When you are involved in a rideshare accident, you must act quickly. Take photos or video footage and collect witness statements. After ensuring everyone’s safety, report the accident to your driver’s rideshare company through their app or customer support. This will allow you to tap into their liability coverage if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or if your injuries are severe.
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Seek Medical Attention
The last thing you want to do is delay seeking treatment for your injuries. Any delay will tell the insurance company that you weren’t seriously hurt, which can reduce your monetary damages. Seek medical attention the same day or within 48 hours of the crash, and visit a doctor if you are not already doing so. While at it, be sure to obtain contact information from any witnesses. Witness testimony may be essential to prove your case if the rideshare driver denies liability or disputes how much you should receive for your losses. After a car accident, it is highly advisable to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Also, filing a lawsuit after a rideshare accident is essential. The statute of limitations varies from state to state, and delaying legal action may negatively affect your ability to recover compensation for expenses incurred due to the accident. An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help you hold accountable any negligent drivers.
File a Police Report
If you are in an accident with a rideshare driver, you must first call 911. Then, make sure you get prompt medical treatment for your injuries. It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the accident in detail. This can be helpful if you have to explain your side of the story to an insurance adjuster or in court. Uber and Lyft require drivers and passengers to report accidents through their apps. If you do so, Uber may contact you for a statement about the incident. It is best to speak to a rideshare accident lawyer before you talk to the company’s insurance representatives. Rideshare drivers must have personal auto insurance policies that meet minimum state coverage requirements. However, Uber and Lyft provide additional insurance coverage while drivers are online or on a trip. A car accident lawyer can help you determine who is responsible for your injuries and losses and how to file a claim.
Gather Evidence
After the crash, collecting information from all parties involved is essential. This includes the Uber or Lyft driver, any passengers, and eyewitnesses. You should also request copies of police accident reports and medical bills. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may need to pursue compensation from multiple parties. In some cases, you can file a claim against the rideshare company itself, as most states require them to carry specific insurance coverage for this type of incident. However, you cannot sue them for negligence because Uber and Lyft drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. You can, however, seek damages from the company’s insurance providers, which typically post their general policy limits online. An experienced car accident lawyer could help you negotiate with these companies and maximize your chances of a fair settlement. They might even be able to help you recover additional compensation from uninsured or underinsured drivers. This is especially important if you have severe injuries and significant property damage.
Contact an Attorney
Regarding rideshare accidents, the process can be more complicated than a typical motor vehicle accident. If you have questions about Uber’s insurance coverage or how to file a claim, an experienced attorney can help. An Uber accident lawyer can review the police report and any crash footage. They can also collect your medical bills and documentation of other expenses related to the incident. Keeping hold of the documents demonstrating the seriousness of your injuries and losses is crucial, as these can help ensure you receive a reasonable compensation settlement. Uber and Lyft require their drivers to report any accidents while on a current ride or waiting for a customer.