7 Steps to Take if You’re Injured in an Uber Accident in Texas

 Injured in an Uber Accident in Texas

Getting injured in an accident is traumatic enough without having to deal with insurance claims, medical bills, lost wages, and figuring out your legal rights. If the accident happened while you were an Uber passenger, you may have even more questions about the process and who is responsible for your losses. As a Texas injury victim, it’s crucial you understand your options and take steps to protect yourself. This guide will walk you through the key actions to take after an Uber accident, with a focus on ensuring your safety, securing fair compensation, and restoring your peace of mind.

An Uber accident can turn your life upside down, but taking the first step towards justice is easier than you think. Our experienced Uber accident attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process with ease and confidence. Call us at 972-682-9700 for a comprehensive legal consultation, or visit Oberg Law to learn more about how we can help you get the justice and compensation you’re entitled to. Take the first step today – we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Step 1: Seek Medical Care, Even for Minor Injuries

The shock and chaos after an accident can make injuries seem less severe than they are. Many symptoms manifest hours or days later. So even if you believe you weren’t seriously hurt, it’s vital to get checked by a doctor immediately. Thorough medical evaluation and prompt treatment can positively impact your recovery.

In addition to your health, seeking medical care creates a record of your injuries when filing insurance claims or lawsuits. In Texas, there is a two-year statute of limitations to take legal action after an accident. So don’t take chances with your health – get medical attention right away.

Step 2: Report the Incident to Police and Uber

Informing the relevant authorities is crucial for establishing an official account of what happened. Under Texas law, you must inform police about any accident with injuries, deaths or significant property damage. The police report will include key details like:

• Statements from passengers, the Uber driver and witnesses

• Photos documenting damage, skid marks, debris etc.

• Diagrams mapping out the positions of vehicles and people

This report will serve as objective evidence for insurance and legal proceedings. Even if police were already called to the scene, request a copy of the report a few days later.

You should also contact Uber through their app or customer service line. Uber has specific accident protocols in place for drivers. Notifying them will ensure the appropriate safety checks and investigations occur.

Step 3: Gather Evidence and Document the Scene

In the chaos of an accident, critical details can get overlooked. Do your best to gather evidence and document what you observe. If safe and possible, take photos and videos capturing damage, injuries, skid marks or debris. Get contact details and statements from any witnesses while events are still fresh in their memory. Jot down your own recollections too before traumatic shock sets in.

If you ended up in the hospital, keep all records related to medical treatment, tests, prescriptions and expenses. Track any other accident-related costs like vehicle repairs, damages or lost income. This evidence will strengthen insurance claims and demonstrate your losses.

Step 4: Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney

The complex legal, insurance and liability issues surrounding Uber accidents can perplex even seasoned professionals. So for optimal protection of your rights, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as feasible after the accident.

An uber accident attorney in Texas can help with key actions like:

• Investigating responsibility and liable parties

• Communicating with insurers to maximize claim settlements

• Filing lawsuits if fair compensation isn’t offered

• Ensuring compliance with Texas statutes of limitation

Retaining legal counsel quickly can impact settlement outcomes down the line. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and only collect payment if they secure compensation for you. So you lose nothing by having an uber accident attorney review your case.

Step 5: Understand Liability Laws Related to Uber Accidents

To receive compensation for an uber accident in Texas, you must prove another party was legally responsible through negligence or liability. But determining liability gets complicated when Uber drivers and rideshare services are involved.

Texas follows traditional tort laws for auto accident liability claims. Generally, the negligent driver causing the accident bears primary responsibility. But Uber and their insurer may share fault too depending on factors like:

• Whether the driver was an employee or contractor

• If Uber’s screening process was adequate

• If the vehicle met safety standards

• If misleading information was provided about insurance coverage

A personal injury attorney in Dallas can help assess liability by investigating details like telematics data, maintenance records and the driver’s history. Based on evidence, they’ll craft the strongest possible legal case for you.

Step 6: Refrain from Posting About the Incident on Social Media

It’s natural to want to vent about a traumatic incident online or warn others about what happened. But in today’s digital age, your social media activity can easily be used against you to reduce or deny compensation.

Insurers and defense attorneys look for any evidence that you seem less injured than claimed or that you may have contributed to the accident through your own negligence. Pictures, comments admitting to previous conditions, or even tone may unjustly impact your credibility.

So while your case is ongoing, avoid posting anything related to the accident on social platforms. This ensures factual evidence rather than perception drives outcomes. Your attorney can best advise if and when details can safely be shared.

Step 7: Prioritize Self-Care During Recovery

The physical and emotional toll of being injured can be immense and life-altering. So along with handling logistical tasks, prioritize self-care and create a support system. This may involve counseling, joining a support group, making lifestyle changes to accommodate disabilities, relying more on loved ones, or finding relaxing and uplifting activities.

Focus on celebrating small wins in your recovery, no matter how slight. With time, dedication and the right assistance, you can regain your strength, mobility and enjoyment of life once more. Healing happens gradually so be patient with yourself above all else.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Uber Accident Injuries?

Determining liability after a rideshare accident can be complex since multiple parties may share fault, such as:

• Uber Driver: Responsible for obeying traffic laws and operating vehicles safely. May be personally liable for negligence.

• Uber: Could share liability based on driver’s employment status, inadequate screening/training or failure to maintain safety standards

• Other Motorist: If another motorist caused the accident through actions like drunk driving or texting while driving

• Vehicle Manufacturer: If a defective auto part directly caused or worsened the accident

• Government Entity: If poor road design, maintenance failures or construction flaws contributed to the crash

What Kinds of Damages Can You Recover After an Uber Accident?

If Uber or another party is found liable for your accident injuries, you may receive compensation for:

• Past and future medical treatment

• Rehabilitation services

• Lost income and reduced earning capacity

• Pain and suffering

• Permanent disabilities or disfigurement

• Wrongful death damages

• Property loss or damages

A rideshare attorney can seek full and fair compensation reflecting the entire scope of your financial, physical and emotional harms.

Who Pays Accident Claims for Uber Drivers and Passengers?

Uber holds a corporate insurance policy that covers drivers and riders throughout phases of service, including:

• Contingent Liability Coverage: Up to $1 million per incident for driver fault while app is on but no passenger on board.

• Third-Party Liability Coverage: Applies during a trip or on route to a rider and matches a driver’s personal car insurance limits (often $100k-$250k).

• Under and Uninsured/Underinsured coverage: Additional protection if at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage.

But given caps and restrictions, having your own car insurance with injury coverage is wise. An attorney can coordinate across all applicable policies.

What Factors Suggest it’s Time to Settle My Case?

It’s reasonable to want to settle sooner rather than later to move forward after an accident. But accepting an early offer isn’t always optimal. Your car accident attorney may advise waiting if there’s strong liability evidence against large insurers capable of paying higher damages.

Signs it may be the best time to settle include:

• Your medical treatment and recovery have stabilized

• The settlement value accurately reflects documented losses

• The liable party seems to have limited insurance coverage

• You need funds more urgently due to lost income or high expenses

Be wary of insurers pushing quick settlements before full damages are known. Trust your attorney’s judgment on securing maximum compensation.

How Can an Attorney Assist Uber Accident Victims?

Speaking with an attorney should always be your first call after emergency care. Texas personal injury lawyers offer rideshare accident victims comprehensive legal support, including:

• Free case review: Attorneys conduct initial assessment without fees.

• Investigating liability: uber accident lawyers gather police reports, Uber’s records, telematics data and witness statements to prove fault and negligence.

• Filing insurance claims: Attorneys handle negotiations and complex paperwork to resolve cases fairly out-of-court when possible.

• Lawsuits: If warranted and authorized, attorneys file lawsuits against negligent parties to compel higher settlements.

• Trial experience: If settlements fail and cases reach trial, lawyers adeptly argue before judges and juries.

Having an knowledgeable personal injury attorney maximizes compensation while you focus on healing.

How to Navigate an Uber Accident in Texas 

• Seek prompt medical help even for seemingly minor injuries after an Uber accident.

• Inform the police and Uber about the incident as soon as possible.

• Consult and retain an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights.

• Track all accident-related costs and losses to provide evidence for your claim.

• Avoid publicly discussing your case on social media during ongoing claims.

• Don’t rush into settlements until your treatment, recovery and losses stabilize.

Finding a Personal Injury Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Being injured as an Uber passenger adds frustrating complexities. But staying calm, following essential steps and working with a lawyer sets you up to obtain justice. Don’t hesitate to lean on legal professionals who can vigorously fight for maximum compensation while you prioritize self-care.

With compassion and dedication, you can move positively forward. So take things step-by-step, stay hopeful through challenges, and remember your well being deserves priority. This difficult chapter will pass, and there are brighter days ahead.

Don’t navigate this challenging time alone. Contact our experienced Uber accident attorneys now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We understand the complexities of rideshare accidents and are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at 972-682-9700 or visit Oberg Law to schedule your consultation today. Let us take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on healing