3 Statements After an Uber Accident That Could Hurt Your Claim

If you have been involved in an Uber accident, there are certain things you should avoid saying in order to protect your claim.

Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services are no longer a new concept, and many people use them to get around, preferring them over driving their own car or using public transportation. In the beginning, these services were in the grey zone of regulations, however, nowadays states have created special laws for protecting both Uber passengers and Uber employees.

Needless to say, being in an accident with an Uber is no longer a rare occurrence. There are so many Uber cars on the streets, that the probability of being in an accident with them is not negligible anymore.

Making a Claim after Being in an Uber Accident

Making a claim towards Uber’s insurance company can be smooth, or it can be very complicated, depending on the circumstances of the accident, and what your role was in it. If you were a passenger in an Uber, you have the easiest case, since you generally cannot be held liable for the accident.

However, if you were a driver, either of the Uber or another vehicle involved in the accident, things get more complicated. In Missouri and other at-fault states, liability is important in establishing who needs to pay compensation to victims of the accident. 

If you have suffered physical, emotional, or property damage because of the accident, you have probably filed a claim already. 

Here are 3 types of statements that could hurt your Uber claim:

Statements That Can Be Interpreted as Admitting Fault

When you are talking to an insurance adjuster, saying something as trivial as a polite “I’m sorry” or “I apologize” can be interpreted as admitting fault. These words can hurt you even more if you agreed to give a recorded statement, which you are not really required to. 

Statements About Your Health and Recovery

Insurance companies have the right to know about your health since they are supposed to pay for your treatment, but extra information is not needed and can hurt your claim. One of the tactics used by insurers is to blame your injuries on a pre-existing injury or condition you may have. Don’t give insurers access to all your medical history, and be concise when describing your health issues. 

Exaggerating your pain or symptoms might be tempting when you want to get more out of your insurance claim, but don’t do it. This is insurance fraud and can give the company the right to deny your claim. Also, don’t minimize your pain, as insurers will give you less. Be honest.

Presumptions and Opinions

Keeping communication with Uber’s insurance company very clear and accurate is very important for your claim. Especially when the circumstances of your accident are not so clear, restrain yourself from making assumptions or expressing your opinion, as it can be used against you during the claim. Let evidence talk and, most importantly, speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer that has experience handling ridesharing accident claims. 

Speak With an Experienced St. Louis Uber Accident Attorney

Having an experienced St. Louis Uber car accident lawyer by your side will keep you from making the above-mentioned mistakes. If you have been involved in an Uber accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with an experienced attorney.