Houston uber accident claim filing
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on LinkedIn

Rideshare services like Uber have become more popular than ever, especially here in Texas. If you are going out for an evening with friends, it is good to have an Uber driver handle the transportation so you don’t have to get into an argument over which person will be the designated driver. Uber rides are also a great way to get to the airport, saving you the expense of leaving your vehicle in long-term parking and having the convenience of booking a ride to meet you when you return home from your trip. But, like all motorists, Uber drivers do get into accidents. This may leave you with personal injuries, and if your vehicle was struck by an Uber vehicle, you may also need to get your car repaired. Therefore, it is vital to understand what to do if you are injured in an accident involving an Uber.

What Should I Do at the Time of the Accident?

Whether you were a passenger in the Uber or were the driver or passenger in a vehicle that collided with the Uber, you are going to want to contact the police as soon as possible. When the police arrive, they will take control of the accident scene, call for an ambulance to help anyone with physical injuries, and interview the drivers, passengers, and any third parties who witnessed the collision. This will help the police prepare a police report, which can be a key piece of evidence in any insurance claim or lawsuit involving the accident. 

You are also going to want to seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, you may have suffered broken bones or lacerations that will be apparent to you at the time of the accident. However, if you have suffered any internal injuries, you may not be aware you are hurt until later. Getting immediate medical attention will help with any such latent injuries In any event, you will want documentation of your personal injuries, which will be necessary for any claim.

Finally, unless you are incapacitated, you should take the time to document the accident scene. This will include taking photographs and videos of the vehicles, area, and people involved. You will also want to get the Uber driver’s name, contact information, license plate number, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, you will want to get their names and contact information as well.

How Can I Report the Accident to Uber?

Uber has forms available on its website for reporting accidents. If you were a rider in the Uber vehicle, then you can go to the website and click on the tab marked “Report an accident.” This will take you to the link where you can report all of the information about the accident, including the driver’s name, the date and time of the accident, and your personal injuries. If you were struck by an Uber or were riding in a car that collided with the Uber vehicle, then you will click on the tab marked “Complete the third party incident notice.” You will provide similar information as that provided by the injured Uber rider.

How Much Coverage Does Uber Provide?

Depending on the status of the Uber driver, you may be able to collect from Uber for the damages you incurred as a result of the accident. If the Uber driver was offline at the time of the accident, then you will be unable to collect for your injuries from Uber. This is the period when the Uber driver is operating his vehicle but is not logged into the Uber system. If this is the case, then you will only be able to collect from the Uber driver and his or her auto insurance.

The situation changes for Uber drivers who are online. If the accident occurs when the driver is online but is searching for an available trip, then Uber will provide coverage for up to $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for any personal injuries. Uber will also cover up to $25,000 total in property damage per accident. This is in addition to the coverage provided by the Uber driver’s personal insurance policy.

Where the Uber driver has a passenger or is en route to a trip, Uber will provide greater coverage. This includes $1,000,000 in property damage when the Uber driver is at fault. So, if you were a rider in the Uber at the time of the accident or the Uber was providing a ride, then you will get greater coverage for your injuries.

When is the Deadline for Filing a Claim with Uber?

Under Texas law, you have two years from the date of the Uber accident to file a claim or a lawsuit. There are a number of exceptions to this rule, such as injuries to minors and accidents that have left a person mentally incapacitated. 

If You Have Been Injured in an Accident Involving in Uber, Call Our Firm Today

An accident involving a rideshare vehicle like an Uber has its own special matters in addition to ones that you will encounter if you are involved in an accident with a private motorist. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Hernandez Sunosky can guide you through the process, making sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today.