Steps to Take Immediately After an Uber Accident in Maryland

Uber and Lyft have completely changed the way we think about transportation access. These ridesharing companies provide a much-needed service, and their growth in popularity proves the great need they fill. However, despite their convenience, accidents happen. 

In Maryland, there are still many rideshare accidents, leading to complex legal problems above and beyond typical accidents. Understanding the steps to take immediately following an Uber accident can protect your health and legal rights.

Timothy A. Dachille and Associates understand the challenges injured individuals face after an Uber accident in Maryland. Our personal injury legal team is dedicated to providing guidance and support to men and women injured in a ridesharing accident—either in a car accident as a rider or as a pedestrian. After an accident, your actions matter, and there are several steps you should take to set yourself up to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and loss. 

Safety is Your Top Priority

Like any car accident, you’re likely overwhelmed immediately afterward. You’re likely not thinking about the future of a personal injury claim. As always, immediate healthcare for you and others involved in the accident is the number one priority. Confusion at the scene of the accident could be amplified due to the adrenaline factor, which can initially mask the pain when assessing injuries. As a result, seeking medical evaluation to rule out hidden injuries is recommended – even if you don’t immediately feel injured.

It is also important to call 911 as soon as possible after the accident to get medical help and law enforcement to the scene. A prompt call for help can initiate medical treatment for any injury and also initiate the documentation process for determining the accident’s circumstance, which is typically a crucial aspect of insurance claims and potential legal proceedings.

File a Report of the Accident

Uber and other ridesharing companies have a protocol for injured individuals to report an accident. Reporting the accident through their app is typically the first step in initiating proper support and claims processes through Uber. Unfortunately, Uber’s reporting protocols can further complicate the claim process if you are unfamiliar with them. When reporting an accident to a rideshare service, the information should be as detailed as possible.

Additionally, under Maryland law, a traffic accident involving injury, death, or significant property damage must be reported to a law enforcement agency. This requirement is helpful for injured individuals because the law enforcement accident report is often a primary factor in the claim for damages.

Capture and save your Documentation of the Accident

Documentation can be one of the most critical factors in the success of a claim for damages following an Uber accident. Key documentation evidence can help prove the circumstances of an accident, including how the accident happened and who was at fault. Some of the information that you should seek out after an Uber accident include:

• Contact information, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the involved drivers and witnesses
• Driver’s license numbers from the involved drivers
• Vehicle information, such as the make, model, and color of the vehicle
• Insurance details from the involved drivers, such as insurance company name, policy number, and insurance agent’s contact information

Photographic evidence can also strengthen your claim because photographs can show undisputed facts of the accident. Some of the essential parts of the accident that could be photographed include vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. It cannot be overstated how important this information will be throughout an insurance claim or lawsuit if it progresses that far.

Contact an Experienced Uber Accident Attorney

Uber accidents can be much more complex than typical accident claims because of the parties involved. As such, after addressing immediate health concerns and documenting the accident, it is crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney such as the legal professionals at TADLAW.

Rideshare companies like Uber have specific policies and insurance coverages for accidents involving their drivers. Unfortunately, Uber and other rideshare companies and their insurance providers do not have your best interests in mind. Our attorneys understand the process and what is needed to make the process as straightforward as possible to maximize your compensation. Timothy A. Dachille and Associates have experience in Uber accidents, which allows us to seek out the documentation and evidence that will support your claim and establish fault by those parties involved in the accident. If you have been involved in an Uber accident or other type of rideshare collision, do not face the insurance providers on your own. Contact TADLAW today for a free consultation.