Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft have become extremely popular. They provide a much-needed service that allows you to get to your destination without dealing with the hassles of driving and parking. While rideshare services are often considered safe, accidents do happen. With more and more rideshare drivers on the road, it is possible that you might be a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle when an accident occurs. If you were hurt in a rideshare accident it is important to know what to do following the crash.
What to do After a Rideshare Accident
The first thing to do following an Uber or Lyft accident is to make sure the driver stops at the scene. Unfortunately, some rideshare drivers would prefer to avoid the problems associated with an accident and may not want to stop, even if the accident was more than minor. It is important to document the crash with an accident report. When a driver does stop, he or she may not want to file a police report. That is because reporting an accident could impact the driver’s ability to continue working for rideshare companies.
Exit the vehicle and stand safely on the side of the road while you wait for the police and ambulance to arrive. Obtain the name and information of your Uber driver and write down the license plate number or snap a quick photo. Provide a witness statement to the police so it is included in the report.
Seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you are not feeling extreme pain at the moment, you might be seriously hurt. Get checked out by a doctor or visit the emergency room to have your injuries diagnosed and treated. Contact Uber to report the accident. The Uber driver may not report it to Uber so you should always make sure that Uber knows about the accident as soon as possible. They have all of the records regarding your trip so they can handle the situation internally.
Who Should Pay for My Medical Expenses?
As with any accident, the negligent driver is responsible for the resulting damages. Various factors are used by the insurance company to determine fault, such as the police report, witness statements, review of damages, and more. Sometimes more than one driver could be partly to blame for the crash.
Uber drivers are covered by Uber liability insurance when they are available for rides and when they are on a trip. This is the primary insurance that will be used if a claim is needed. The driver’s personal insurance policy may also come into play.
Get An Uber Lawyer
Rideshare claims can be extremely complicated and difficult to resolve. You may need help from an experienced personal injury attorney. If you have been involved in a rideshare accident contact our legal team today.