Uber is now a significant part of how most people move from one place to another because of the app’s efficient and convenient service. However, with the increase in Uber vehicles on the road comes a subsequent rise in Uber accidents.
You might be involved in an Uber accident either as a passenger, a pedestrian, a driver of another vehicle. If you’ve been in an accident involving an Uber vehicle in any capacity, you might be eligible to receive compensation.
To increase your chances of filing a successful Uber accident claim, you’ll need a specialist solicitor. In this case, an Uber accident lawyer is your best option.
What Are Uber Accidents?
As a ridesharing service, Uber allows customers to book rides from the convenience of their mobile phone. However, a seemingly uneventful trip can end in a hospital visit for several reasons. These accidents often result from the negligence of the Uber driver or another motorist on the roadway. Negligence manifests as:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Operating a vehicle over the legal speed limit
- Following a car too closely (tailgating)
- Changing lanes illegally
- Disobeying traffic control signals
- Driving recklessly or engaging in road rage, etc.
Negligence doesn’t always cause Uber accidents, for example, it could result from factors outside the drivers control. Occasionally, manufacturer’s error or design defects can cause an accident. As such, it is crucial to identify who to sue so you can recover compensation.
Who’s Responsible in an Uber Crash?
Before filing for compensation in a rideshare accident, you must be sure that someone else is at fault. So, who can you hold responsible for an Uber accident?
- Uber, if you’re injured as a passenger while ridesharing
- An Uber taxi driver, if they are not booked and hit your vehicle
- The other driver if their reckless actions cause a collision with your Uber vehicle
Essentially, the person whose actions caused the accident is at fault. Still, proving an Uber taxi accident claim requires you to establish the following;
- Any of the potentially liable parties above had a duty to ensure your safety
- They acted negligently or dangerously
- You suffered injuries, losses, or property damage due to their actions
Is Uber Liable in a Rideshare Accident?
It’s important to note that rideshare drivers in the UK operate on a contractor basis. So, while booking a ride with Uber, your driver works independently. As a result, it can be tricky to file for compensation from the company when a taxi accident occurs.
Unlike in the US, Uber does not offer any insurance 
policy for drivers in the UK. So, these taxi and ride share operators must acquire private hire insurance before providing rides. In the event of an accident, private hire insurance covers both passengers and vehicles.
Remember, though, that Uber is a company that will safeguard its interests as much as possible. As a result, trying to sue Uber drivers or the company to get compensation can be difficult. So, hiring an Uber accident lawyer to advise and help handle any legal action is ideal.
What to Do if You’re Involved in an Uber Accident
It’s not unusual to feel anxious or overwhelmed in the event of an Uber accident. However, what you do next can be vital to prove your personal injury claim and receive a settlement successfully.
So, what are the best steps to take if your Uber vehicle is involved in a road crash?
Check if You’re Injured: Firstly, inspect your body for injuries, such as cuts, scrapes, or bleeding wounds. Also, check your driver and other passengers involved to see if they’ve suffered any injuries.
Call for Emergency Medical Care: Next, receive treatment from emergency responders at the scene. Asides from visible wounds, you may suffer from injuries with hidden symptoms, e.g., whiplash.
Take Photos and Videos: As soon as possible, record the accident scene from all angles. Pictures and videos showing your injuries and damaged personal property can be evidence in your accident claim.
Gather Eyewitness Accounts: Try to identify and speak with other people who saw the accident. For future reference, collect their names and contact information.
Notify Uber About the Incident: It’s also crucial that the rideshare company is aware of your accident. You can make a report via the Uber mobile app or website. But, describe only the essential details to avoid making incriminating statements.
Get a Police Report: Speak to police officers at the scene of the accident. Give your statements, and get a copy of their report of the incident. You’ll need it to corroborate your claim.
Get Further Medical Treatment: Getting first aid after an accident is not enough. After leaving the crash site, visit a doctor. Injuries like concussions may take days to exhibit symptoms. So, get yourself checked out to deal with potentially serious health situations. Plus, your medical receipts also serve as evidence.
Following the abovementioned steps can help you establish a valid personal injury claim. Still, that’s not all. Hiring an Uber accident solicitor who understands your case gives you a better chance of receiving maximum compensation.
How Much Compensation Will You Receive as an Uber Accident Victim?
Making a personal injury claim is to receive a fair settlement. So, it is not uncommon for victims to wonder what their claim is worth.
How much compensation can you get in an Uber accident claim? The potential amount varies due to peculiar case factors, but typically, there’s a higher payout for severe cases. Generally, though, you can be reimbursed for the following:
Economic Damages: This category covers financial (or monetary) losses. For example, treating your injuries results in medical bills and other out-of-pocket costs. You may also pay to fix or replace personal property and need to recover lost income due to time off work.
Non-Economic Damages: In contrast, these damages refer to the emotional and mental effects of an Uber crash on victims. Though not quantifiable, these losses contribute to the total compensation. Examples are psychological trauma and reduced quality of life, including pain and suffering from injuries.
How an Uber Accident Lawyer Can Help You Pursue Compensation
Uber accidents are indeed another type of road traffic accident. But, if you get injured while ridesharing, seeking compensation is more complex than in a regular road traffic crash. So, you need the help of a legal specialist, such as an Uber accident lawyer.
Some benefits of hiring an expert solicitor include the following:
Help You Recover Damages: A personal injury solicitor will adequately review your case and identify all your losses.
Protect Your Rights as a Victim: After your accident, you’ll need to file a claim as soon as possible. Your lawyer will commence the action and ensure you avoid hasty and unfair agreements with Uber or insurance companies.
Investigate and Collect Helpful Evidence: Legal experts have abundant resources to collect valuable evidence like dashcams and CCTV footage and identify and speak with critical witnesses to support your claim.
Represent Your Interests in Negotiation Settlements: Settling out of court is possible. Still, you’ll need a legal professional on your side to ensure to receive a fair settlement.
Claims Bible Can Help With Your Uber Accident Claim
At Claims Bible, our claims calculator will factor in your case facts and present an estimated settlement amount. We will also help you with the compensation claims process. In addition, we partner with legal experts who have the knowledge and experience to handle your case and protect your rights.
What’s more? Our partnering firms work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to hire a lawyer. Also, you only pay legal fees after a successful claim and will pay nothing if you don’t win.
Did You Get Involved in an Uber Vehicle Accident? Start Your Claim Now!
One benefit of an Uber ride is providing comfort while in transit. However, your trip may end up causing you harm. You can demand appropriate compensation when someone else is responsible for the accident.
Receiving a fair payout is possible if you work with an Uber accident lawyer. Claims Bible partners with law firms specialising in Uber with excellent professionalism. Fill out this form to get started.