Rideshare Accidents

Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident:

1. Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Check for Injuries: After the accident, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.
Seek Medical Help: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get a medical evaluation since some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Prioritize Health: Keep records of all medical treatment, including any visits to doctors, emergency rooms, and follow-up treatments.

2. Call the Police and File a Report

Report the Accident: Regardless of the severity, call the police and have them come to the scene to file an official report. This report will be essential for any claims you file.
Provide Accurate Information: When giving your statement to the police, stick to the facts. Avoid making assumptions or admitting fault, as liability is often complex in rideshare accidents.
Request a Copy of the Report: Make sure to get a copy of the police report as it will be critical for your case.

3. Document the Accident Scene

Take Photos: Photograph the scene of the accident, including all vehicles involved, the rideshare vehicle, road conditions, weather conditions, and any visible injuries. Capture any damage to the vehicles and relevant signage or traffic signals.
Collect Information: Write down the rideshare driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details, as well as the make and model of the vehicle. If another driver was involved, collect their information as well.
Get Witness Contact Info: If there were witnesses, get their contact details and ask if they are willing to provide statements to support your claim.

4. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

Use the App to Report: Both Uber and Lyft have accident reporting systems within their apps. Make sure to report the incident as soon as possible and keep copies of all communications with the company.
Do Not Admit Fault: When communicating with the rideshare company or the driver, avoid admitting fault or discussing specifics about the accident until you’ve consulted with an attorney.

5. Notify Your Own Insurance Company

Report the Accident to Your Insurer: Even if you were a passenger, it’s important to inform your own insurance company about the accident. Stick to the facts and let them know that you were in a rideshare vehicle at the time of the incident.

6. Keep Detailed Records

Medical Records: Keep copies of all medical bills, doctor’s notes, and any physical therapy or prescriptions related to your injuries.
Lost Wages: If you miss work due to your injuries, document any lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
Other Expenses: Track all out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as transportation to medical appointments or home care needs.

7. Avoid Discussing the Accident

Be Careful What You Say: Do not make statements to insurance adjusters or the rideshare company without first consulting with a personal injury attorney. Anything you say could be used against you when determining liability or compensation.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accidents can involve multiple parties, complex insurance policies, and unique legal challenges. Here’s why it’s important to work with a personal injury attorney:

1. Understanding Complex Insurance Policies

Rideshare Insurance Coverage: Uber and Lyft drivers have varying insurance coverage depending on the status of their trip. For example, coverage differs depending on whether the driver was logged into the app, waiting for a ride request, or actively transporting a passenger. An attorney can determine which insurance policy applies and how much coverage is available.
Multiple Insurance Companies Involved: Rideshare accidents often involve the driver’s personal insurance, the rideshare company’s insurance, and potentially other drivers’ insurance. An attorney will sort through these layers and negotiate with the various insurers on your behalf.

2. Establishing Liability

Proving Fault: Determining fault in a rideshare accident can be complex, especially if multiple vehicles are involved. A personal injury attorney will gather evidence, review police reports, witness statements, and possibly consult accident reconstruction experts to establish who was at fault.
Dealing with Shared Liability: In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for the accident. Your attorney will work to ensure that each party is held accountable and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

3. Maximizing Compensation

Medical Bills & Future Care: An attorney will ensure that your medical bills, including any future treatments or rehabilitation, are included in your claim.
Lost Wages & Diminished Earning Capacity: If you’ve been unable to work due to the accident, your attorney will help recover lost wages and account for any future loss of earning potential.
Pain and Suffering: Attorneys can calculate compensation for your physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Property Damage (if applicable): If your vehicle or personal property was damaged, your attorney will help you recover the costs of repair or replacement.

4. Navigating Rideshare Company Tactics

Rideshare Company Legal Teams: Uber and Lyft often have teams of attorneys working to minimize the amount of compensation they pay out. Your personal injury attorney will advocate on your behalf and protect you from accepting lowball settlement offers.
Avoiding Common Mistakes: An experienced attorney will guide you through the legal process and help you avoid pitfalls such as making statements to insurance companies that could be used to reduce your claim.

5. Litigation, if Necessary

Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations do not result in fair compensation, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit and take the case to court. An experienced attorney will present your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Meeting Legal Deadlines: Personal injury claims must be filed within a specific statute of limitations. Your attorney will ensure that all paperwork is filed on time and that your claim is protected.

After a rideshare accident, it’s important to act quickly and take the right steps to protect your health, legal rights, and financial recovery. Consulting a personal injury attorney early in the process ensures that you navigate the complexities of insurance coverage, liability, and legal proceedings with the best chance of securing full compensation for your injuries and damages.