Steps To Take After an Uber/Lyft Accident

The increase in rideshare vehicles such as Uber and Lyft has generated several benefits that help the general public stay safe and schedule rides without the added expense brought on by traditional taxi services. People are able to schedule rides to the airport, a trip to work, or a night out on the town without worry or much planning. In addition, those driving for these companies enjoy the benefits of independent work and offering a convenience to society. 

But what happens if you are a Lyft or Uber driver and you are involved in an accident? Do you know your rights and responsibilities? 

As more and more ride share companies hit the road, collisions involving Uber and Lyft drivers surely increase. It’s not to say that they are not responsible drivers, but as more rideshare drivers are out there, the chances of a rideshare collision increase, whether or not the rideshare driver was at fault. 

Even worse, Uber and Lyft give little guidance on how to best handle a collision in the interest of the driver. California’s laws can also be confusing and hard to navigate, leaving many drivers without proper advice on the best course of action following a collision with another driver. 

Here are a few helpful tips to get you on the right track following a collision. 

Call 911

The first and most important thing to do if you are involved in a crash is to call emergency services. While some people may think it is not important to contact 911 or feel guilty about calling for even a minor collision, having emergency responders on the scene will pay off. 

When you contact 911, the police will respond to your crash site and make a detailed report of the scene. They will often take statements from each driver and any applicable witnesses before investigating the scene to see how the statements match the crash. In addition, they will contact medical personnel to treat any injuries or take victims to the emergency room. 

It’s important to be honest when calling 911 and not to minimize the seriousness of your crash. Even a minor impact can have serious ramifications for your insurance policy and your health. 

Car accidents can leave you in shock and confused. You may not even realize you are injured until some time has passed. Receiving immediate medical attention is vital to a fast recovery. Additionally, emergency responders provide documentation of your personal injuries and property damage that you and your rideshare accident attorney can use for a later claim.

Failing to call the authorities can give the courts  reason to believe you were not injured or that your collision was less severe than it really was, making it harder for your motor vehicle accident attorney Newport Beach to win you compensation.

Document the Accident

In addition to calling 911, it is important to document a crash with your own pictures or video. This will help you give the police a detailed description of what occurred and allow you to have your own evidence when making a claim to your insurance provider. Documenting the scene of the collision can feel strange but it is crucial in making sure you have all of your bases covered when arguing your case for coverage. 
Items you should try to document are: 

• your vehicle’s damage and the damage to the other vehicle
• the registration and insurance information of the other driver involved
• pictures of the area where the crash took place. 

These basic pieces of evidence can make powerful statements later when making a claim with the insurance company. 

In addition, your personal injury attorney Newport Beach will recommend you take photos and videos of any visible injuries you sustained in the collision. Showing your injuries helps when discussing damages later on in your claim. 

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t have visible injuries it is important to seek medical attention following a crash. You’re often in shock and may not feel pain from the impact for days. An assessment from a medical professional can catch injuries that you are unaware that you have. 

A visit to the doctor’s office can also provide valuable evidence for the personal injury claims that you and your accident lawyers in Newport Beach will pursue. It also allows your doctor or the hospital to document your injuries for the insurance company. 

If you feel any pain at the scene of the collision don’t be afraid to let the authorities know. They will often bring you to the hospital to get checked out via ambulance. While the idea of paying an ambulance bill may seem scary, your rideshare accident lawyers can include the cost of the ambulance ride in your accident claim.

If you choose not to take the ambulance at the scene, then take yourself to the nearest hospital, urgent care, or your primary care physician in the days following to check for any serious injuries. They will also document soft tissue injuries which can require chiropractic care, physical therapy, or massage for several weeks. Your insurance company is more likely to believe your injuries are legitimate when you have this professional documentation.