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This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice.
Right after a rideshare accident, you have to act quickly to take legal steps, such as calling 911 to report the accident to the police, getting medical attention, and exchanging contact information with every driver involved.
You may be confused and jarred, not knowing what to do. That’s what most accident victims feel after an accident, but you still need to contact the rideshare company and take photos and videos of your injuries and the accident scene.
When you calm down, you need to contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in rideshare accidents, such as the Monge & Associates rideshare lawyers, who have handled similar cases.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Once you get out of the vehicle, go to a safe place and check for injuries. Contact 911 so that local law enforcement can respond to the accident. The police create a record of information about the accident, including their observations on how they think it happened.
When you talk to the police, be careful what you say. Only tell the police what they need to know. Avoid vague or conflicting answers that may be used against you later.
A police record serves as evidence, so make sure you obtain a copy to include as evidence for your claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel you’re completely fine, seek medical attention right away.
Adrenaline can prevent accident victims from feeling any pain. This can be dangerous if have serious internal injuries that require immediate medical attention.
Medical records serve as important evidence for an accident claim, which is another important reason why you should seek immediate medical attention. These records can show the severity of your injuries and the cost of medical care.
Exchange Contact Information with Everyone Involved
If it’s possible, exchange information with your rideshare driver and the other driver who hit the rideshare vehicle. Be sure to:
- Collect the names, contacts, and insurance details of all the drivers.
- Check if the rideshare driver was logged in on the app while driving. If the driver was logged in, you can be covered by the rideshare company’s insurance policy.
- If there is any witness, exchange contact information with them, as they can provide crucial evidence.
Document the Accident Scene
As soon as you calm yourself down, take photos and videos of your injuries, the damaged vehicles, and the accident scene, like any marks or hazards on the road.
Later, this evidence can play a crucial role in determining who’s at fault and how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Contact the Rideshare Company
If you were in an Uber or Lyft, contact them through the application to let them know you were in an accident while riding. If the driver was logged in, Uber or Lyft is responsible for covering your damages, offering up to $1 million.
Tell them exactly what happened and everything you know. Refrain from saying anything that makes them suspect you had liability in the accident. Provide neutral answers about the accident.
If the driver wasn’t logged in, the driver’s insurance will cover your damages.
Should I Consult a Rideshare Lawyer After an Accident?
Even after following every legal step, you may still be unaware of all the legalities involved.
A lawyer can instruct you on what you can do next. They ensure your rights stay protected and analyze how much compensation you may actually be entitled to.
If the other driver is at fault for the accident instead of the rideshare driver, the lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to secure your compensation.
Key Takeaways
- Call 911 and tell the police what happened without being vague or saying something that can be used against you.
- Even if you feel okay, you have to seek prompt medical help to create a medical record as part of your evidence.
- Exchange contact information with all drivers involved and potential witnesses at the accident scene.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries to serve as evidence.
- Notifying the rideshare company is important because if your driver was logged in while driving, the company is responsible for covering your damages.
- Consult a rideshare accident lawyer who will help you every step of the way.
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