The popularity of ride-sharing companies such as Uber has disrupted the concept of taxis. Gone are the days of standing on the side of the road trying to flag down an available taxi. Today all it takes is a mobile device and application to hail a driver who comes to your location and whisks you off to your destination. Ride-sharing services are a faster, cheaper, and easier way to get from one place to another.
Any experienced driver over the age of 21 who holds a valid United States driver’s license and owns a four-door vehicle can become an Uber driver. Uber screens the driving records of all drivers and looks into any criminal history. The company even helps drivers lease or purchase a new vehicle.
Uber drivers need a car that offers value, reliability, and an attractive fuel economy, while passengers want to ride in a new car that’s safe. Toyota is one of the top car brands among Uber drivers, particularly the Toyota Rav4. The mid-size SUV features pre-collision technology, a spacious cargo area, steady horsepower, all-wheel drive (AWD), and attractive mpg.
The Rav4 comes in several trim levels including the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid with an electric motor and excellent an mpg city rate. According to a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid review on Georgie, Toyota’s RAV4 range sets the standards for mid-size SUVs. With collision technology, excellent fuel economy, a comfortable rear seat, and ample cargo area, it’s no wonder Uber drivers favor this hybrid model.
Even with a reliable vehicle like a Rav4, accidents do still happen. If you are a passenger in an Uber involved in a vehicle collision due to driver error, you are entitled to file a claim for negligence and economic damages. If you are an accident victim who was struck by an Uber driver, you are entitled to file a personal injury claim. Getting into a car collision can result in serious injuries that affect your quality of life. Before ordering your next Uber, it’s important to understand what to do if your Uber gets into an accident.
What are your first steps?
Whether you are a pedestrian, a passenger of an Uber driver, or a driver involved in a motor vehicle collision with an Uber driver it’s important to know what to do. First, call an ambulance to address any serious injuries and call for a police officer. You will need to gather as much information at the time of the accident as possible. If possible, photograph the scene of the accident, get a recorded statement from all eyewitnesses, and gather the insurance information from all parties involved in the car accident, including the driver’s license number. You will have to deal with insurance companies so the more evidence and information you have, the better.
You will need a police report of the car accident that details personal injury and property damage to substantiate any motor vehicle accident claims. As an Uber passenger involved in a car wreck, you need to report it to Uber via the app.
Even if you don’t sustain a severe injury that requires physical therapy, minor injuries such as whiplash are common for car accident victims and can leave you in pain and discomfort. Once you have completed you recommended medical care, help your body further heal itself with a Day Spa package. For example, the Endota Spa will have a range of relaxing treatments and packages that include facials, deep tissue massage, and beauty treatments. Licensed therapists and estheticians perform a consultation at the start of your appointment to ensure you receive the appropriate treatments with the best results for your needs. Research legal options and insurance claims.
As an Uber passenger-turned-accident victim, you will be covered by someone’s insurance company. Uber drivers work as independent contractors who are required to carry personal auto insurance as well as Uber’s insurance coverage. The ride-share service features “contingent liability” insurance that is contingent upon the failure of an insurance claim against the driver’s insurance company.
The problem is that an Uber driver’s auto insurance policy only covers automobile accidents that occur while a driver is on duty. This addendum, known as a “ride-share rider”, stipulates that if an at-fault driver is in an auto accident with a passenger, their personal insurance company should provide financial compensation to the accident victim.
Understanding your legal options as a first-time car accident victim can be daunting, especially during a difficult time. There is a time limit, known as the statute of limitations, to file a car accident claim. Insurance adjusters don’t make the claims process easy and often arrive at a settlement offer that favors their best interests. Facing medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing medical expenses doesn’t help the situation either.
Following a car crash, you should seek legal advice to help you make sense of your car accident case. You’ll want to seek a law firm whose practice area includes personal injury, negligence, wrongful death, car, and motorcycle accidents. During a free consultation with a personal injury attorney take the time to discuss their experience with your type of personal injury case, their tactics for handling insurance adjusters, and the maximum amount of compensation they believe you can win.
Southern California is teeming with motorists who, even at low speeds, suffer serious injuries in car accidents caused by negligent drivers. According to California auto accident lawyer Daniel Kim Law, you deserve the legal representation of an experienced attorney who will file a lawsuit on your behalf to win the maximum compensation for your pain and suffering. The legal team at Daniel Kim Law has years of experience representing accident victims with common injuries such as broken bones or minor head injury up to catastrophic injuries such as paralysis or traumatic brain injury.
This law firm works on a contingent fee basis, meaning if you don’t win a fair settlement in your personal injury lawsuit, you don’t pay legal fees. From economic damages and non-economic damages to punitive damages and fair compensation for medical costs, you need a personal injury lawyer by your side following an Uber accident.
Coping with unforeseen medical costs and car repairs following a traffic accident can be stressful. Thankfully there are many resources and pieces of advice out there that can help you navigate surprise expenses. Samuel Ramey is a French-Australian social media influencer who offers his business and lifestyle advice to men. The lifestyle guru shares his experience through insightful articles on his website. His topics include advice for handling unexpected expenses, what to do after an accident, and creating a safe work environment.
Unfortunately, many Uber drivers fail to carry the necessary ride-share rider on their auto insurance policy. This is because drivers are either unaware that they need the policy or cannot afford the increase in their insurance premiums caused by the policy. There’s also the possibility that Uber will suspend a negligent driver involved in a serious car accident pending investigation.
A suspension could be financially detrimental for drivers who rely on their job to pay the bills. It’s not uncommon for drivers to deny responsibility as the at-fault driver because they are worried about the repercussions of the car accident. Instead of handling the aftermath of an Uber accident on your own, it’s in your best interest to seek legal advice.
