The emergence of food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats has enhanced convenience and raised the risk of accidents with delivery drivers. As gig economy jobs increase, traffic incidents with rideshare and delivery drivers also rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers who work for rideshare and delivery services are more likely to be in accidents because of the stress of meeting strict deadlines and spending a lot of time driving.
The aftermath can be overwhelming if you’ve been involved in an Uber Eats accident in Florida. Who’s responsible? What should you do? And how do you navigate insurance claims when multiple parties and policies are involved?
What to Do After an Uber Eats Accident in Florida?
An accident involving an Uber Eats vehicle can leave you disoriented and unsure of what to do next. Whether a delivery driver hit you or you’re a driver yourself, the steps you take immediately following the accident are critical to your recovery—both physically and financially.
- Prioritize Your Safety and Health
The most important thing is safety above all else. In the immediate aftermath of a crash, the surprise and rush of adrenaline may cause one to overlook injuries that are not immediately visible. The main focus is making sure that everyone is safe. If you can, relocate to a secure area that is not near any traffic. In case of a severe injury, immediately dial 911 for assistance.
Even if you are not in pain, staying composed and assessing yourself and others for any injuries is crucial. At times, injuries such as concussions or internal bleeding may not exhibit symptoms right away. Make sure to prioritize caution and visit medical professionals for a thorough check-up, regardless of the seeming insignificance of your injuries.
- Report the Accident to the Police and Get a Copy of the Report
Regardless of how minor the accident appears, it is important to always inform the police about it. In Florida, you must report any accident that results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $500. Accidents during Uber Eats deliveries are not uncommon.
The police must record the accident’s details for any insurance claims or legal action you might take. Make sure you ask for a copy of the police report for your records. This report will contain crucial details such as the parties involved, their insurance information, and the officer’s determination of fault, all of which are necessary for submitting a claim or legal action.
- Gather Evidence and Contact Information at the Scene
Proof is essential in establishing your argument in a legal claim for injuries sustained in an Uber Eats accident. Collect as many pieces of evidence as possible while at the location. Capture images of the cars involved, any apparent injuries, your vehicle’s damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any other factors that may have caused the collision.
Furthermore, contact details should be gathered from all parties present, such as Uber Eats delivery persons, drivers, and witnesses. Make sure to obtain the insurance information of the Uber Eats driver, including their personal policy and Uber’s insurance details, as rideshare drivers are usually protected by more than one policy.
More: How to Document Your Personal Injury Case from Start to Finish
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Florida law requires that you receive medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits. A thorough medical evaluation will ensure your health and safety and create documentation of your injuries that can support your claim.
- Notify Uber Eats and Your Insurance Company About the Accident
After addressing immediate medical needs, notify Uber Eats and your insurance company about the accident. Uber Eats drivers are covered by Uber’s insurance policy when actively working. Still, this coverage can be complex, depending on whether the driver was on a delivery or simply logged into the app at the time of the accident.
Be sure to inform your insurance company of the accident as well. Failure to do so promptly could delay or deny your claim.
Don’t want to deal with insurance? Speak to one of our attorneys now!
Protecting Your Legal Rights After an Uber Eats Accident
- Do Not Admit Fault or Make Statements Without a Lawyer
In the confusion following an accident, it’s easy to say something that could be interpreted as admitting fault. Whether you’re speaking to the police, Uber Eats, or your insurance company, avoid making definitive statements about what caused the accident. Stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault or liability.
Before making any formal statements, it’s wise to consult an experienced Uber Eats accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process. A lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and that nothing you say is used against you during the claims process.
- Keep Detailed Records of All Accident-Related Costs
The financial impact of an Uber Eats accident can quickly add up. From medical bills to car repairs and lost wages, keeping detailed records of every expense related to the accident is crucial for maximizing your compensation.
Document medical treatments, prescriptions, physical therapy sessions, and any out-of-pocket costs. If your injuries prevent you from working, be sure to track lost wages and any future earnings you might miss. All of this will be essential when calculating the full value of your Uber Eats accident injury claim.
- Avoid Sharing Details on Social Media
In the age of social media, it’s tempting to post about a traumatic event like a car accident. However, sharing details online can hurt your claim. Insurance companies and opposing attorneys may search your social media accounts for posts or pictures contradicting your injury claims or suggesting that the accident wasn’t as serious as you claim.
To protect your case, avoid posting anything about the accident, injuries, or recovery on social media until the case is resolved.
Contact an Experienced Florida Uber Eats Accident Attorney Today!
If you’ve been involved in an Uber Eats accident in Florida, navigating the insurance claims process can be complex. Uber Eats drivers are typically covered by a mix of personal and commercial insurance policies, making it difficult to know which insurer is responsible for covering your damages.
At Pacin Levine, P.A., our dedicated Uber accident lawyers have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies and fighting for the compensation our clients deserve. We understand the unique challenges of rideshare and delivery accidents and are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at 1-800-24-7-CRASH (2727) to discuss your legal options. We’ll help you focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
