Rideshare is a common way for most to get around these days. The law of averages dictates that, inevitably, there will be accidents. If you are a passenger in an Uber and there is a collision, follow these steps.
Get Treated for Injuries
Even if you believe your injuries are superficial, get checked by a doctor. You may not always recognize that you are injured during the shock immediately following an accident. Whiplash, concussion, cracked ribs and internal bleeding may not be evident at first. In this case, better safe than sorry.
Take Pictures or Videos
Conveniently, almost every phone has a camera. It is invaluable when you need to document an accident. Take pictures and videos of the condition and position of the cars, the area where the accident occurred and anything that may be responsible for obscuring either driver’s vision. Photographic proof of damage at the scene can sometimes make all the difference if someone tries to deny that they were at fault.
Record Contact and Insurance Information
Write down, take a picture or voice record the drivers’ names and insurance information. The police will likely do the same, but you’ll want this handy without waiting for a police report. It will also give you the information you need for where to file your claim. Don’t forget to get the contact details from witnesses, as well.
Take a Screenshot of Your Uber Ride Receipt
A screenshot of the ride receipt is an excellent thing way to prove you were in the car at the time of the accident. Make sure you also get the driver’s name in a screenshot if it isn’t on the receipt page. These could be used as evidence if you end up in a lawsuit. At a minimum, it gives you some details that the police will ask, like the time you were picked up and the driver’s name and license plate number.
File a Report With Uber
Use the crash report feature in your Uber app. Making them immediately aware that a passenger was involved in one of their driver’s vehicles will smooth the way for filing an insurance claim. There could be questions about why it wasn’t reported to the company if the first time they hear from you is for a claim. The crash report should give you something to validate the receipt of your report, like a screen message or email confirmation.
If you are involved in an Uber accident, just remember to stay calm. Get medical help, if needed, and try to document as much as you can on the scene.