Passengers generally have little control over the circumstances that cause a crash. When an Uber passenger is seriously injured, however, determining who is responsible can become complicated.
The accident may have been caused by the Uber driver, another motorist, or multiple factors.
You Can Be Injured Without Being at Fault
A passenger may be injured even though they did nothing to cause the accident.
Possible causes include:
- The Uber driver running a red light
- Another driver failing to yield
- A rear-end collision
- A distracted driver
- A drunk driver
- A dangerous lane change
The investigation should focus on the conduct that caused the crash.
Uber Insurance Issues Can Be Complicated
Rideshare insurance is not necessarily identical to ordinary personal auto insurance.
The applicable coverage can depend on the driver’s status within the rideshare platform and whether a passenger was being transported.
Ponton Law notes that Uber and Lyft accidents involve a tiered insurance structure and that the driver’s status can affect available coverage.
Medical Treatment Should Come First
Passengers should seek appropriate medical attention after a collision.
Some injuries may not be immediately obvious. Symptoms associated with concussions, soft-tissue injuries, spinal injuries, or internal trauma can develop after the accident.
Medical records can also establish the timing and severity of the injuries.
Keep Your Trip Information
Do not delete the Uber trip information.
Save details such as:
- Trip date
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Driver information
- Vehicle information
- Receipts
- Communications
- Accident information
These records can help document that you were a passenger in the vehicle.
Serious Injuries Require Long-Term Planning
A passenger with a catastrophic injury may face substantial medical expenses and lost income.
Future rehabilitation, medical treatment, disability, and diminished earning capacity may also need to be considered.
Ponton Law focuses on catastrophic personal injury cases throughout Georgia, including serious motor-vehicle claims.
If you were injured while riding in an Uber, you should not assume that the claim is as simple as exchanging insurance information after an ordinary crash. The circumstances of the rideshare trip can affect how the claim should be investigated.