The last thing anyone expects is that they will be in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, but these incidents do happen. There are various steps that you need to take after rideshare accidents, and these steps can help not only ensure your well-being but also help you recover the financial settlement you are entitled to if another party is liable for the incident. Make sure to gather insurance details from all parties involved in the accident. Having this insurance information can be crucial if a lawsuit is necessary, especially with changes in liability laws regarding rideshare companies.
Assessing the Situation
After a rideshare accident, the first thing you need to do is assess the situation to ensure everyone’s safety and gather essential information for your insurance claim or potential personal injury lawsuit. Here’s what you should do:
- Check for Injuries: Look around to see if anyone is hurt. If there are injuries, provide assistance if you can, and call 911 immediately.
- Move to Safety: If it’s safe to do so, move yourself and others to a secure location away from traffic to prevent further harm.
- Call Emergency Services: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to call 911 or local emergency services to report the accident and get medical help if needed.
- Document the Scene: Take note of the accident scene, including the location, time, and weather conditions. This information can be vital for your claim.
- Exchange Information: Gather names, phone numbers, and insurance details from all parties involved in the accident. This includes the rideshare driver and any other drivers.
- Capture Evidence: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can be crucial for your rideshare accident claim.
By taking these steps, you can help ensure everyone’s safety and gather the necessary information to support your claim.
Call the Police
After an Uber or Lyft accident, it is imperative to call the police. In the state of California, a reportable incident is considered any traffic accident that results in an injury or a fatality. Failing to report an accident to the police could result in a traffic ticket or, in some circumstances, criminal charges for hit-and-run cases. Even if you are a passenger inside a rideshare vehicle, we encourage you to call the police to make sure they come to the scene and investigate the incident. You will need this police report when you make your insurance claim.
In addition to calling the police, you need to report the crash through your rideshare app if you were a passenger when the incident occurred.
Gather and Keep Evidence
There are various types of evidence that can be gathered at the scene of a motor vehicle accident as well as in the days and weeks that follow that can help move your claim forward. We always encourage individuals to use their phones to take photographs or video surveillance of everything around the crash scene if the area is safe. This could include personal injuries, property damage, debris and skid marks, license plate numbers, and more. The names and contact information of eyewitnesses to the incident must also be written down so they can be contacted later.
We encourage you to screenshot every bit of data from inside the rideshare app related to the particular ride that resulted in a crash. We do not want you to lose access to your account at a later date or be unable to access this information.
Go to the Doctor
Any person involved in an Uber or Lyft accident in California needs to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if the injuries do not seem severe, individuals need to be evaluated by a doctor. Not only does this help ensure that any unseen injuries are caught early, but it also helps let the insurance carriers know that you have been seeking medical treatment since right after the incident occurred. Insurance carriers look for gaps in treatment to try and delay or even deny claims.
Understanding Insurance Coverage
Navigating insurance coverage after a rideshare accident can be complex, but understanding the basics can help you know what to expect. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. Here’s a breakdown:
- Stage 1: Driver Logged Off: When the rideshare driver is not logged into the app, their personal auto insurance policy is in effect. The rideshare company’s insurance does not apply at this stage.
- Stage 2: Driver Logged On, No Ride Accepted: If the driver is logged into the app but hasn’t accepted a ride request, the rideshare company’s contingent liability coverage may apply. This coverage typically includes liability for bodily injury and property damage if the driver’s personal insurance doesn’t cover the accident.
- Stage 3: Ride Accepted or In Progress: Once the driver has accepted a ride request or is transporting a passenger, the rideshare company’s primary insurance coverage is in effect. This usually includes liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Understanding these stages and the associated coverage limits can help you determine the best course of action for your rideshare accident claim. If you’re unsure about your coverage, consulting with a rideshare accident lawyer can provide clarity and guidance.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
We encourage you to reach out to a skilled rideshare accident attorney in California who has experience handling Uber and Lyft crashes. Hiring a car accident lawyer is crucial as they can navigate the complexities of insurance claims and improve your chances of obtaining deserved compensation. An attorney can take over every aspect of the claim, including communication with the rideshare company or insurance carriers. They will gather the evidence needed to prove liability and handle any negotiations for a settlement offer. If necessary, returning will fully prepare your case for trial.
Compensation and Settlement
If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sources of Compensation: Compensation can come from various sources, including the rideshare company’s insurance policy, the rideshare driver’s personal auto insurance, or another at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
- Determining Compensation: The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the specifics of the accident, such as the severity of your injuries and the extent of property damage. A personal injury lawyer can help assess your case and determine the potential compensation.
- Negotiating Settlements: Settlements can often be negotiated with the insurance company or the at-fault party. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the compensation available and the potential risks and benefits of settling. A rideshare accident lawyer can handle negotiations on your behalf to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit. A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide you through this process and advocate for your rights in court.
By understanding the compensation process and working with a knowledgeable lawyer, you can navigate the complexities of your rideshare accident claim and seek the compensation you deserve.
Keep Follow-Up Doctor’s Appointments
We always recommend that individuals continue all medical treatments prescribed by their doctor. If there is any gap in treatment, this could significantly jeopardize the insurance claim. Insurance carriers look for individuals who discontinue care while also claiming injuries. Continue medical treatment until the doctor says you have reached maximum medical improvement.
Get Support After a Rideshare Accident with Callahan & Blaine
If you’ve been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, navigating the aftermath can be complex. At Callahan & Blaine, our extensive experience with high-stakes personal injury cases means we understand the unique challenges rideshare accident victims face, from insurance complications to gathering the necessary evidence for your claim. Our team is here to manage all aspects of your case, ensuring that your focus remains on healing while we handle insurance negotiations and, if needed, litigation.
With over 40 years of success in representing accident victims across California, we are well-equipped to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact Callahan & Blaine at (714) 241-4444, or reach out via our contact form to discuss your case and learn how we may be able to assist.
