The Uber ride-sharing service has become one of the most convenient ways for people to get around in towns and cities all over America, and especially in Las Vegas. With just a few taps on your cell phone, you’ll not only have someone ready to take you where you want to go, but the experience is also more pleasant and less expensive than a regular taxi most of the time.
While the great majority of Uber rides and deliveries come to an end without incident, there are problems occasionally. Just like any other motor vehicle operator, Uber drivers are always at risk of being involved in an accident. Since Uber vehicles are private vehicles, however, many people aren’t quite sure how to go about dealing with the technicalities of reporting the accident, making insurance claims, and other details that come up when an auto accident occurs.
Just like any other vehicle, Uber accidents can involve a car carrying a passenger that collides with another car, a car that strikes a pedestrian either walking or on a bicycle, or perhaps even an empty car on its way to pick up a passenger.
For all the convenience that Uber’s services provide, there is one major drawback to how their network of vehicles operates. Their drivers locate both their clients and their destinations, wherever they may be, through the use of an app on a mobile device. This creates an unavoidable reality that Uber drivers are often driving under varying levels of distraction.
What To Do If You’re In An Accident With An Uber Vehicle
If you’re involved in an accident with an Uber vehicle as a passenger, a pedestrian, or in another car, you should first go through the steps you would take with any motor vehicle accident. If necessary, seek medical attention. Exchange driver and insurance information. Take pictures of any damage, and, if necessary, prepare whatever you might need to file an accident report.
Remember that in Nevada, unless a police officer is present and files a report regarding the accident, you are required to file a report within 10 days if:
- The accident resulted in bodily injury or death
- Damage to any vehicle or property appears to be in excess of $750
Report The Accident To Uber
Fortunately, Uber maintains very good insurance coverage for their drivers and makes it easy to report any type of accident to the company. They have accident report forms on their website for drivers and passengers as well as third parties who may have been involved. You can also report an accident through the help section of the Uber app right from your mobile device.
You should report the accident to Uber as soon as you can. Not only will it get you a faster response, but you’ll have more details fresh in your mind and will be able to explain what happened with more clarity. The company is known to respond quite quickly to accident claims.
What You Shouldn’t Do After An Accident With Uber
Just because you report an accident through Uber’s report forms doesn’t mean that they are going to offer you what they should, or accept responsibility for your claim at all. Whatever they or their insurance company may say is worth listening to and considering, but you should not agree to or sign anything until you’ve had the chance to consult with a Las Vegas car accident attorney.
Only an experienced auto accident attorney will be able to give you an objective opinion on the case, who was really at fault, and what type of compensation you might be entitled to receive for damages and injuries. You may give up your rights to file an injury claim or recover compensation without even realizing it if you agree to anything—verbally or in writing—before speaking with a lawyer.
Speak With A Las Vegas Nevada Uber Accident Attorney
If you’ve been involved in an accident related to the Uber service, whether as a driver, passenger, or third party, the law office of Cap & Kudler can help. Our team of experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers can help protect your rights and make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for injuries, time missed from work, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
A consultation is free and confidential. You can reach us online anytime or call (866) 412-7166 to arrange an appointment. We’ll be happy to go over the details of your case and discuss exactly what we can do to help you.
