Rideshare companies are incredibly convenient. Their affordability and accessibility make them more beneficial than cab companies for many people. But what happens if you’re involved in an accident while using a ride-hailing service? It’s important to know how to protect your rights.
Some estimates speculate that Uber completes as many as 15 million rides per day. This leads to thousands of people being involved in rideshare accidents every year. While ride-sharing is a convenience for many, its structure and insurance policies can make getting compensated for injuries challenging.
That’s why Agruss Law Firm’s rideshare accident law specialists suggest being aware of the steps you can take to protect yourself after an Uber accident. In the immediate wake of your accident, the decisions you make can affect your long-term health and your ability to recover compensation.
Steps To Take After A Rideshare Accident
Being in an accident can be terrifying. This can be especially true when you’re not driving. You may have unanswered questions like who’s liable for your injuries. Personal injury law professionals suggest you take the following precautions after your rideshare accident:
- Call the police to report the accident
- Get treatment for your injuries
- Get contact, vehicle, and license information from all drivers involved
- Get your driver’s rideshare insurance information and personal policy information
- Wait at the scene until police arrive
- Make sure the accident report states you were a passenger in the vehicle during the accident
- Take photos of the accident scene
- Take screenshots of your ride-share app to show you were a passenger
- Collect contact information from any eye-witnesses at the scene
The injuries you suffer after a Lyft accident may not appear immediately. Sometimes, you may experience accident-related injury symptoms hours or days after your incident. Personal injury specialists recommend seeking medical care within the first day of your crash to protect your legal right to compensation, even if you aren’t experiencing any pain yet. Calling a rideshare accident attorney may also prove beneficial.
Uber Accident Negotiations
Uber accidents are more complicated because there are several parties involved. There’s the driver, other negligent third parties, and insurance companies. Each of these parties may try to negate fault by blaming the other. Having a car accident injury lawyer to sift through the muck could help you come out of your accident unfazed.
If the Uber driver is at fault, determining who is liable for damages will depend on if they were using the Uber app at the time of the crash. Uber accident specialists recommend working with a personal injury attorney to determine who is at fault. They can handle all discussions with other parties and insurance companies to protect you from insurance companies driving down the value of your Uber accident case.
Contacting Insurance Companies
Uber accident specialists recommend contacting your insurer as soon as possible after an accident. However, it’s important not to talk to insurance adjusters about the accident or your injuries. If you’re contacted by an insurance adjuster, inform them your attorney will contact them, and politely end the conversation. What you say can be used against you.
If the Uber driver’s app was off, their personal insurer will have to pay. When their app is on and they were waiting for a ride request, were on the way to pick you up, or giving you a ride, then Uber’s accident policy kicks in.
Uber’s policy may also cover drivers and passengers when the at-fault party is uninsured or under-insured. In that case, you and your legal representation can bring a claim against Uber’s accident policy.
When an Uber driver is at-fault, you may have a claim against the rideshare company. These rules are convoluted because Uber drivers are independent contractors, operating their personal vehicles. A car accident attorney can help you establish your claim and fight for compensation for medical costs and other accident-related damages.
Uber Accident Injury Professionals
If you sustained injuries in an Uber accident, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney with knowledge of rideshare accidents. Rideshare injury accident specialists can preserve your right to compensation when Uber’s insurance company denies your accident claim or offers you a low settlement.
Protect yourself and the rights of your family by working with an Uber accident law specialist. These legal professionals can fight for you in court, advocate on your behalf, and ensure that you’re on the right path after your accident.
