Uber Accident Lawyers in Anderson, SC

What To Do If You Were Involved in an Uber Accident in Anderson

Uber has become a very common mode of transportation and has quickly surpassed taxi use in many areas of the country. While it is a popular way to travel around the city, it can also be dangerous. While the company requires drivers to have clean driving records, it might still be difficult for passengers to avoid injuries in Uber accidents in South Carolina. Riders should be aware that the driver and the company’s insurance policies are supposed to protect you in the event of a crash. In some instances, however, it may be necessary to seek legal assistance after an accident.

How Uber Passengers Can Stay Safe

While you may not be able to prevent an accident, it is helpful to try to ensure your own safety and to take precautions in case you are involved in a crash. Here are some helpful tips for Uber passenger safety.

  • Wear your seatbelt
  • Make a note of the vehicle type, color, and model
  • Notate the driver’s name
  • If the ride is unsafe, get out immediately
  • Contact Uber after an accident

It is important that you wear your seatbelt during the ride. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all passengers wear seatbelts while traveling. A driver may be ticketed if an occupant in the vehicle is not properly secured. If traveling with children, it is essential to make certain that they are provided with the proper seats and strapped in appropriately.

Passengers need to be aware of their surroundings, including remaining cognizant of a driver’s skills behind the wheel. If you feel unsafe for any reason, request to pull over and get out. It is better to find another ride than to risk your personal safety. Although the Uber system utilizes ratings as part of their driver incentive program, it is still possible to make a report about an unsafe driver to the company. This should be done to prevent future problems from happening with other passengers.

Uber Accidents in Anderson, SC

As a passenger, you may wonder what happens if the driver gets into an accident while you are in the vehicle. First and foremost, it is essential that you get medical treatment for any injuries. If you are bruised but feel fine, it is still a good idea to have an exam. Some injuries could be internal, and others may not be immediately apparent. If you fail to get checked out at the scene of the accident you can still obtain medical care later by going to an urgent care facility or emergency room. Make certain that you obtain and save all documents relating to the injury including information that states how the injuries were incurred.

In South Carolina, drivers are required to remain on the scene of an accident when there is injury or damage to property. If the Uber driver leaves the scene, he could be charged later. If the driver stops at the accident scene, you should get out if it is safe to do so, and take photos when possible. The police should be called, and a report made. The police will investigate the accident and take witness statements. You will likely be asked to make a statement about the crash. If you know what happened you should tell the truth, however, be careful not to make speculations. It is up to the police and the insurance company to determine exactly what occurred.

How to Report an Uber Accident

An Uber driver is supposed to report any accident to the company immediately, even if he was not at fault. As a passenger at the time of the incident, it is usually best to contact the company to make sure they are aware of the accident. In some cases, a driver may not report an accident because they do not want to lose their job with the company. This can occur in some cases when a driver has had too many accidents.

When contacting Uber, you will need to provide them with as much information as possible. Company records should be able to show the name and other information of the driver. Contact Uber as soon as possible after the incident. It is important to note that simply because an accident was reported to the company does not mean that the situation will be easily rectified. Uber accidents can become complicated, especially when more than one driver is at fault for the crash.

File a Claim after an Uber Accident in Anderson

It may be necessary to file a legal claim after an Uber accident. This may be needed if the insurance company is hesitant to make a payment, is difficult to get in contact with, or when the amount of money that is offered is too low. Many times the company may try to avoid responsibility for the accident or try to make a payment that will not adequately cover the medical expenses and other damages sustained.

The law requires you to file a legal claim within 3 years in a personal injury case. It is advisable to talk to an attorney as soon after the accident as possible. Your attorney will review the accident and gather information to protect your rights and prove damages in your situation. Many personal injury cases are resolved through negotiation. Because of their complexity and other factors, some cases cannot be resolved in this manner. These cases will proceed to court to obtain a judgment.

Get Answers to Important Questions about Uber Accidents

If you were injured in an accident while you were an Uber passenger you may have many questions. It may be necessary to seek help from an attorney. Although not all accidents require lawsuits, sometimes they are necessary in order to obtain the compensation needed to cover expenses. Victims might be owed money for medical costs, lost wages and property damage. Additionally, you may get punitive damages such as money for pain and suffering and for legal expenses among other things.

Contact the experienced accident lawyers at The Law Office of Stephen M Krause PA if you were involved in an Uber accident in Anderson County, SC.

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