What To Do After An Accident With An Uber

Many people in the Orlando, FL area use ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft every day without any incidents. But as the number of Ubers on the roadways have increased exponentially so have accidents. What makes a ridesharing accident different from other car accidents lies in the insurance required and used by ridesharing companies.
In May 2017, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed the “Uber/Lyft Bill” which requires drivers of ridesharing services to carry insurance beyond the standard minimum expected in the state. The bill also requires the companies to complete background checks on all drivers, follow a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol abuse, and suspend drivers suspected of driving under the influence pending an investigation.

Though this bill tightens requirements for ridesharing companies, it's still difficult to receive compensation after an accident with an Uber without the help of personal injury attorneys. The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have helped many people following an Uber or other ridesharing accident with insurance and personal injury claims.

What To Do As A Passenger

As an Uber passenger, you still have a number of rights when there’s an accident. First, notify the police, even if the driver insists it’s not necessary. Having a police report proves the accident did happen and will be beneficial for documentation in any insurance or personal injury claim or dispute. Next, take photos of the crash and accident scene with your smartphone and if possible speak with witnesses and take down their contact information. Photographs of the scene along with witness testimony may be paramount in a resulting claim or lawsuit.

If you sustained injuries or suspect you may be injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s prudent to also tell responding police of any injuries you have so they’re noted in the official police report. Remember, the more ways you can document the accident, the more evidence you and a personal injury lawyer in Orlando will have to use in a claims dispute.

What To Do As A Driver

If you’re the other driver in a ridesharing accident, the steps for what to do are essentially the same as if you were a passenger. Contact the police to have an official report on record; get contact information such as names, telephone numbers, and statements from others involved including witnesses; and take photos of the scene. You’ll want to exchange insurance information with the other driver, in this case, the Uber or Lyft driver. But keep in mind this is where the situation can and likely will get complex, and you’ll want the help of Orlando personal injury lawyers.

Ridesharing companies require their drivers to carry personal car insurance that at minimum meets Florida’s minimums for liability coverage. But these policies usually don’t cover an accident that happens when the driver is working for a ridesharing company, though the driver is using their personal vehicle. Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing companies provide liability coverage for the drivers, but when the coverage kicks in and how much is dependent on when the accident occurred. The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. know how to sort through the insurance complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve after an Uber accident.

Contact A Personal Injury Law Firm In Orlando

There are many things you’re supposed to do and keep in mind after any car accident and being in an Uber accident is no different. Since the laws governing ridesharing services are only now beginning to catch up, it’s important to contact a personal injury law firm in Orlando with experience handling Uber accidents involving insurance and personal injury claims. The Law Offices of Michael B. Brehne, P.A. have helped many people who were either passengers or other drivers in Uber accidents. We understand the complexities of dealing with any insurance company, let alone the insurance layers to ridesharing companies. If you’ve been involved in an accident with Uber or any other ridesharing company, contact the personal injury attorneys who will fight for your rights and duly deserved compensation today.