What To Do After A Rideshare Accident

Several factors contribute to or lead to rideshare accidents. Some of the common causes include:

• Distracted driving: Rideshare drivers can become distracted by their phones, GPS, or other activities.
• Speeding: Speeding is a significant cause of crashes involving rideshare vehicles. Some rideshare drivers are in a hurry to pick up or drop off passengers, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
• Drowsy driving: Rideshare drivers often work long hours or irregular shifts. This can lead to driver fatigue, which impairs judgment and reaction time.
• Inadequate training: Some rideshare drivers may not receive sufficient training to handle various driving scenarios.
• Failure to follow traffic laws: Rideshare drivers can disregard traffic laws. This often involves running red lights, not yielding the right of way, or making illegal turns.
• Poor vehicle maintenance: Neglecting routine vehicle maintenance can lead to crashes caused by mechanical failures. This can include brake or steering failures, as well as tire blowouts.
• Impaired driving: Rideshare drivers are expected to adhere to strict alcohol and drug policies. But sometimes, they violate these policies, which results in impaired driving collisions.

Rideshare insurance covers rideshare drivers’ while the app is one and while they’re waiting for ride requests. Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft typically offer third-party liability coverage.

This includes:

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage

Additionally, coverage increases while drivers are en route to pick up or transport passengers.

After a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, it’s crucial to take certain actions to protect yourself and build a strong claim. Below, you’ll find six crucial steps to take after a rideshare crash.

1. Call the police

Report the crash to the police immediately. When they arrive, they will conduct an initial investigation and create a police report. This includes: 

• Basic details such as the date, time, and location of the crash.
• Statements from witnesses and all parties involved. 
• Visible damage to the vehicles involved.
• Traffic violations or citations issued.
• A diagram or sketch of the crash scene.
• Photographs taken at the crash scene. 

A car accident attorney can obtain a copy of the police report and use it to build your case. 

2. Take pictures of the crash scene 

Take pictures of any vehicle damage, visible injuries, skid marks, nearby surveillance cameras, or damage to nearby structures. Be sure to get pictures from various angles and distances. 

These pictures can provide valuable evidence that the initial police investigation may not provide.

3. Seek immediate medical attention

Even if you believe you're fine, it's important to have a medical professional evaluate you. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries often produce delayed symptoms that could worsen if left untreated. 

Also, delaying medical attention could lead to future complications with your claim. Insurance companies can argue that your injury wasn’t linked to your crash. This can lead to your claim being delayed or denied.

4. Contact your insurance provider

Promptly notify your car insurance provider about the rideshare accident. Stick to the basic facts and avoid providing too much information. Anything you tell insurance companies could potentially be used against you.

Let an experienced attorney handle any further communications with all insurance companies involved. 

5. Keep all relevant documents

Keep a record of all medical documents related to the rideshare crash. This includes a medical diagnosis, treatment plans, bills, and receipts.

6. Speak to a rideshare accident lawyer

Seek the help of an experienced attorney who knows how to handle rideshare accident claims. They can guide you through the legal process and help you seek compensation for your damages.

If you were injured in a rideshare crash, an attorney can be your advocate from start to finish. First, they will learn about your situation during a free consultation. They can also help you explore your legal options and advise you on what to do next.

An attorney can then launch a thorough investigation into your rideshare collision. This includes taking photos of the crash scene, speaking to witnesses, examining your medical record, and obtaining the police report.

They can also investigate the rideshare company’s hiring practices. If the rideshare company hired an unqualified driver, that may provide significant evidence to strengthen your case.

Additionally, an attorney can handle all communications and negotiations with the rideshare company’s insurance provider. They can present evidence proving the driver’s negligence, linking your injuries to the crash, and fight for a maximum financial settlement.

Rideshare accidents are often very complex. Without the help of an experienced rideshare accident lawyer, you could find yourself at a disadvantage. A Law.com Premier Attorney can deal with all the complex legal paperwork and the insurance companies so you can focus on recovering.

Don’t have money for a lawyer? Premier Attorneys won’t charge you any upfront fees for their services. That’s because they work on a contingency fee basis and don’t get paid unless they win your case. Ready to take the next step in getting the justice you deserve? Contact a lawyer in your area for a free consultation.