Gather Essential Information

Before filing a claim, collecting detailed information at the accident scene is an important step in building a strong case.

Accident Details to Record

You’ll want to begin by noting the date, time, and location of the accident. Collect the Uber driver’s name, contact information, vehicle details, and license plate number. If other vehicles are involved, collect the same details from their drivers.

Photos play a pivotal role in filing an effective claim, and you can use your cell phone to capture images of vehicle damage, skid marks, the accident scene from various angles, and any visible injuries. Your Uber accident attorney will obtain any available dashcam footage or surveillance videos, and this can provide irrefutable evidence of how the accident occurred.

Importance of Witness Statements

Approach witnesses calmly and courteously and ask them for their contact information. Once you have their details, you can request a brief statement regarding what they observed during the accident. It’s extremely beneficial to get their account as soon as possible while the event is still fresh in their minds.

If witnesses agree, record their statements using your smartphone or a voice recorder. Ensure the recording clearly reflects their observations without influencing or leading their responses. These statements can be decisive in your lawyer’s negotiations or during legal proceedings.

Report the Accident to the Authorities

Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance, even if your injuries seem minor. The full extent of some types of injuries may not be immediately apparent, but they can have serious long-term effects. If you’re suffering from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), whiplash, internal organ injuries, or some other serious medical condition, it’s crucial to get the correct diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Law enforcement officers will evaluate the scene, document the incident, and create an official police report. This report is essential to your accident claim because it provides an unbiased account of the event. When speaking with law enforcement officials, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about the accident’s cause. It’s also a good idea to ask for the names and badge numbers of the responding officers and request a copy of the police report once it’s available.

Notify Uber and Your Insurance Company

After checking on the health and safety of other people in the vehicle and seeking medical treatment for your injuries, promptly notify Uber and your insurance company about the accident. The incident can be reported to Uber through their app or customer service hotline. Provide only factual details without admitting fault or speculating on the accident’s cause. This notification initiates Uber’s review process and its insurance coverage evaluation.

As soon as you can, contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Maintain clear and concise communication with Uber and your insurance carrier, and don’t agree to make any recorded statements about the accident. An Uber accident lawyer can advise you on the best strategy for effectively communicating with insurance representatives.

Consider Legal Assistance

Navigating Uber’s insurance policies can be frustrating. Fortunately, your Uber accident attorney knows how to build a strong case and file a claim seeking the maximum compensation from all liable parties.

Uber provides varying insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. If the driver was logged into the app but had not accepted a ride, Uber offers contingent liability coverage. Once a ride is accepted or passengers are on board, Uber’s $1 million liability policy applies, covering both bodily injury and property damage.

It is vital to determine the driver’s status during the accident to understand which coverage is applicable. This process can be complicated, and discrepancies may arise between Uber’s coverage and claims made by personal insurers. Consulting with a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help clarify these policies so you can pursue the appropriate compensation.

When to Consult a Lawyer

Consult with an Uber car accident attorney as soon as possible. Getting the right legal guidance is vital for safeguarding your interests throughout the legal process. Your lawyer will begin investigating the accident right away by gathering key information. Engaging an experienced legal professional enhances your ability to achieve a favorable outcome in your Uber accident claim.

How an Uber Accident Attorney Can Help

An Uber accident lawyer can dramatically increase your chances of filing a successful claim. It’s important to find a skilled negotiator with a proven track record of success. An experienced attorney knows how to accurately calculate your damages so they can seek a settlement amount that covers your medical bills, future treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses caused by the accident. If an insurance company refuses to make a reasonable, your attorney must be prepared to take your case to court.

Beyond addressing the technical aspects of your case, a lawyer provides emotional support and peace of mind, allowing you to focus on recovery. Contacting the right Uber accident lawyer is a major decision that can significantly impact the outcome of your claim.

Attorneys in Colorado Springs Aggressively Represent Uber Accident Victims.

Insurance companies know which lawyers are the most formidable opponents. When you choose The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., to file your Uber accident claim, the other side will know that you mean business.

Call (719) 475-2555 to schedule a FREE consultation with our rideshare accident attorneys in Colorado Springs.

The post How to File an Uber Claim After an Accident appeared first on Colorado Springs Attorneys.

Understanding Uber’s insurance coverage is essential for accident victims in Colorado Springs. You may be entitled to compensation from the company or the driver’s private insurance policy. Uber’s insurance policies are structured into distinct phases, each with specific coverage parameters based on whether the driver is logged into the app, has accepted a ride, or has passengers on board.

Phase 1—App On; No Ride Accepted

During Phase 1, when an Uber driver is logged into the app and waiting for a ride request, the insurance coverage offered is limited. Uber drivers are required to maintain their own personal insurance policy, which can fill the gaps not covered by Uber during this phase. Uber provides contingent liability coverage during this period, but it’s only activated if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply.

The coverage limits during Phase 1 are typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. But this contingent coverage does not include collision or comprehensive coverage.

The driver’s personal insurance plays an essential role during Phase 1. Uber drivers must rely on their personal auto insurance, which acts as the primary line of defense. Personal insurance ensures that drivers are protected in scenarios where Uber’s contingent coverage may not apply, such as minor accidents or incidents involving non-commercial claims.

Phase 2—Ride Accepted; En Route to Pickup

Phase 2 of Uber’s insurance coverage begins when a driver has accepted a ride request and is en route to pick up the passenger. During this phase, the coverage becomes more substantial compared to Phase 1. Uber provides liability coverage up to $1 million, which includes bodily injury and property damage.

In Phase 2, Uber also offers contingent collision and comprehensive coverage, but these benefits only apply if the driver has personal collision and comprehensive coverage. The deductible for this contingent coverage is typically $1,000. Both the driver’s personal insurance and the rideshare company’s insurance might cover a third party.

Phase 3—Passenger in the Vehicle

Phase 3 provides the most extensive insurance coverage as it begins when an Uber passenger is on board. During this phase, Uber maintains a $1 million liability insurance policy to cover bodily injury and property damage for passengers and third parties involved in an accident.

Under phase 3, Uber offers uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage to protect the driver and passengers in the event of an accident caused by a driver who lacks adequate insurance. This ensures that all parties are financially protected, regardless of the circumstances. Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage is available, as long as the driver has it on their personal policy, with a $1,000 deductible. This aspect of Uber’s insurance ensures that passengers and drivers can still receive compensation for injuries and damages when the at-fault party is inadequately insured.

Uber’s Liability Insurance Explained

Uber’s liability insurance has serious implications for all parties involved in an accident.

What Uber’s Liability Insurance Covers

Uber’s liability insurance is designed to cover third-party bodily injury and property damage resulting from an accident involving an Uber driver. The limits and application of Uber’s liability insurance vary significantly across the three phases. In Phase 1, the contingent liability coverage is capped at $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. This coverage only applies if the driver’s personal insurance does not cover the incident.

In Phases 2 and 3, the liability coverage limit increases to $1 million, providing more substantial protection. This higher limit applies when the driver accepts a ride request while transporting passengers. It covers third-party bodily injuries and property damage that result from an accident caused by the Uber driver.

Limits of Uber’s Liability Insurance

• Phase 1: Coverage limits are typically $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Phase 2: The driver, passengers, and other parties may be covered up to $1 million in costs.
• Phase 3: The driver, passengers, and other parties may be covered up to $1 million in costs, even if the accident was caused by an uninsured/underinsured motorist.

Consider Legal Assistance

An experienced Uber accident lawyer can help clarify the intricacies of Uber’s insurance coverage, identify applicable phases, and evaluate the extent of coverage available. Your attorney will clarify the viability of a lawsuit, the potential for success, and the strategies required to achieve favorable outcomes. They will also assess the situation, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

If a settlement cannot be reached, your Uber lawyer can provide representation in court, advocating for your interests. Legal action should be considered in Uber accident claims when insurance negotiations stall, or compensation is insufficient to cover the victim’s expenses and losses. Instances where liability is disputed or multiple parties are involved can further complicate the claims process, making legal intervention necessary.

Speak With an Experienced Rideshare Accident Attorney in Colorado Springs Today

If you were injured in an accident involving an Uber driver, it’s important to find a lawyer with the skills and resources to stand up to a big corporation. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys won’t back down from anybody. We also take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement.

Call (719) 475-2555 to schedule a FREE consultation with our Colorado Springs rideshare accident lawyer today.

The post Understanding Uber’s Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know appeared first on Colorado Springs Attorneys.