Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have exploded in popularity because they’re easier to order than regular taxis and often cheaper. Although the exact figures are unclear, it’s estimated that there are more than two million drivers working between these companies in the US, and most of them operate without any incidents at all. However, as with any other vehicle, Uber and Lyft drivers can be involved in accidents, so we’ve written a guide to tell you what happens next.
Safety First and Incident Reporting
After the initial impact, the severity of your injuries will determine what to do next. If you’re able to, exit the vehicle and find a safe place away from the road. However, if your injuries are too severe, stay where you are and wait for the emergency services to arrive.
If you can get away from the road, call 911 and let them know about the auto collision. They will speak to you about your experience when they arrive, so be as detailed as possible about what happened. After they tell you it’s safe to leave, note the incident number because our expert rideshare accident lawyer will use it to successfully put together a compensation claim.
Gather Information
Winning a compensation claim for an Uber or Lyft auto accident requires substantial evidence to prove liability on behalf of the driver. Therefore, while you’re waiting for the police or before they arrive, speak to potential witnesses and begin gathering vital evidence including pictures and videos of the scene.
Since you were a passenger in a Lyft or Uber, you have to collect the following information either at the scene or by contacting the police and quoting the incident number:
- Name of driver
- Car registration and model
- Policy numbers for insurance
- Contact details
- License number
Have a Medical Assessment
Part of the evidence for your claim comes from injuries sustained during the Uber of Lyft accident, but you must prove the injuries came from the collision. Even if you were looked over at the scene by a first responder, visit an emergency room and receive a full medical assessment. It doesn’t matter how irrelevant your injuries may appear; a medical assessment is essential.
In some cases, your injuries may not appear in a medical assessment immediately. If this happens, make a note of the time the pain started and go straight back to the emergency room, where you will have tests to prove the injuries came from the collision.
Once we’ve appointed you an Uber Lyft accident attorney, they will need to see evidence of your medical assessment, so remember to collect your medical records.
Depending on how serious your injuries are, the length of time to recover could take anywhere from weeks to years, or there will never be a full recovery plan. The statute of limitations for auto accident claims is two years, which is plenty of time for you to crucial details. Keep a daily journal to record your injuries, any financial losses, and other pain and suffering.
Reporting to Uber or Lyft
Drivers for companies like Uber and Lyft provide a service to the public, meaning any passengers are covered by business liability insurance. If your driver was responsible for the collision but they don’t have appropriate insurance in place, Uber or Lyft will activate to cover the cost of compensation. This extensive policy accounts for:
- $50K per person for body injuries
- $100K per accident for body injuries
- $25k per accident for property damage
When you report the incident to Lyft or Uber, you have to act with haste. If you wait too long, you will likely arm them with enough ammunition to deny paying out.
Dealing Insurance Companies
Many people don’t feel as though it’s necessary to contact their insurance provider following a Lyft or Uber accident. After all, it’s not as though you were driving, and it wasn’t even your vehicle. However, some policies have enough reach to cover medical and property damage expenses, and that’s regardless of the vehicle you were injured in.
Claiming Compensation
Injuries suffered during an Uber or Lyft accident can have devastating consequences, from being out of work to experiencing relationship strain. This is unacceptable, which is why you’re eligible to claim compensation to cover these damages.
There are countless legal obstacles to overcome when filing a lawsuit, but we assure you the effort is well worth the reward. Not only do you get to live without worrying about the financial ramifications, but you also get to see that the driver responsible for the accident is held accountable before they can injure someone else.
In California and many other states, there’s a two-year statute of limitations on auto accident compensation claims, which is why you should contact us for a consultation as soon as you’re able to.
Hire an Auto Accident Attorney
Businesses like Lyft and Uber have a series of policies, insurances, and legalities in place to make it difficult for accident victims to successfully claim compensation; many people either don’t receive compensation or are offered an unacceptable settlement.
We understand how traumatic an auto accident can be, especially when it wasn’t your fault, which is why we will stand up for you and eliminate all of the legal roadblocks to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Even though there are plenty of law firms out there, our personal injury law firm adopts a no-win no-fee policy and has recovered more than $150 million on behalf of our clients. You’re more than just another case number here; we spend time getting to know you and your personal circumstances, which is why our success rate is so high.
Being caught up in an auto accident can be traumatizing, but being in a Lyft or Uber makes it so much more so. To be paid suitable compensation, you have to seek out irrefutable evidence that the rideshare driver was negligent. Luckily, our accident injury lawyers can take this responsibility away by acting on your behalf.
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, contact our legal team at What’s My Case Worth.
