Do’s and Don’ts Following an Uber Crash
Uber crashes are an everyday occurrence in SoCal. Every year, vehicle collisions kill or seriously injure millions of Americans. Yet many people don’t know what to do after an Uber crash. So, many victims unintentionally do the wrong thing, or don’t do the right thing, after a crash. These initial missteps, though rarely fatal to a case, severely hampers claims for compensation when these matters go to court.
Uber and other ridesharing companies often have teams of lawyers working on crash claims within a few hours of a wreck. These legal teams are determined to reduce or deny compensation to victims, regardless of what’s right or fair. So, for a Carlsbad personal injury lawyer, the injury claims process starts the moment two vehicles come to rest after a crash. This head start is often the difference between maximum compensation for serious injuries and settling for less.
Do Identify the Driver
Most Lyft, Uber, and other ridesharing operators don’t wear nametags that state “Hello, I’m an Uber Driver.” So, if possible, victims must identify Uber drivers without speaking to them (more on that below).
Many rideshare operators display placards in their vehicles. The placard is usually on the dashboard on the front passenger side. A stranger in the back seat is also an almost sure-fire sign that the tortfeasor (negligent driver) was an Uber driver.
Why is it so important to identify a San Diego County driver as a ridesharing operator? We’re glad you asked.
To a Carlsbad personal injury lawyer, the ridesharing connection usually means third-party liability. Tortfeasors are legally responsible for the accidents they cause. Employers, such as Lyft and Uber, are often financially responsible for the damages their employees cause.
But wait. Aren’t ridesharing operators independent contractors instead of employees? Once again, we’re glad you asked.
For tax and other financial purposes, the employee/independent contractor designation is open for debate. But for negligence purposes, if the company controlled the tortfeasor (where to go, who to pick up, etc.), the tortfeasor is an employee.
Don’t Say Much
Many victims are unconscious and they cannot say anything to anyone. But that’s usually not the case in a low-speed crash.
When speaking with first responders, answer their questions as precisely and narrowly as possible. As a rule of thumb, any answer longer than five or six words is too long. Furthermore, do not volunteer any information.
If possible, avoid speaking with the tortfeasor as well. Apologies are a good example. Many people say “I’m sorry” to express sympathy. An Uber lawyer can twist this apology into a liability admission later.
The don’t-say-much rule remains in effect after victims leave the scene. Don’t talk to an Uber or Uber insurance company representative. Keep other statements, like statements to your own insurance company and social media posts about the wreck, as brief as possible.
Do Get Complete Medical Care
Adrenaline often runs high after a car crash. Since adrenaline masks pain, many people don’t “feel” hurt after a crash, so they decline medical treatment at the scene. That’s a big mistake.
We mentioned low-speed wrecks above. These wrecks often cause serious injuries that don’t feel serious at the time. A dent might damage the car inside and cost several thousand dollars to fix. Similarly, soreness and disorientation may be the sign of a serious, and possibly fatal, head injury.
Only a Carlsbad personal injury lawyer can determine how much compensation you may be entitled to, and only a doctor can determine how badly you’re hurt.
Reach Out to a Dedicated San Diego County Lawyer
Injury victims are entitled to substantial compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Carlsbad, contact the Pursley Law Firm. Our main office is conveniently located near the McClellan/Palomar Airport.
Source:
iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/yearly-snapshot
