Lyft, Uber, and other rideshare companies have changed how we think about public transportation. With a simple app, you can order and pay for a ride. These apps give you a picture of the driver and the vehicle’s make, model, and license plate number to enhance rider safety and confidence.
Generally, rideshare services are a safe mode of transportation. However, rideshare vehicles are subject to the same types of accidents as all other vehicles. Negligent drivers, road conditions, defective automobiles, poorly designed roadways, and other factors can lead to rideshare car accidents.
Knowing what to do after a rideshare car accident is essential for protecting your rights. Whether you are a driver, passenger, or other party, steps to take after a rideshare accident include:
Check for Injuries
Assess whether you or someone else is injured. It is never wise to say you are okay or fine at the accident scene. You may have injuries that do not show symptoms for a few hours or days.
Report the Car Accident
Report the rideshare accident to the local police department. Calling 911 is the quickest way to report a crash and request help. Regardless of your role in the accident, do not admit fault. Stick to the facts and do not speculate about who caused the accident.
The same applies when reporting a car accident to Uber or Lyft. The apps have an emergency feature to report car crashes to the company. The information provided in the app could assist police officers during their investigation. Follow up by reporting the crash on the Lyft or Uber website.
Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene
Emergency responders will clear the accident scene, so you want to gather as much evidence as possible. If possible, you should:
- Take pictures and videos of the accident scene
- Take a screenshot of your rideshare driver’s information
- Ask eyewitnesses to provide their contact information
By gathering evidence at the accident scene, you can strengthen your case.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Do not delay seeing a doctor after a rideshare accident. Delays in medical care could complicate your injury claim.
The rideshare company may claim that the accident was not responsible for your injuries because you waited too long to see a doctor. The insurance company may allege that your delay in medical care caused your injuries to worsen (i.e., failure to mitigate damages).
You need to seek out prompt medical care to protect your health and to create detailed medical records to prove the cause of the crash and the extent of your injuries from it.
Consult a Car Accident Lawyer Near You
Rideshare companies and their insurance providers have large teams of professionals to protect them from liability for car accident claims. Because these accidents are not typical car accident cases, seeking legal advice from an experienced rideshare accident attorney is wise.
A car accident lawyer can help you.
- Thoroughly investigate the rideshare car accident to determine causation and fault
- Identify each party who could be liable for damages
- Document your damages to maximize how much your case is worth
- Gather evidence proving liability, including working with experts as needed
- Verify all sources of insurance coverage, including the coverage provided by Lyft and Uber
- Handle all matters with the rideshare companies and insurance companies
- Negotiate a fair settlement for your rideshare accident claim
- File lawsuits and take the cases to trial if necessary
There can be confusion about Uber and Lyft’s insurance coverage. The coverage is based on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. An experienced rideshare accident attorney understands these nuances and can protect your rights against large corporations and their insurance companies.
Contact an auto accident attorney today for a free consultation.
