Uber and similar rideshare services are popular ways for people to get from Point A to Point B without having to drive themselves or take a taxi. However, Uber drivers don’t get any additional driver training to do their jobs; they’re just regular people. Uber accidents can and do happen.
If you were injured in an Uber accident, you could be entitled to file a claim for compensation for medical bills and other accident-related losses.
The following overview of how to pursue compensation after an Uber accident will help you better understand your options.
What to Do After an Uber Accident as a Passenger
All individuals involved in Uber accidents should take the same basic steps anyone should take after a motor vehicle crash. They include:
- Getting to safety
- Calling 911 to report the accident
- Exchanging contact and insurance information with others involved in the collision
- Taking pictures of the scene and any injuries
- Getting the names and contact information of witnesses
- Seeing a doctor right away, even if there are no signs of injury
Other steps a passenger should take in the hours and days following an Uber wreck include:
- Following all advice of medical professionals
- Reporting the accident to Uber through the Uber app
- Requesting a copy of the police’s accident report
Refrain from discussing your accident with others as much as possible. Anything you say now could potentially harm your chances of receiving financial compensation later. In addition, try to minimize social media usage.
An insurance adjuster might check your social media for posts they can cite when offering you a low settlement. For example, a picture of you playing sports could contradict your claims that you have been seriously injured.
What to Do After an Uber Accident as an Uber Driver
Uber drivers should take all the above steps when involved in wrecks. Uber drivers should also familiarize themselves with their legal rights in these circumstances.
According to the Illinois Economic and Policy Institute (ILEPI), rideshare drivers qualify as independent contractors in Illinois. That means they aren’t eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits.
However, Uber drivers have the option of enrolling in Uber’s Optional Injury Protection insurance coverage. You might seek compensation for injuries resulting from a wreck through this insurance if you’ve enrolled.
Uber’s Optional Injury Protection offers coverage similar to that of workers’ comp. Specifically, it covers medical bills, disability payments, and survivor benefits. It doesn’t cover pain and suffering or similar subjective losses that don’t have a clear dollar value.
That’s not to say Uber drivers can’t seek compensation for these losses. In addition, an Uber driver may seek compensation after a wreck even if they haven’t enrolled in Optional Injury Protection.
A driver can seek additional compensation if their crash resulted from another party’s negligence. In these circumstances, they may file a claim with the insurance company of the negligent party who caused their accident.
Uber Accident Claims: What Passengers Need to Know
If you’re injured in a crash while you’re a passenger in an Uber, Uber’s liability insurance coverage will apply. Uber’s insurance policy for passengers who are injured while using the rideshare service has a $1,000,000 limit per accident for injuries and property damage. Report the accident to Uber to get started.
You may also have the option of filing a separate third-party claim or lawsuit if the accident that injured you was the fault of someone other than your Uber driver.
Important Information Is in Your Uber App
Don’t delete your Uber app or account after a wreck. The app may contain information that can strengthen your claim. Even trip verification data or other such basic details may prove helpful.
It may be possible to recover this information from your account even if you delete the app. However, it’s best to err on the side of caution in these circumstances. Keep the app on your phone and write down any important information about the trip saved in the app, and take a screenshot of the information so that you have an additional copy of the data on your phone.
What if You’re Hurt in an Accident with an Uber You’re Not Riding In?
You don’t have to be an Uber driver or passenger to be hurt in an Illinois Uber crash. You can sustain injuries in an Uber wreck while driving or riding in another vehicle. Or, you may be hurt as a pedestrian in an Uber crash.
You may seek compensation through Uber’s insurance if the driver was using the app and essentially working for Uber when the wreck occurred. If the driver’s app is turned on and they’re waiting for a ride request, there’s a lower level of insurance coverage available through Uber than if the driver has a passenger. In either event, you should submit an insurance claim to Uber to pursue compensation for your injuries.
If the at-fault Uber driver’s app was turned off at the time of the collision, you can turn to their personal insurance for compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File an Uber Accident Lawsuit in Illinois?
The statute of limitations in Illinois allows a two-year period in which a car accident victim can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you miss this two-year deadline and file your lawsuit late, the court can dismiss your case without a hearing, and you’ll lose the opportunity to pursue compensation in court.
Uber may also establish its own claims deadlines for drivers seeking compensation through Optional Injury Protection. Contact Uber promptly after your crash to ensure you understand how much time you have to act.
Get in Touch with an Experienced Illinois Uber Accident Lawyer
The process of seeking compensation after any motor vehicle collision can be complex. Because numerous factors can influence just how you may seek compensation after an Uber accident, navigating the Uber claims process may be particularly challenging.
This isn’t a task you need to handle on your own. At JJ Legal, our Illinois Uber accident lawyers are prepared to review your case and explain your legal options. If you choose to work with us, we’ll also provide the aggressive representation you deserve. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us today at 312-200-2000 for your free case review.
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