The launch of ridesharing has led to an increase in traffic deaths.
Do you know what to do if you are involved in an accident while using a rideshare service?
What you do after an Uber or Lyft accident can make a big difference when it comes to getting the compensation you deserve. Rideshare companies never give the best advice about how to handle an accident, because they don’t want to pay for it.
Keep reading to learn more about what to do if you are involved in a rideshare accident and why you need an attorney on your side.
Stop and Assess the Situation
The first thing you should do anytime a car accident occurs is get to a safe place. Get out of the road and make sure everyone is okay.
If anyone is seriously injured, call for an ambulance. Do what you can to help any injured persons while waiting for emergency medical services.
Call the Police
Even if immediate medical attention isn’t necessary, you should still call the police.
When a police officer responds to a crash scene, they will complete a police report. This can be a critical piece of information to support your claim as it will usually say exactly what happened and who was at fault for the accident. Be sure to get a copy of the police report and provide one to your attorney.
Document the Scene
One of the most important things you can do for your claim is to document the scene of the accident. It’s important to do this as soon as possible as things can change quickly.
Use your phone to take photos of all vehicles involved. Make sure to get all angles of the vehicles. Take photos of the scene as a whole as well.
You should get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved, including your rideshare driver.
Be sure to keep copies of any documents or paperwork you receive related to the claim, including medical bills, medical records, and police reports. Take screenshots of all information related to your ride and your driver on the rideshare app.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information as well. Avoid asking them what they saw at this time as your attorney will get their statement later.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
You should never assume that your rideshare driver will report the accident. Rideshare companies don’t want to employ unsafe drivers, so drivers may be hesitant to report accidents that could cost them their jobs.
Apps like Uber and Lyft have a section where you can report unsafe behavior and traffic accidents. This is usually found in the “Trip Issues” section of the app.
Ideally, your injuries will be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy. It’s generally best to avoid talking to anyone from the rideshare company or any insurance company. Instead, direct them to your attorney.
Seek Medical Treatment
Anytime you are involved in an accident, you should be evaluated by a doctor.
Motor vehicle accidents are notorious for causing injuries that don’t show up right away. Common injuries like whiplash can take weeks to manifest.
Prompt medical treatment can help you get a head start on treating your injury and can also help you prove that you were injured in the accident. If you don’t seek treatment and allege an injury later on, the insurance company for the at-fault driver may try to deny that your injury was a result of the accident.
Contact A Personal Injury Attorney
When rideshares are involved in accidents, it can be more difficult to determine who is liable for the damages. Even if the driver of the rideshare was clearly at fault for the accident, it’s possible that the rideshare company’s insurer won’t pick up the damages. In this case, it could fall on the personal insurance of the rideshare driver.
It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to point the finger at each other to try to get out of paying claims. This is why it’s so important to have an attorney on your side. When you are represented by an attorney, they will work to get to the bottom of who is responsible for paying for your claim and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Insurance companies are also likely to take you more seriously when you have an attorney.
It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible so they can start working on your case and collecting documentation. If you were injured, seeking prompt medical treatment is imperative.
Your attorney can even help set you up with the best providers for your injuries. If you can’t afford your medical treatment while you wait for your claim to be paid, your attorney can help you find a provider that will work with you.
Were You Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you were involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, you need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Because rideshare companies are a relatively new thing, policies vary between companies, and laws vary between states, getting the compensation you deserve can be especially tricky.
We here at the Soffer Firm have your back. Our team has the experience and skill to handle your injury and accident claims.
We can help you understand your legal options with no cost or obligation to you. Click here to contact us today to schedule a free consultation.