What Should I Do After an Uber Accident on Vacation?

Uber provides a convenient way for people to get around while on vacation and avoid the expense of renting a car. Suppose you’re injured in an Uber accident. What are your rights? How will you get the medical care you need? Who is responsible for your medical expenses and other losses?

The best way to answer these questions is to consult an Uber accident attorney in the state or location that you’re visiting. Insurance and negligence laws vary from state to state. So you need an attorney who knows the applicable laws and the ins and outs of filing an Uber accident claim.

Remember, you have the same right to file a lawsuit as any resident, but it takes an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Let’s look at what you should do after an Uber accident on vacation.

Reasons for Uber Accidents on Vacation

With so many rideshare drivers on the road, Uber accidents are becoming common around the country. Like most motor vehicle accidents, rideshare accidents are often caused by driver errors, such as:

• Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents. While any driver can be distracted by eating, tuning the radio, or using their cell phone, Uber drivers are more prone to distracted driving because they use GPS and smartphone apps to locate passengers and their destinations.

• Drowsy driving is common for Uber drivers who work long shifts or have full-time jobs and drive as a side hustle. Most states limit the number of hours rideshare drivers can transport passengers (typically up to 12 hours) and require them to be logged off the rideshare app for 8 consecutive hours.

• Driving under the influence – Uber drivers who use stimulants to stay awake or drugs and alcohol by habit put themselves, passengers, and other motorists at risk.

• Speeding – Uber drivers often transport passengers as quickly as possible to get to the next fare and may speed, increasing the risk of a high-impact collision.

• Tailgating – Uber drivers traveling fast might follow other vehicles too closely, increasing the risk of a rear-end accident.

• Poor vehicle maintenance – Although most states require rideshare drivers to have their vehicles inspected regularly, mechanical malfunctions can cause an Uber driver to lose control, leading to an accident.

In addition, another motorist may cause or contribute to an Uber accident, further complicating matters. Your injury claim may involve the Uber driver’s insurance company, Uber’s insurer, and the other driver’s insurance carrier. It takes an experienced attorney to sort through the details of an Uber accident on vacation and get you just compensation.

Steps to Take After an Uber Accident on Vacation

Being injured in an Uber accident while you’re away from home can be overwhelming. But keep your cool and take the following steps:

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately

First, call 911 immediately. The police will quickly respond and send for an ambulance. The police report and records of initial treatment you receive from paramedics will be evidence should you pursue an injury claim. In addition, report the accident to Uber through the ridesharing app to create an electronic record of the accident, including the date, time, and geolocation.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention

Seeking immediate medical attention after an Uber accident on vacation is crucial. If you wait until you get home, your injuries may worsen. Delaying treatment can also impact your injury claim. Records of your initial medical treatment and ongoing care, once you’re back home, will help to document your injuries and medical expenses.

Step 3: Gather Information

Collect and exchange information with all parties involved in the Uber accident (e.g., the Uber, other motorists, witnesses), if you can. One way a personal injury attorney builds a claim is by interviewing the relevant parties during the investigation. Having this information at the ready will save valuable time and give your attorney a head start.

Step 4: Take Pictures

Accident photos can be compelling evidence in an Uber accident claim. So use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident site, damage to the Uber vehicle, other vehicles, and your injuries. If you’re severely injured, ask someone to take pictures for you.

Step 5: Contact an Uber Accident Attorney

Finding an attorney after an Uber accident on vacation takes a little work. Since you may not know anyone where you’re staying, getting a referral may not be feasible. But a Google search will pull up a quick listing of attorneys in that location. You can read the reviews on their website, check their list of representative cases, and review any awards they’ve received.

You can also refer to a legal resource like Martindale-Hubbell to find an Uber accident attorney and contact the local bar association to make sure they are licensed and in good standing. Ultimately, you want an attorney who will go toe-to-toe with the insurance companies and fight hard for every dollar you deserve.

The Takeaway

Being injured in an Uber accident on vacation can leave you with injuries and unpleasant memories. Let an experienced attorney handle all the details of your claim while you’re recuperating at home.