Uber or Lyft Accident

When it comes to Uber or Lyft accidents, there are many gray areas. As victims of these collisions, this is especially frustrating, considering that there are over 16,000 car accidents on the road every day and that rideshares are no exception to them.

That means that passengers in Ubers or Lyfts or fellow motorists have high odds of being involved in a crash. After an accident, there are important steps to take in order to receive compensation for damages. Here is everything you need to know after a rideshare accident.

At the Scene of the Accident

At the scene of the Uber or Lyft accident, there are some important first steps to take before doing anything else. First, immediately make sure that you are okay. Then, you can check on other passengers, the rideshare driver, and any other involved parties (pedestrians, bicyclists, other drivers).

Next, get to a safe place and away from traffic. Unless you must, do not attempt to move anyone else. You do not want to worsen injuries or run the risk of endangering someone else.

Then, call 911. Request emergency services like the police and medics. Even if you’re unsure if it’s necessary to call the authorities, do so anyway. They can help deescalate the situation and provide medical attention.

Sometimes, victims do not realize they sustained major injuries until too much time has passed. Medical professionals can properly assess and treat any potential wounds. Once the police arrive on the scene, tell them exactly what happened. Make sure to not embellish your recount of the accident. Just state the facts as accurately as possible. Additionally, do not admit fault. 

For instance, if you were in the other car that was hit by the Uber or Lyft driver after you slammed on your brakes because a person was jaywalking, do not assume that you were in the wrong. The pedestrian should not have been crossing the street illegally. The rideshare driver may have been tailgating too close to your car. Until all the facts are laid out, it cannot accurately be determined what caused the collision. Therefore, do not take the blame. 

Other Helpful Steps

1. Take Notes

The police will create a report summarizing what happened. However, take extra precautions by documenting the Uber or Lyft accident. Naturally, we tend to forget details, especially after traumatizing experiences. Therefore, log this information as soon as possible, either on your phone or by writing it down.

Your accord must remain consistent through any legal proceedings, so the last thing you want is for your story to change. Log details like:

• Date
• Time
• Location – street names and intersections
• Road conditions
• Weather
• Names of all parties involved
• Any information that you shared
• Anything that was said by the other people involved 

2. Exchange Information

Exchange your information with the other party. This includes your names, license plate numbers, and insurance information. This is a critical step, so make sure you aren’t relying on the police to collect all of the important details. Mistakes and errors do happen, so you need to be prepared for this. 

3. Take Photos and Videos

Take photos and videos at the scene of the accident. Be sure to include the wreck and your injuries. If you have a dashcam, you need to save the footage of the Uber or Lyft accident immediately for your own protection. False claims are made all the time by parties at fault, so having direct evidence will help you with any insurance or legal trouble. 

After an Uber or Lyft Accident

Once you’re away from the scene, make sure you have all relevant information and resources available to you. Next, you need to prepare for the aftermath of the Uber or Lyft accident. 

1. Get Medical Help

The first step after you leave the accident scene is to get medical attention. Even if your injuries do not appear major, only a doctor can sign off. If you don’t experience anything concerning on-site and you wake up the next day feeling a lot of stiffness or soreness, definitely see a doctor. It’s best to get cleared for peace of mind if nothing else. 

Your insurance provider should be able to reimburse you for any medical costs associated with the accident. However, this process does not always go over too smoothly, so it’s wise to hold off notifying them right away. We’ll discuss what to do instead. 

2. Get Legal Assistance

The only way to ensure that you are properly compensated after an Uber or Lyft accident is to get the right legal assistance. You need an attorney who has successful experience with rideshare accident cases, as they are handled differently from other car accidents. This will ensure the most desirable outcome for your circumstances and take away a lot of the headaches that come after an accident.

In addition, your attorney will make sure your insurance and the responsible party’s insurance do not shortchange you. As a victim of an accident, you deserve maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and any other suffering caused by the collision. 

3. Notify Your Insurance

Be aware that some states do require that you report all car accidents. This will vary depending on the state, but at some point, you may need to notify your auto insurance. However, under no circumstances should you accept an under-the-table offer from the Uber or Lyft driver. In relation, do not accept any offers from the rideshare’s insurance before consulting with an attorney.

Only your car accident lawyer can confirm if the settlement offer is reasonable or too low. When initial insurance offers are first submitted, future pain and suffering are typically not taken into account. This leaves victims cheated out of receiving fair compensation.

4. File a Claim With Uber/Lyft

Uber and Lyft both have insurance providers for these accidents. However, as previously stated, there are a lot of gray areas. Coverage and payouts from the rideshare company will vary based on whether or not the Uber or Lyft accident occurred while the driver was technically on the clock. 

Occasionally, the liable driver’s personal auto insurance will be responsible to cover damages. In other cases, both the driver and rideshare company’s insurance are responsible. Because of these stipulations, you will need experienced legal help. Your rideshare accident lawyer will know all of the factors and requirements to file a successful claim. 

Get the Best Outcome

If you were in an Uber or Lyft accident, seek the best legal representation. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, our team has years of experience helping rideshare accident victims receive the compensation that is rightfully owed to them. Please, call us today to schedule your free, no-risk consultation.