What Happens If You Are a Passenger in an Uber Crash?

The popularity of Uber and other such services has increased the incidence of rideshare accidents in Victoria, Australia, and the world as a whole. We have received multiple enquiries from passengers who were injured when their rideshare vehicle was involved in a crash.

Uber is the most popular ride-sharing app in Australia, chosen by 90% of customers. No matter what rideshare service you prefer, it is important to know what rights you have if you are injured in an accident.

Henry Carus + Associates are on the leading edge of personal injury law. Motor vehicle accidents make up a substantial portion of our practice, and we are well-versed in the impact new technology and modes of transport can have on people’s safety.

Call 03 9001 1318 today for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Henry Carus + Associates represent the victims of rideshare accidents in Melbourne and all of VIC.

What to Do If You Are in Rideshare Accident

The steps you should take after being in a rideshare crash are similar to what you’d do if you were a passenger in a standard motor vehicle accident:

1. Check yourself for injuries.
2. Dial 000 if you or anyone else is injured.
3. Receive medical care for your injuries at the scene. You may need to be taken to hospital for further assessment or treatment.
4. Get the information for all drivers involved in the crash, including names, contact details, and vehicle registration numbers.
5. Make sure you get the rideshare driver’s compulsory third party (CTP) insurance information and confirm that the driver is the person listed on the app.
6. Take photos of the accident scene and surrounding area.
7. Speak to any witnesses in the area and ask for their contact details.
8. Provide a statement to the police. If the police do not attend the scene, you will need to report the accident to the local police station.
9. Report the accident to the rideshare service. For example, Uber provides an online reporting option.
10. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible. A knowledgeable accident lawyer can help you lodge a claim for your injuries.

Injured in a rideshare accident? Contact Henry Carus + Associates straight away.

What Causes Rideshare Accidents?

Careless actions and behaviours that lead to road accidents are often amplified amongst rideshare drivers. Some of the most common ways rideshare drivers put their passengers at risk include:

• Drowsy driving: The more fares they pick up, the more money rideshare drivers make. Unfortunately, long periods of driving without rest or breaks cause a decline in focus, reaction time, and judgement. We’ve even had clients contact us after being injured when their Uber driver fell asleep at the wheel.
• Inexperience: You only need to be 21 years old to drive an Uber in VIC. Lack of experience behind the wheel combined with the high pressures of rideshare driving make a crash much more likely. Travelling unfamiliar roads is also risky, as even experienced drivers are more likely to make mistakes when they don’t know the area. 
• Distracted driving: Ride-sharing is usually booked through apps. This means drivers may be looking at their phones while driving—a distraction that is highly likely to lead to an accident.
• Reckless and aggressive driving: Speeding is common amongst rideshare drivers, as it allows them to get passengers to their destination faster. Unlawful manoeuvres are not uncommon either, such as tailgating, sudden lane changes, disregarding traffic signs, etc.
• Impairment: Rideshare services are often considered an asset in the fight against drunk driving. It is unthinkable, then, that a rideshare driver would pick up passengers while drunk or under the influence of drugs. This situation does occur, however, and the consequences can be disastrous.

Of course, not all rideshare accidents are the fault of the rideshare driver. Prompt investigation is essential for determining who is responsible and obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.

Does Uber Cover Crashes?

Uber and other rideshare drivers in Australia are required to have compulsory third party (CTP) insurance. CTP insurance covers injuries or deaths that occur in an accident involving the driver’s vehicle.

In Victoria, compulsory third party insurance is provided by the TAC. The owner of a vehicle registered in the state obtains CTP cover when they pay the transport accident charge.

Rideshare companies also have contingent liability insurance that can supplement shortfalls in a driver’s CTP cover. Depending on the circumstances, you may have claims against the rideshare driver as well as the rideshare service.

Claiming Compensation for Rideshare Accidents

Motor vehicle passengers in Victoria are entitled to compensation from the TAC for injuries suffered in car accidents. This includes rideshare passengers, whose injuries are covered by the driver’s CTP insurance.

Your entitlements may include:

• Payment of medical and like services
• Income support payments
• Assistance with return-to-work
• Lump sum payment for permanent impairment
• Common law damages, including loss of earnings and pain and suffering

The rideshare company itself may also be held liable for injuries in rideshare accidents. A knowledgeable road accident lawyer can review the available insurance cover, manage your claim(s), and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Was Your Uber in a Crash?

Passengers have many choices for rideshare apps, including Uber, Lyft, Ola, and DiDi. No matter which one’s your favourite, it is important to know where you can turn in the aftermath of an accident.

Henry Carus + Associates have unsurpassed knowledge of the TAC legislation. Our abilities are such that we offer all clients of the TAC a Medical + Like Services Guarantee. This one-of-a-kind service unique to our firm ensures that you get needed benefits for medical care and support services at absolutely no charge.

Fittingly for our philosophy of You Deserve More, we also excel in common law claims. If you were seriously injured due to the negligence of the rideshare driver, another motorist, or even the rideshare company, our lawyers will aggressively pursue all of the compensation you deserve.

Contact Henry Carus + Associates Today

Victims of rideshare accidents need specialised legal counsel to obtain maximum benefits and additional compensation. For expert assistance with your motor vehicle accident claim, call 03 9001 1318 today.