With over 111 million monthly users, Uber has become a staple in today's society. People depend on rideshare apps to get them home safety after a night out, but what happens when that doesn’t happen?

Every year, there are more than six million car accidents that happen in the United States alone. You do not have to be driving a vehicle to be at risk. If you are using a rideshare app, like Uber or Lyft, and involved in a car crash, follow this guide to ensure you are properly compensated for your injuries and other damages.

Call 911

The first step after getting into any type of car accident is to dial 911. For every car accident, the police need to be notified, but depending on the severity of the crash, paramedics may need to be involved as well. 

The 911 operator will dispatch an officer to document the accident and record any important details at the scene, including statements from all parties involved, photographs and even weather and traffic conditions. These details will be important if you need to file an injury claim or lawsuit against the ridesharing app or driver. Your attorney will rely on the accident report to make your case.

Get to the Hospital ASAP

Even if you do not think you are injured, you should still go to the hospital. People who visit the emergency room after a car crash can experience a wide variety of injuries from whiplash to internal issues like head trauma or spinal cord damage.

A trip to the emergency room after a car accident is extremely beneficial to your health, because some symptoms don’t appear right away. A car crash can be a scary experience and your brain will adapt to this by releasing adrenaline, which turns your body into fight-or-flight mode. Adrenaline can make your major injury feel like a minor injury.

If you decide to file a personal injury claim after a car crash, and wait to seek medical help, your claim will not be taken seriously. It is a big red flag for insurance adjusters when you do not immediately go to the emergency room after being in a car crash. The insurance adjusters will claim that if your injuries were as serious as you say there are, then you would have went to a doctor right away. 

Report Accident to Uber

If you are a passenger in an Uber and your driver is involved in a car accident, it is important to notify Uber right away, especially if the accident was your Uber drivers fault. You can report the accident on Uber’s website.

If there is no formal record of your accident, you will not be able to seek money from Uber’s $1 million insurance policy. Dealing with rideshare car crashes can be complicated due to all of the parties involved, so the best thing to do is let an experienced personal injury attorney handle the case. 

Barfoot & Schoettker is Here to Help

Car accidents and personal injury claims are confusing and stressful as is, but adding a ridesharing app to the mix makes it even more complicated. You do not need to fight these large companies on your own. Barfoot & Schoettker will thoroughly review the accident to determine who is held liable for your injuries, and ensure proper compensation.

If you are riding in an Uber or another ride sharing platform, and are involved in a car accident, call Barfoot & Schoettker for your free consultation today!

Here are some links to related information

• Car Accident
• Why you Shouldn't Text and Drive
• When to Call A Personal Injury Attorney
• Car Accidents and Whiplash