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What Should I Do After a Car Accident in an Uber or Lyft?

December 14, 2022

Category
: Car Accidents

lyft or uber car accident

Rideshare services are a fantastic tool to get around quickly and conveniently. Just like any other time you drive, accidents can occur when you’re in an Uber or Lyft. If you’re part of a car accident during a rideshare, you might not immediately know how to navigate the process. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. 

What To Do After a Car Accident in an Uber or Lyft

Even the most experienced drivers can have car accidents. If you get into a car accident during a rideshare, don’t panic; take care of yourself and follow the steps below.

Call the Police

The first step during any automobile accident is to call the police. You have several days to file a police report, but it’s best for everyone’s safety and benefit to call the police immediately. Police officers will do their best to keep everyone calm and ensure you gather all the necessary information from the parties involved. They’ll also help direct traffic to maneuver around vehicles and debris – if necessary. 

Take Pictures

Do your best to take high-quality pictures and videos of the scene on your phone. Take photos and videos of any vehicle involved in the accident and the surrounding area. Be sure to record any relevant traffic signs or signals or skidmarks that could assist in determining the fault for the crash. You also may want to photograph every license plate involved. 

Get the Other Driver’s Information

Ask all of the drivers involved for their personal information. You’ll need their license plate number, driver’s registration, and auto insurance information. Taking a photo of this documentation is always a good idea, so you don’t have to worry about making any errors when writing it down. 

Talk With the Police

When the police arrive at the scene of the car accident in an Uber or Lyft, answer any questions they have and do your best to calmly and accurately tell them what happened. If you believe any driver involved is intoxicated, it’s important to relay this to the police so they can conduct the proper testing. 

Also, tell the officers any pain you’re experiencing so it can be documented in the report. Police can play a crucial role in the overall success of your claim, so it’s vital to cooperate with them.

Get Medical Attention

You must immediately seek medical attention if you are injured during the accident. Your health and safety are always the number one concern. Even if you don’t believe you’re seriously injured, it’s always best to be evaluated by a doctor just to be sure. 

Plus, many injuries, such as soft tissue injuries or specific spinal cord and brain injuries, aren’t immediately apparent. So if you aren’t evaluated but later complain of pain,, the insurance company may claim that your injuries aren’t a result of the accident. 

Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

If you get into a car accident during a rideshare, you should make a report to Uber or Lyft or another rideshare company using the claims forms found on their website and app. They’ll reach out to everyone involved and gather any necessary information. It’s important to know that all rides on Uber are insured. Their claims support team will guide you through the claims process and crash reporting to the insurance coverage provider in your state. There typically is no need to report to your personal insurance company.

Can I File an Accident Claim Against a Rideshare Company?

If you’re a victim of a car accident in an Uber or Lyft, you might be able to receive compensation in a number of ways, depending on the circumstances of your crash. Uber has a mandatory insurance policy that covers all victims of accidents that occur when the Uber driver has the app open on their phone, so you could be compensated for your injuries and financial losses if the Uber driver is deemed to be at fault for the accident.

Contact an Experienced Lawyer

After an accident in an Uber or Lyft, you shouldn’t have to worry about how you will be able to afford your medical bills or keep up with expenses while you’re out of work. You need to focus on healing.

If you’ve experienced an accident in an Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare service, the experienced attorneys at Bernstein & Bernstein can represent you and fight to get you what you deserve. Give us a call today to get started.

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