claims process in addition to dealing with your injuries after an Uber accident in New York can be overwhelming. Speaking with an experienced car accident attorney can give you insights into the settlement process and help you understand your legal rights. A Forest Hills personal injury lawyer will help you seek maximum recovery while making sure you have everything you need during this difficult time.
If you’ve recently been injured in an Uber accident as a rider in New York, contact Abaev Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation about your case.