What to Do if Injured in an Uber Accident in Birmingham

If you are injured in an Uber accident, you should seek medical attention immediately, report the crash, document the scene, and speak with a Birmingham rideshare accident lawyer before accepting any insurance settlement.

Rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance policies and complicated questions about who is responsible for your injuries. Many victims ask themselves what to do if injured in an Uber accident in Birmingham; we can help.

At Wettermark Keith, we have recovered more than $1.5 billion for past clients and help people across Alabama understand their rights after serious Uber and Lyft accidents. Call us today for a free consultation.

Get Medical Help First

Our team at Wettermark Keith wants to remind you that your health should always come before dealing with insurance companies or gathering evidence.

Call 911

If you were injured in an Uber accident in Birmingham, request emergency medical assistance and report the accident to law enforcement. Even if your injuries seem minor, having an official report and a medical evaluation can be extremely important later.

Accept Medical Evaluation

Adrenaline can mask symptoms after a crash. Common Uber accident injuries such as concussions, whiplash, back injuries, and internal injuries may not be obvious right away.

Follow Up With Your Doctor

If you are not taken to the hospital, schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible. Prompt treatment helps protect your health and creates documentation connecting your injuries to the accident.

Report the Accident

Make sure the crash is reported through the proper channels.

Notify the Police

Ask how to obtain a copy of the accident report. This report may contain witness information, statements from the drivers, and the officer’s observations about the crash.

Report the Accident Through the Uber App

Uber allows passengers to report accidents directly through the app. Provide accurate information, but avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries.

Notify Your Own Insurance Company

Depending on the circumstances, your insurance policy may provide certain benefits. Give basic facts about the accident without providing a recorded statement to another insurer before getting legal advice.

Document Everything at the Scene

If your injuries allow, gather as much evidence as possible before leaving the scene.

Take Photographs

Photograph:

• The Uber vehicle
• Other vehicles involved
• License plates
• Road conditions
• Traffic signs
• Vehicle damage
• Visible injuries

These photos can help establish what happened and the severity of the collision.

Collect Information

Get the Uber driver’s:

• Name
• Phone number
• Insurance information
• Vehicle make and model

Also collect information from any other drivers involved in the crash.

Speak With Witnesses

Independent witnesses can be very helpful if liability is disputed. Ask for names and contact information before they leave the scene.

Understand How Uber Insurance Works

Many people assume Uber’s insurance automatically covers every accident, but coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash. Here’s how that determination works:

Driver Was Offline

If the driver was not logged into the Uber app, the driver’s personal auto insurance generally applies.

Driver Was Waiting for a Ride Request

Limited Uber liability coverage may apply while the driver is logged in and available for rides.

Driver Was Picking Up or Transporting a Passenger

Uber provides much larger liability coverage when a ride has been accepted or a passenger is in the vehicle.

Determining which policy applies is one of the most important parts of an Uber accident claim. Wettermark Keith can help identify all available insurance coverage.

Who May Be Responsible for Your Injuries?

Liability is not always limited to the Uber driver. Here are some examples of parties who may be at fault.

The Uber Driver

If the rideshare driver caused the crash through speeding, distraction, or another negligent act, the driver may be liable.

Another Driver

Sometimes another vehicle causes the accident. In that situation, the at-fault driver’s insurance may be responsible for your damages.

Multiple Parties

Some crashes involve shared fault among several drivers. Alabama follows a strict contributory negligence rule, so determining fault accurately is extremely important.

Be Careful With Insurance Companies

After an Uber accident, you may hear from one or more insurance adjusters.

Avoid Recorded Statements

You are generally not required to give a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company immediately.

Do Not Minimize Your Injuries

Some injuries worsen over time. Avoid saying you are “fine” or “not hurt” if you are still being evaluated or receiving treatment.

Do Not Accept a Quick Settlement

Early offers may not include future medical care, lost income, or other long-term losses. Once you accept a settlement, you may give up the right to seek additional compensation later.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

It is a good idea to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after an Uber accident. Here are some signs that an attorney may be especially helpful in your situation:

Serious Injuries

Broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and injuries requiring ongoing treatment often lead to substantial claims.

Disputed Fault

If anyone argues that you caused or contributed to the accident, legal representation becomes especially important.

Multiple Insurance Policies

Uber accidents frequently involve several insurers, and determining the order of coverage can be complicated. At Wettermark Keith, we investigate rideshare accidents, preserve evidence, and deal with insurance companies so clients can focus on recovery.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage, if applicable

The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the evidence supporting the claim. Call the experienced attorneys at Wettermark Keith to learn more.

Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer After Your Uber Accident in Birmingham

Now you have an idea of what to do if injured in an Uber accident in Birmingham. If you were injured in an Uber accident in Birmingham, taking the right steps early can make a significant difference in your recovery and your claim. 

Rideshare cases often involve complicated insurance issues and aggressive claims handling, so it is important to understand your rights before accepting any settlement. At Wettermark Keith, we have recovered more than $1.5 billion for past clients and are committed to helping injured people pursue the compensation they deserve. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your Uber accident and learn how we can help you move forward. Visit our FAQ page to learn more.