Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular and convenient in recent years, especially in urban areas. However, they also come with some risks and challenges, especially when it comes to accidents and injuries.
Accidents involving Uber or Lyft can be quite confusing to navigate. If you are involved in a crash while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, or if you are hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, you may be wondering how to file a claim and get compensation for your damages. After all, who do you press for damages- the driver or the company?
Luckily, a Rideshare accident lawyer can help you work on your Uber/Lyft accident claim. But before you get there, here’s a quick rundown of the steps you must take following the incident.
6 Steps to Take After an Uber or Lyft Accident
If you’ve been in an Uber or Lyft accident, you’re probably wondering how to get compensated for your losses. We’ve got answers for you.
1. Get Yourself to Safety
First things first- move yourself to a safe place. Most accidents occur in the middle of busy lanes, so getting out of the way of oncoming traffic should be a top priority to avoid further injuries.
2. Check Yourself for Injuries
If you’re injured in an accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. There’s a good reason for this. For starters, several car accident injuries (spinal issues, nerve damage, hemorrhage) may not present symptoms until days or weeks later. Receiving urgent medical care can put you on a quicker path to recovery.
That’s not all. It also helps create a medical record of your injuries, which can be crucial if you’re filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. In case you don’t see a doctor, the insurers might conclude your injuries aren’t serious enough to warrant damages.
3. Call the Authorities
In almost every state, you’re required to report a car accident to the nearest law enforcement agency. The police will come to the scene and make a report containing objective details of the accident and their own opinion on what may have happened. This report can help validate your Lyft or Uber accident claim further.
Additionally, the police can protect everyone’s legal rights and prevent false claims by the driver at fault. If you’re calling 911, be sure to tell the dispatcher if anyone’s injured so they can send paramedics.
4. Get the Rideshare Driver’s Information
As with any car accident claim, you’ll need the rideshare driver’s information to file for insurance, including their:
- Name
- Contact
- Car make and model
- License and registration
- Policy numbers
- Insurance company
The police report will already include these details, but it’s crucial to get them regardless. Your car accident lawyer should be able to tell you more in this regard.
5. Collect Witness Information and Take Photos
If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information. Their statements can be valuable in case of disputes. Also, take as many pictures of the scene as you can. Be sure to capture the vehicles’ positions, damages, and any relevant road signs/signals. The more evidence you can collect, the higher your chances of securing a favorable payout.
6. Report the Accident to Lyft or Uber
Rideshare companies often carry liability insurance for accidents caused by the drivers. So, if the driver doesn’t have insurance to cover your damages, you can fall back on Uber’s auto insurance or Lyft’s insurance policy.
- For Uber accidents, you must complete the Third-Party Incident Notice on Uber’s Safety page to report the incident.
- For Lyft accidents, go to Lyft’s Help Select Report Accident and enter your phone number. You’ll get a call from Lyft’s Accident Reporting Team.
A word of advice. Reporting an accident to Lyft or Uber is a lot like talking to an insurance adjuster- you have to be careful about what you say. Only state the basics- where the accident occurred, time of day, the vehicles involved, and the witness identities. Do not give detailed descriptions of your injuries just yet. You can elaborate on the accident and your damages when you send a demand letter after your rideshare accident lawyer’s investigation.
The Bottom Line
Car accidents can result in a ton of physical, mental, and financial trauma. Hence, it’s always a good idea to consult with a skilled lawyer to ensure you’re taking the right actions for the specific circumstances. An attorney can analyze your case, tally up damages, and fight for a rightful payout.
Author Bio: MacKenzie Bishop-Buchanan
Attorney MacKenzie Bishop-Buchanan is the principal attorney at Mahony Law. She specializes in complex personal injury cases, focusing on seeking justice for the injured. With over a decade of legal experience, MacKenzie has dedicated her career to defending her clients’ rights and helping them reclaim their lives after an injury.
