Did you know that roughly two million people are injured yearly in car accidents? Dealing with the claims process for your injuries or property damage after an accident is already a huge headache.
Unfortunately, if you were involved in an Uber or similar rideshare accident, it can be even more complicated. That’s why we made this article.
In it, we’ll be going over Uber accident claim mistakes that people often make as well as tips for how to avoid them. That way, you can get the compensation you deserve for the accident. Let’s get started!
1. Not Gathering Evidence
Immediately following the accident, it’s important to begin gathering all the evidence you can. Obviously, if you’re seriously injured, you shouldn’t worry about this.
Get to the hospital as soon as you can to receive medical attention. But, if you’re all right, then start collecting things that will smooth the claims process.
For starters, this includes the contact information of the parties, license plates, and pictures of driver’s licenses. You should also take photos/videos of the accident.
This is especially important if you need to move vehicles off the road. Lastly, look around for any potential witnesses to the accident. If you find them, then ask for their contact information.
These Uber accident claim documents can be invaluable if the insurance companies dispute your claim further down the line.
2. Not Getting a Copy of the Police Report
An official accident report provides an official record for your insurance company to go off of. Without this document, your insurance company is just going off the word of you versus the other drivers.
That’s why it’s so important to call the police following your Uber accident. When the police arrive, talk to them and answer all of their questions honestly.
Once they finish the report, ask them for a copy of it. If they aren’t able to provide it, then follow them to the station to receive a copy.
3. Putting Off Seeing a Doctor
This is a huge mistake that many people make following an Uber accident. They’ll think they’re fine, so they don’t go to the doctor following the accident.
Then, months later, they begin developing pain in their neck. Sadly, by this time, it’s too late for them to claim any money for their Uber accident injury costs.
This example shows why it’s so important to see a doctor after an Uber accident. Preferably you should see them the same day as the accident. Make sure you get an x-ray and an MRI.
These diagnosis methods can reveal hidden injuries like concussions and fractured bones. Once you get your diagnosis, make sure you keep a detailed record of the doctor’s notes and your bills.
Do this for any treatment you’re receiving for the injury too. That way, you can file an accurate claim.
4. Saying the Accident Is Your Fault
When an insurance adjuster calls you about the accident, make sure to avoid using phrases that may imply you’re at fault. This can include obvious admissions of guilt.
But it can also include seemingly harmless phrases like “I’m sorry.” Remember that insurance providers are out to make money. So, they’ll do anything they can to make you admit to fault.
Statements like I’m sorry, can be twisted in court to prove you’re guilty. So, avoid making them, especially if you’re giving a recorded statement.
5. Offering Opinions On the Accident
You want to keep any information you’re giving to insurance adjusters objective. This is especially if there is a shared fault in the Uber accident.
So, avoid telling the adjuster any opinions you have on what caused the accident. These statements and expressions can come back to haunt you in court.
Instead, give your official record to the police and let the evidence speak for itself.
6. Giving Statements About Your Injuries and Recovery
If you’ve been injured in an Uber accident, your insurance providers are likely going to ask questions about your injuries and recovery. This is to be expected since they’re paying for the hospital bill.
However, insurance companies often use dishonest tactics to avoid paying for your injuries. One common one is to ask about your medical history, then blame your current injuries on a pre-existing condition.
So, make sure you’re straightforward when talking about your injuries with your insurance provider. And never provide them with access to your medical history.
That being said, don’t exaggerate your injuries to get medical attention. If you get caught, then it’s insurance fraud.
7. Failing to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
As you can see, there are a lot of landmines you need to avoid when filing for your Uber accident case. Because of this, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional.
Car accident lawyers can look at your specific case and give you advice on what to say when filing a claim. If there’s a dispute in the process, they can also represent you in a settlement negotiation or court proceedings.
Just make sure you choose professionals like the kind found at Alpha Accident Lawyers.
These types of lawyers specialize in these types of rideshare accidents. That means they have the knowledge to get you through the case.
Appreciate Learning About Uber Accident Claim Mistakes? Keep Exploring
We hope this article helped you learn more about common Uber accident claim mistakes. Uber accidents are more complicated than regular accidents because there are often multiple insurance parties involved.
Because of this, it’s important that follow every tip in this article. That way, you don’t do or say something that can jeopardize your claim. Appreciate learning about this legal topic?
If so, you should keep scrolling through our website to find tons of similar subjects to choose from.
