Posted on Tuesday, December 26th, 2023 at 9:00 am
Being hurt in an Uber accident isn’t just a frightening experience – it can also be a confusing and overwhelming one. In Utah, you may be eligible for compensation for specific losses you suffered as a result. Examples include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How you pursue the compensation you deserve will depend on several factors. What’s most important is that you take the proper steps in the aftermath of an Uber accident.
General Steps to Take Immediately After an Uber Accident
Whether you’re a passenger or driver, there are certain steps you should always take after a traffic collision. They include:
- Reporting the accident to the police
- Exchanging contact and insurance information with everyone involved in the wreck
- Getting the names and contact information of witnesses
- Taking pictures of the wreck and your injuries
- Seeing a doctor right away, even if you don’t feel hurt
There are many reasons you might not notice the signs of an injury. Be safe and seek medical treatment immediately after the police permit you to leave the crash scene.
What to Do After an Uber Accident as a Passenger
Report the accident to Uber after seeing a doctor. Don’t delete the app at any point until you settle your case. The app may contain important information, such as trip verification data. Consider writing down and saving any information about the trip available through the app.
If you were injured in an accident caused by an Uber driver, you should be covered by either the driver’s no-fault insurance policy or Uber’s liability insurance policy. This policy provides up to $1 million in coverage for any accident an Uber driver causes. If your injuries are minor, the driver’s no-fault policy should cover you; if not, you can file a claim against Uber’s policy.
However, regardless of which company you file with, you may need to negotiate with the relevant insurance company for a fair settlement. Evidence you can use to show why you may be eligible for the compensation you’re seeking includes:
- Medical bills
- Documentation of lost wages
- Testimony from medical professionals
- The pain journal you’ve kept
What If You Were in an Uber Accident in Utah But Were Not an Uber Passenger?
If an Uber driver hit you and were not a passenger in their vehicle, the proper method for seeking compensation depends on the severity of your injuries. Other details may also affect your case, such as whether the Uber driver was using the app at the time.
Utah is a no-fault state. Someone who registers a car in Utah must purchase personal injury protection (PIP) insurance. They may seek compensation through this form of first-party insurance after a car wreck. This is true regardless of whether another party caused the collision. (Note that a driver’s PIP policy also covers any pedestrians they hit.)
However, the settlement amount you receive from your personal insurance claim may not be enough to compensate you for your losses.
Utah law allows you to file a separate third-party claim or lawsuit against a negligent party if your injuries are severe enough to meet a certain threshold. Who you should file the claim against depends on key aspects of your Uber accident.
An Uber driver’s own personal insurance may be responsible for compensating you if they weren’t using the app at the time of the wreck. Uber’s liability coverage may compensate you if the driver was transporting a fare or on the way to pick one up. Their status at the time will also affect the amount of compensation available.
Important Information About Filing an Uber Accident Claim as a Driver
Uber does not provide drivers with Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. If you’re injured in an accident you caused while driving for Uber, you would file a claim with your own insurance provider. If you’re hit by another driver, you could file a claim with their liability insurance provider.
Note that Uber also gives drivers the choice to purchase additional Optional Injury Protection. This form of insurance may also provide compensation after an accident. Contact Uber for more information.
Contact a Utah Uber Accident Lawyer
Navigating Uber accident claims and Uber accident lawsuits can prove confusing if you lack experience in these areas. Fortunately, you don’t have to approach this task alone.
Our Utah Uber accident lawyers at London Harker Injury Law can offer the representation you deserve now. Hiring us may dramatically simplify the process of securing compensation. Learn more by contacting us online today or calling us at 77CARCRASH for a free case review.
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