Rideshare: Steps to take if you are injured in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident
The presence of Uber and Lyft riders is rapidly increasing on our roads. And with such an increase comes the risk of an accident, which is also prevalent among individuals traveling in their vehicles.
When it comes to car accidents, rideshare vehicles aren’t spared. In fact, according to statistics, nearly 1,000 daily car accident deaths are a result of the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road. Another stat indicates that Uber vehicles were involved In 97 fatal crashes between 2017 and 2018, reducing in 107 deaths.
If you are a frequent user of any rideshare vehicles, it’s best you know what to do should your ride get involved in an accident. It doesn’t matter if you sustained minor or severe injuries; knowing the next step to take will ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
- Call 911
After a rideshare accident, what do you do? Do you hop in another vehicle and zoom away? Do you assault the driver because it was his fault? Or do you simply stand there and wait for help?
If you get involved in a rideshare accident, the first thing to do is call the police to the scene so they can make a report which will come in handy later. After calling the police, don’t zoom off. Instead, remain at the scene with the Lyft or Uber driver so you talk to the police and answer any questions they may have.
In addition to questioning you and the Uber driver, the police will question witnesses regarding the accident to understand what happened and why. They will also carry out an on-the-spot investigation to determine the at-fault party and document their conclusion in the report.
- Collect Everyone’s Contact Details
Who was involved in the Uber accident? Was it just you and the Uber driver? Or are there other parties?
If your Uber driver collided with a Minivan while trying to overtake, ensure you collect the number of your Uber driver, the other driver involved, and other passengers. You’ll need the contact information of all involved parties to determine who is at fault. Determining the at-fault party is crucial to your case.
- Report the Accident
After calling the police and collecting the contact information of all involved parties, do you call it a day? Certainly not! You’ll need to report the accident to important entities:
- Uber (so they can report it to their insurance company)
- The other driver’s insurance company
- Your insurance company
Don’t wait for a month before making these reports. Time is of the essence when it comes to accidents. So ensure you make the reports immediately in case any of these insurance coverages apply. Reporting the incident late to your insurance company or Uber can hinder your chances of getting compensated for the ensuing damages and losses.
- Contact an Accident Lawyer
Rideshare accidents can be very complex if certain things don’t go as expected. If Uber isn’t complying, the at-fault driver doesn’t want to take responsibility for the accident, or if you are confused about what to do, it’s best you call a rideshare accident lawyer for help. Your lawyer will point you in the right direction so you can get the most out of your claim.
- Document the Accident
You’ll need evidence to prove that the accident really happened and you were injured. To get the evidence you need, you’ll have to don your Sherlock Holmes hat.
Take vital photographs and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Write down what happened like you are making your police report. If you sustained injuries and were treated, ensure you retain the medical treatment record.
- Treat your Injuries
Visit a hospital for a medical checkup immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident. Don’t ignore a visit to the hospital even if you don’t see physical signs of injuries. You never can tell; you might have ruptured a muscle or organ or broken a bone.
A medical checkup will bring the slightest of injuries to your attention. Failing to visit the hospital after a Uber or Lyft accident will put your health and compensation at risk. The insurance company may use the opportunity to claim that your injuries were sustained after the accident.
Conclusion
Car crashes involving rideshare aren’t similar to car crashes involving your vehicle. While you may know what to do should the latter occur, you may be confused about the right step to take if your Uber or Lyft gets involved in a crash. First off, don’t panic too much. Instead, call the police and ensure you get your injuries treated asap.
