If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Uber, whether as a passenger, pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, you may be facing a unique and frustrating legal challenge. Rideshare accident claims are not like regular car accident claims. Multiple insurance policies, shifting coverage rules, and unclear liability often leave victims confused about their rights.
Whether Uber was at fault, the other driver was, or even if you’re unsure who caused the crash, there are critical steps you need to take, and mistakes you need to avoid, to protect your ability to recover compensation. Below are the top five mistakes to avoid after an Uber-related accident in Illinois.
1. Talking to Uber or the Insurance Company Without Legal Advice
After an accident, Uber or their insurance partners may reach out to you for a statement. They might sound helpful, saying they just need some quick information to process your claim. Don’t fall for it. Their goal is to limit the company’s financial exposure, not help you get the care or compensation you need.
Even casual comments like ‘I didn’t see it coming’ or ‘I’m feeling better now’ can be used to minimize your claim. Before speaking to anyone representing Uber or another insurer, consult a personal injury lawyer who understands rideshare claims.
2. Not Identifying the Rideshare Status at the Time of the Crash
Uber’s insurance coverage changes depending on what the driver was doing when the crash happened. Were they logged into the app, on the way to pick up a rider, or actively transporting a passenger? Each status corresponds to a different level of liability coverage, ranging from personal insurance to Uber’s $1 million policy.
Failing to identify the driver’s rideshare status can lead to delays or even denials of coverage. A skilled attorney will obtain digital records and verify what coverage applies so your rights are protected.
3. Delaying Medical Care or Underreporting Injuries
Many Uber accident victims delay going to the doctor or downplay their symptoms out of shock, embarrassment, or hope that the pain will go away. But any delay in treatment or gaps in medical records may hurt your injury claim.
Injuries like whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue damage can take hours or days to fully present. Failing to document them early gives the insurance company room to argue they’re unrelated to the crash. Always seek medical care promptly and be honest with your provider about every symptom you’re experiencing.
4. Not Preserving Key Evidence from the Scene
Unlike taxis, Uber drivers are independent contractors and use their own vehicles. Unless you or someone you trust gathers evidence at the scene, crucial information could be lost.
Take pictures of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, street signs, and any visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Also, screenshot the Uber app trip details, as this can help prove the driver’s status at the time of the crash.
5. Believing Uber Will Automatically Pay the Bills
While Uber promotes its $1 million insurance policy, that doesn’t mean they’ll pay without a fight. They may claim their driver wasn’t logged in, wasn’t on an active trip, or that someone else was responsible. The process is complex and designed to favor the company, not the injured person.
You need a legal advocate to hold Uber and its insurers accountable, calculate your damages correctly, and ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Fabbrini Law Group Today
An Uber accident can turn your life upside down – physically, emotionally, and financially. It can leave you unable to work, struggling with pain, and facing a pile of medical bills. Don’t navigate that process alone. Let a skilled personal injury attorney take that burden off your shoulders.At Fabbrini Law Group, we know the tactics insurers use and how to win rideshare cases. We’ll investigate the crash, preserve your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Contact Fabbrini Law Group today for a free consultation.