Ridesharing services, such as Uber, have revolutionized the way we travel. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can summon a ride to your doorstep within minutes. While Uber provides convenience and accessibility, accidents can still happen, leaving passengers in shock, uncertainty, and pain.
As a trusted advocate for personal injury claims in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, our Boston car accident lawyers at DiBella Law Offices understand the importance of knowing what to do if you are injured in a rideshare accident. We will walk you through the steps to take if your Uber driver is involved in a collision. Reach out to our attorneys today to learn how we can help you file a claim for damages after your rideshare wreck.
Steps to Take After an Uber Accident
Uber accidents can occur just like any other motor vehicle accident. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), there have been 15,192 crashes already this year. It is vital to protect your rights and increase your chances of obtaining compensation for your injuries if your Uber driver is involved in an accident by taking these steps:
- Ensure your safety: You should first ensure your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. Your health should be your top priority.
- Report the accident: Call 911 to report the accident. Involve the police so they can document the scene and create an official accident report, which will be valuable for insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.
- Notify Uber: After you report the accident to law enforcement, you should notify Uber. You can report the collision by selecting your trip in the “Help” section of the app and then choosing “Report a Safety Issue.”
- Gather information: While waiting for emergency services to arrive, gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes the names and contact information for your driver and any witnesses, your driver’s status, insurance information, and photos of the scene and vehicle damage.
- Seek medical attention: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you do not feel seriously injured. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can manifest later.
- Document your injuries: Keep detailed records of injuries you sustained in the accident. This includes medical reports, prescriptions, and receipts for any expenses you incur.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer: Dealing with the aftermath of an Uber accident can be complex because of how the company classifies its drivers as independent contractors. Our knowledgeable car accident attorneys in Boston can guide you through the claims process, protect your rights, and help you fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
- Avoid signing anything without legal advice: An insurance adjuster may approach you with a settlement offer or request for a statement. Do not sign anything or provide any statements without first consulting with your car accident lawyer because insurance companies may try to minimize their liability by using what you say against you.
- Cooperate with authorities: Be cooperative and forthcoming with authorities, but only give a written statement with the guidance of your Boston car accident lawyer. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the cause of your Uber accident.
- Follow up on medical treatment: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your prescribed treatment plan. Documenting your medical treatment is essential to demonstrating the injuries and damages caused by your Uber accident.
- Keep records of expenses: Keep records of all expenses related to your accident, including medical bills, transportation costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Send these records to your car accident lawyer because they will be crucial to calculating your damages and seeking compensation.
Knowing what steps to take after an Uber accident can help protect your rights and ensure you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the aftermath of an Uber accident with confidence and peace of mind. Contact our Boston personal injury lawyers at DiBella Law Offices if you need help navigating how to handle an accident while riding in an Uber.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Damages You Can Recover After an Uber Accident
Following the steps above after your Uber accident can increase your chances of obtaining compensation for your injuries. You may be eligible to receive two primary types of damages if your Uber driver is in an accident. These damages include:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are known as compensatory damages and are intended to reimburse you for the financial losses incurred in your Uber accident. They provide compensation for your measurable losses. They typically include:
- Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, surgery costs, doctor’s visits, medications, rehabilitation expenses, and any necessary medical devices
- Lost earnings, including your income lost during your recovery period and any future earning capacity
- Loss of services for household tasks or duties you would have otherwise done if not for the accident, such as cooking, cleaning, or childcare
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, or other miscellaneous expenses incurred as a result of your Uber accident
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for your intangible losses. They provide compensation for your non-monetary losses that impact your quality of life. They can include:
- Immediate and ongoing pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium in cases where your spouse or other specific family members have lost your companionship, affection, or assistance with household duties
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
Contact Our Uber Accident Lawyers
At DiBella Law Offices, our Massachusetts and New Hampshire car accident attorneys can assist you in seeking compensation if you sustain injuries in an Uber accident. We understand the complexities of rideshare accident claims and know which parties to seek compensation from. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you after your collision.
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