If you have been involved in a car accident while using a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft, it is important to know what to do to properly handle the situation. Reporting the incident promptly and correctly can help ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries and damages.
In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take after getting into a rideshare crash so that you adequately report the incident that occurred while you traveled with Uber or Lyft. We will also provide information on how to find a skilled rideshare accident attorney who can help you file a claim against the party that is responsible for your damages. Read on to learn the details you need to know about correctly reporting a rideshare accident.
Contact the Authorities
The first step to take after getting into a rideshare crash is to call the authorities to come and investigate the crash. The responding officer will make a police report that details what they believe happened.
This documentation can be very useful for your claim, so it is in your best interest to make sure you get one. It is critical that you obtain the police report number from the responding officer before they leave the scene of the accident. Most of the time, police reports become available about 10 business days following the crash.
Seek Medical Attention Right Away
The next step you should take after getting into a rideshare accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible after the crash.
Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. You see, when you suffer from the shock of an intense circumstance, your body has the ability to block the pain receptors in your brain. This means that you will not be able to feel any discomfort, even if you have sustained injuries. Seeking immediate medical care following a crash can help identify any injuries that you may not feel yet, as they have not quite fully materialized.
It is important to keep in mind that if you wait too long to see a doctor, the insurance company may argue that your injuries are not related to the accident, even if you know they are. Proving that your injuries are related to the crash can be difficult if you waited too long to seek medical care after the crash, so it is best to avoid this unfortunate possibility altogether by getting checked out by a medical professional right away.
Gather Evidence from the Scene of the Accident
Before you leave to see a doctor, you will need to gather evidence from the accident scene. If possible, take photos of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicles involved in the accident. Be sure to photograph any visible physical injuries you have sustained as well.
You should also get the contact information of anyone else involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses who saw the crash occur. The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to prove that the other driver was at fault.
Even though you weren’t driving your own vehicle when the crash occurred, it is still in your best interest to take note of these identifying details, so you have the very best chances of a successful case. Remember, the more evidence you can produce to substantiate what happened, the better chance you’ll have of a favorable outcome.
Write Down Exactly What Happened for Your Own Records
Soon after the accident occurs, it is in your best interest to take note of exactly what happened. You don’t have to share this particular record with anyone, but having these details noted can be very helpful later on because you will have exactly what occurred written down while the events are still very fresh in your mind.
Seek Skilled Legal Representation
Before speaking with the insurance and rideshare companies about what happened in the crash, it is best to first speak with a skilled car accident attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. An experienced car accident attorney will be able to explain the process and next steps so that you handle the situation to the best of your ability.
Additionally, an experienced attorney will be able to explain the tactics insurance companies use to undervalue or completely devalue viable claims. With this knowledge in mind, you can make the best decisions for your case, and you can avoid saying things that seem harmless enough but can actually significantly harm the outcome of your claim.
File a Report with the Rideshare Company
Once you have gathered all of the evidence, you will need to file a report with the rideshare company. Be sure to include all of the details of the accident, including the date, time, and location. You should also include a copy of the police report if one was filed. The rideshare company will use this information to conduct an investigation into the accident.
If you were involved in a collision while traveling with Uber, you can access the details of how to report the accident with them here. If you were involved in a crash while riding with Lyft, you can access the instructions on how to report an accident with them here.
File a Claim with the Insurance Company
After you have reported the accident to the rideshare company, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company and/or the insurance company of the party responsible for the accident. Be sure to include all of the relevant evidence you gathered from the accident scene. The insurance company will use this information to determine who was at fault for the accident. If your insurance company finds that the other driver was at fault, they will likely cover the cost of your medical bills and repairs to your vehicle.
Keep in mind that when you provide your accident statement to the insurance company, you have a few options. The insurance company may try to make you believe that you must provide your accident statement over the phone, but this is not the case. You see, when you provide your accident statement over the phone, everything you say will be recorded and used against you later. A recorded accident statement benefits the insurance company more than it benefits you.
While you can provide your accident statement over the phone, it may be a better option to provide it in writing so that you have more time and space to gather your thoughts and calm yourself down if you notice you start getting heated as you recount the events.
You also have the option to request that your attorney provides your accident statement for you. This is perhaps the best option, as your attorney will know what to say and what to avoid when speaking with the insurance company.
We’re Here to Help Injured Rideshare Crash Victims
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney from Bandas Law Firm, P.C. can help you file a claim against the responsible party. We can also help you negotiate with the insurance company to get the best possible settlement for your case. Contact an attorney from our team today to discuss your legal options.
Contact the skilled team at Bandas Law Firm, P.C. right away to discuss the details of your case. Give us a call at (361) 238-2789 or fill out the online contact form.
