Uber Driver Accident Tips
Getting into an accident while driving for Uber is not like your typical car accident, when you are driving yourself to the grocery store and rear end the car in front of you, even like an accident while driving with other ride-sharing services like Lyft. In a typical car accident, the parties involved share information and the at-fault party pays for damages. Not the case with Uber.
As an Uber driver, you not only have a passenger (who is probably a stranger to consider), you have to keep in mind Uber’s terms and conditions and what state you’re driving in, among many other things.
What to do in an Accident with Uber
If you are involved in an accident while driving for Uber and the accident was not your fault, you probably have many questions, including:
- Which insurance company do you call first?
- How can you minimize your liability?
- What happens after your accident?
First, if you get into an accident when driving for Uber, stay calm. Then, follow this list of instructions:
- Call 911. Check to see if you, your passenger, or the other driver has received any bodily injuries. The police and emergency services may be needed. Regardless, it is important that you cover all your bases and make every effort to assist, if you are able.
- Take pictures. Take photos of the damage to your car and other cars at the scene, as well as photos of the surrounding area.
- Exchange info. Make sure to get the license plate and contact information for other drivers.
- Utilize witnesses. Collect information from witnesses, people with eye witness accounts of the accident are often incredibly useful in a potential lawsuit.
- Call Uber. Call Uber's emergency hotline: 800-353-8237.
- Call insurance. Call your insurance company to report the accident and start the claim process.
- Medical help. If you or your passenger need medical assistance, go to the emergency room.
Who to Contact First
If you get into an auto accident while driving for Uber, the insurance company you call first generally depends on which “Period” you were in when the accident occurred. For example:
- If you were in “online mode” in the Uber Partner App, had a passenger in the car, or were en route to a pickup after accepting a request…
- If you were online in the Uber Partner app waiting for a ride request…
- If you were NOT in online mode in the Uber Partner app…
When wondering what to do in an accident while driving for Uber, the most important thing is to stay calm.
If you have a passenger in the car, call Uber first. If you don’t have a passenger or are not online, call your insurance company first. If you were online in the app, Uber will provide secondary coverage. But if you were not online, it’s up to your personal insurance policy to handle the incident. An experienced auto accident lawyer in Los Angeles will help you navigate the nuances of an auto accident while driving for Uber.
For more information on your legal rights and potential for financial recovery after being injured in an auto accident while driving for Uber, contact the experienced Uber accident lawyers at Ghozland Law Firm today.
