Recent statistics report that nearly 15 million Uber rideshares occur each day, with nearly 50,000 new Uber drivers being hired monthly to meet growing transportation demands.
Rideshare transportation is increasingly popular among Californians. But, if a passenger gets hurt in a rideshare accident, compensation for injuries may take a complicated turn.
You should know what to do after getting into a rideshare accident.
California ride sharing accident attorneys outline 6 steps to take if you are involved in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare car collision:
Seek Medical Attention
The first thing you should do after an Uber or Lyft rideshare car accident is to assess yourself and others for injuries. If you or anyone else is injured, call emergency medical response to the scene immediately.
If no injuries are apparent, a medical exam following the car wreck remains critical. Spinal injury, traumatic brain injury, and other internal injuries may not manifest symptoms for days or weeks after an accident.
A doctor experienced in treating injury accident victims will know what to look for during an exam and advise you of symptoms to watch for in the coming months.
Call the Police
When you file a personal injury claim, you will be suing the at-fault party and their insurance carrier for compensation. You will need documentation of any negligent behaviors that contributed to the accident and who was at fault.
Call the police to the scene and ask the responding officers to take a traffic accident report.
Police reports provide an unbiased account of the auto accident that may include evidence of distracted driving, driving while intoxicated, failure to yield to traffic laws, or other important factors contributing to the accident. Your personal injury lawyer will use the police report to substantiate your right to damages.
Gather Information
Record as much as you can about the scene of the accident. Document any road hazards, weather conditions, vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and details about the surrounding area.
Note if video cameras are installed at intersections, nearby businesses, or as dashcams in cars. These cameras may have recorded vital footage of the vehicle accident and events leading up to or after the car wreck.
If witnesses are present, ask for their names and contact information for future contact.
Document Evidence
Use your cell phone to photograph the accident scene.
Take photos of the vehicle accident and surrounding area. Photos from a variety of perspectives and angles are critical, as close-up photos show damage and injury, while distance and panoramic photos record important road conditions or obstructions.
Also, photograph the license plates, makes, and models of other vehicles involved while being sensitive and respectful to others involved in the car accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Car accidents are complex as they require thorough investigations to determine fault and a deep understanding of insurance regulations, vehicle codes, and personal injury laws. Add into the mix a rideshare driver as the negligent party, and your personal injury claim just became even more challenging.
Most rideshare drivers have personal auto insurance and Lyft or Uber third-party liability insurance to cover personal injury accident claims. A qualified personal injury lawyer will sort through which insurance carrier to pursue and if more than one may be liable to cover damages.
Further, insurance policies covering rideshare drivers often have varying policy coverage based on the status of the rideshare. Depending on whether the Uber or Lyft driver was traveling to pick up a passenger, transporting a passenger, or sitting in wait for a passenger, different insurance policy limits will apply.
Your personal injury attorney should be the point of contact and intermediary for all discussions with insurance companies.
California Personal Injury Attorney and Rideshare Accidents
Rideshares are a convenient and easy service for most until something goes wrong and an injury accident happens.
If you are involved in a California rideshare accident, don’t try to negotiate a settlement for your injuries on your own. You need the knowledge and experience of a California personal injury attorney to represent your right to compensation.
Contact our legal team today to speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer about your rideshare accident and personal injury lawsuit.
