After an accident with an Uber driver in Rock Hill, confusion and worry can set in quickly. Whether you were inside the Uber, driving another vehicle, walking, or biking nearby, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the urgency of decisions and the complexity that rideshare accidents bring.
Knowing what steps to take, and how Uber-related claims differ from standard car accidents, can help you protect your health, rights, and ability to recover damages. Let’s walk through the exact procedures, legal rights, and options for anyone injured in an Uber accident in Rock Hill, focusing on the details that matter most to you and your family.
What Immediate Actions Should You Take After an Uber Accident in Rock Hill?
Your first priority after any car accident is your safety and the safety of others. Move to a secure area if possible, being mindful of oncoming traffic or other hazards. South Carolina law requires you to remain at the scene when there are injuries or property damage, so never leave, even if you feel unhurt.
Take care not to admit fault or assume that you know the full extent of injuries right away. Many people feel the effects of adrenaline in the immediate aftermath and may overlook pain or trauma. Even injuries that seem minor now may worsen or appear in the hours or days afterward.
Who Should You Contact First After an Uber Accident Involving Injuries or Damages?
Call 911 before doing anything else. Police and first responders can document the scene and provide medical assistance. An official police report is vital for future insurance claims and legal proceedings, giving a clear account of what occurred.
After notifying law enforcement, take steps to inform Uber on its app. For passengers, submitting a report links their ride directly to the incident, creating an important digital record. If you are not a passenger, you can submit a report online as a third party. Retain any written correspondence for your records.
Notify your own insurance company promptly, even if you believe Uber’s insurance will be responsible for covering costs. Insurance providers often require accident reports as soon as possible. Provide only factual details and wait to share more information until you learn which coverages apply. Keep a log of all your communications in case of future disputes.
How Can You Properly Document the Scene & Protect Your Rights?
Take Photos & Videos of the Scene
Detailed documentation can be the difference between a successful claim and delays or denials. Use your smartphone to take clear photos of the accident scene, including close-ups of vehicle damage, overall vehicle positions, the surrounding road environment, and any visible injuries. Snap images of traffic signals, weather conditions, and anything that may have influenced the accident in Rock Hill. These photos are often timestamped, creating a credible record of the aftermath.
Collect Information from Involved Parties & Witnesses
Gather contact and insurance information from every driver and passenger involved. This includes the Uber driver, other drivers, all passengers, and any available witnesses. Write down names, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers, and vehicle license plates. Be sure to capture whether the Uber driver was on a ride, waiting for a fare, or off the clock at the time of the crash. This status will make a difference in determining insurance coverage down the line.
Take Uber App Screenshots
If you were in the Uber, use the app to generate screenshots of your ride details. These may show the start and end times, trip route, and your unique trip ID. Store all paperwork, police reports, discharge instructions, correspondence from insurers or Uber, in a single, organized file to build your case.
What Medical Steps Should You Take, Even If You Don’t Feel Hurt?
Some injuries, especially soft tissue, back, brain, or internal injuries, may not appear right away after an Uber accident. Even if you feel alright, visit a doctor or urgent care facility within 24 hours to make sure nothing is overlooked. Medical professionals will record details about the accident and your symptoms, no matter how minor, creating an essential timeline that supports your injury claim.
Describe how the crash occurred, list all symptoms, and ask the doctor to note your condition for the record. Timely and thorough documentation serves two crucial functions: supporting your health and creating written proof for insurers. Linking your injuries to the Uber accident will reduce the risk of insurers denying your claim by arguing that injuries developed elsewhere or were unrelated to the collision.
Follow all care instructions, including attending follow-up visits, rehabilitation, or diagnostic tests. Retain every bill, prescription receipt, and discharge paper. If symptoms appear a few days after the crash, return to the physician and request additional evaluations. Any delay or gap in care could provide insurance companies with a reason to undercut your compensation.
How Does Uber’s Insurance Work for Accidents in South Carolina?
Determining what insurance coverage applies after an Uber accident in Rock Hill is not always straightforward.
Uber’s insurance includes several levels of coverage, which depend entirely on the driver’s status at the time of the accident:
- If the Uber driver was available on the app but had not accepted a ride, Uber covers up to $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
- If the Uber driver was carrying a passenger or en route to pick one up, Uber supplies up to $1 million in liability coverage.
- If the driver was logged off the app, only their personal auto insurance applies.
Never assume that Uber’s insurance will automatically provide a fair settlement; coverage often depends on specific documents, trip details, and timely reporting. Keep copies of all paperwork and request written responses from all insurance carriers involved.
Uber’s claims representatives are trained to safeguard company interests, not yours. If you are facing resistance on coverage or compensation, scheduling a consultation with a Rock Hill rideshare accident attorney can help you protect your rights and clarify available legal remedies.
When Should You Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer After an Uber Accident in Rock Hill?
If you experience significant injuries, face delays or denials from Uber’s insurance, or run into confusion with multiple insurers, this is the right time to discuss your options with a Rock Hill Uber accident lawyer. Our legal team is dedicated to serving injured individuals, not insurance companies, and can evaluate the strength of your claim, organize essential documents, and communicate with all parties to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
At Lewis Law Firm, LLC, we bring more than 80 years of collective experience. Personal attention, transparent guidance, and timely communication set us apart. Our team offers support for Spanish speakers and strives to provide clear answers and support at every stage of your case. Whether you are facing mounting medical bills, legal paperwork you don’t understand, or resistance from insurance carriers, Lewis Law Firm, LLC offers the guidance Rock Hill residents can trust when facing uncertainty after an Uber accident.
Contact Lewis Law Firm, LLC today at (803) 327-1103 to discuss your circumstances, review your options, and start taking steps toward recovery and peace of mind.