Filing an Uber accident claim can be complex and overwhelming, but the experienced team at Horst Shewmaker is here to help. Serving Alpharetta, the Atlanta area, and clients across Georgia, our dedicated attorneys understand the unique challenges of rideshare accidents.
Our Alpharetta Uber accident lawyers are committed to guiding you through every step of the claim process. We will determine what insurance coverage applies based on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the accident and help you file a claim with the appropriate insurance company. We work tirelessly to build a strong case and help you secure the maximum compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Do After an Uber Accident
The moments following an Uber accident can be chaotic and stressful. However, the actions you take immediately after a rideshare car accident can significantly impact your ability to file a successful Uber claim. Here’s what you should do.
Call 911
Your first priority should be to ensure everyone’s safety. Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, it’s crucial to have emergency services at the scene. The police report filed by responding officers will serve as an official record of the incident, which can be valuable evidence for your claim.
Document the Accident Scene and Gather Information
While waiting for emergency services to arrive, document the accident scene as thoroughly as possible. Use your smartphone to take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. These visual records can provide crucial evidence for your Uber claim.
Additionally, gather information from all parties involved in the accident. This includes:
- Names and contact details of the Uber driver, other drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Insurance information for all drivers involved
- License plate numbers and vehicle descriptions
- The Uber driver’s rideshare identification number
Stick to the facts when discussing the accident and avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you later.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the Uber car accident, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not manifest symptoms immediately. A thorough medical examination can identify hidden injuries and create a medical record linking your injuries to the accident.
Report the Accident in the Uber App
Uber provides a way to report accidents directly through their app. Avoid assigning blame at this stage and stick to factual information.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your personal auto insurance company about the accident, even if you weren’t driving. Some policies require prompt notification of any accident you’re involved in, regardless of fault.
Contact an Uber Accident Lawyer
Talk with an experienced Uber accident lawyer before providing statements to insurance companies or accepting a settlement offer. At Horst Shewmaker, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights.
Who Can Be Liable for an Uber Accident?
Determining liability in an Uber accident can be complex, as multiple parties may be responsible. Potentially responsible parties include:
Uber Drivers
If the Uber driver’s negligence caused the accident, they could be held liable. This might include distracted driving, speeding, or violating traffic laws.
Other Drivers and Vehicle Manufacturers
If another driver’s actions led to the accident, they could be held responsible. You could file a claim against the driver’s personal auto insurance. If an Uber vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part could be held responsible.
Uber
Uber and Lyft drivers are independent contractors, so it’s difficult to sue a rideshare company directly after an accident. Instead, accident victims usually seek compensation through Uber insurance claims.
A rideshare company may be partially at fault in some cases. For instance, Uber might be liable if the company did not properly screen or train rideshare drivers.
How Uber Insurance Coverage Works
Uber’s insurance coverage for accidents varies depending on the Uber driver’s status at the time of the collision. Understanding the different coverage is crucial when filing an Uber claim.
Phase 1: Driver is Offline or Not Available
When an Uber driver is not logged into the app or is not available for ride requests, their personal auto insurance applies. Uber’s insurance does not provide any coverage during this phase.
Phase 2: Driver is Online and Available for Ride Requests
Once a driver logs into the Uber app and is waiting for a ride request, Uber’s contingent liability coverage kicks in. This coverage provides:
- $50,000 per person for bodily injury
- $100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal auto insurance doesn’t cover the car accident or if the coverage limits are lower than these amounts.
Phase 3: Driver is En Route to Pick Up a Passenger or Transporting a Passenger
When a driver accepts a ride request and is en route to pick up a passenger, or when a passenger is in the vehicle, Uber’s insurance coverage increases significantly. During this phase, Uber provides:
- $1 million in third-party liability coverage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
- Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage (subject to a $1,000 deductible)
How to File an Uber Accident Claim
At Horst Shewmaker, we handle every aspect of Uber accident claims, from gathering evidence and filing paperwork to negotiating with insurers and representing you in court if necessary. Our goal is to provide comprehensive legal assistance, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight for your rights.
Whether you were an Uber passenger or involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle, we are committed to helping you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you need to move forward.
Gathering Evidence
Gathering all relevant documentation is a critical step in Uber accident claims. Evidence such as police reports, medical records, photos from the accident scene, and witness statements can support your case. For Uber insurance claims, these documents play a pivotal role in determining liability and calculating appropriate compensation.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help you organize this evidence to strengthen your claim.
Reporting the Accident
If you are an Uber passenger or driver involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle, call the police and report the crash immediately. You should also report the collision to Uber.
Uber passengers and Uber drivers can report an accident using the Uber app.
Here are the steps for Uber passengers:
- Go to the “Account section” and select Help
- Select “Help with a trip” and choose your trip
- Choose “Report Safety” issue and “I was involved in an accident.”
Other drivers in an Uber collision:
If you were in another car that collided with an Uber vehicle, you can report the accident using Uber’s third-party incident notice form.
Filing an Insurance Claim
You should reach out to a skilled Uber accident attorney for help. Navigating the complexities of insurance coverage, especially in cases involving rideshare companies, can be challenging. A personal injury attorney will identify which insurance policy applies—whether it’s Uber’s insurance coverage or another party’s policy—and help you file a claim.
Settlement Negotiation and Potential Lawsuit
Once the claim is filed, your attorney will handle negotiations with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. This step often involves presenting evidence of liability, proving the extent of your injuries or damages, and countering any attempts by the insurer to undervalue your claim. Skilled negotiation is critical, as insurance companies frequently try to minimize payouts in Uber accident claims.
If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue your claim in court.
Types of Compensation in Uber Accident Claims
Victims of Uber accidents may be eligible for various types of compensation, depending on the specifics of their case:
Economic Damages
These damages cover quantifiable financial losses resulting from the accident, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation costs
- Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (for spouses of injured victims)
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded. A car accident caused by drunk driving is a good example. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Why Choose Horst Shewmaker for Your Uber Claim?
Navigating an Uber accident claim can be challenging, especially when dealing with multiple insurance companies and complex liability issues. At Horst Shewmaker, we bring a wealth of experience and dedication to every case we handle:
- Experience in Rideshare Accident Cases: Our legal team has extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft accident cases throughout Georgia. We understand the nuances of rideshare insurance policies and the unique challenges these cases present.
- Top Ratings: Our law firm has earned a 10.0 Super Avvo Rating and a Justia 10.0 Lawyer Rating. Our team was voted the “Best of Georgia Regional Winners” for personal injury law firms in 2024.
- Personalized Attention: We recognize that every accident case is unique. Our attorneys take the time to understand the specifics of your situation and tailor our legal strategy to meet your individual needs.
- No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about legal costs.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has a history of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, demonstrating our commitment to maximizing compensation for car accident victims.
Contact Our Rideshare Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in an Uber accident in Alpharetta, the Atlanta area, Augusta, or anywhere in Georgia, don’t hesitate to reach out to Horst Shewmaker. Our experienced Uber accident lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call (404) 400-1175 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
Remember, time is of the essence in Uber accident claims. Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits, so you must act quickly to protect your rights. Don’t let the complexities of rideshare accident claims overwhelm you. Let the experienced Georgia personal injury lawyers at Horst Shewmaker guide you through the process and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.