Most people rely on rideshare service providers like Uber and Lyft to move around conveniently. However, rideshare drivers are likely to be hired within a short period without any prior experience and have to drive to unfamiliar places.
Even seasoned drivers make mistakes or become victims of another motorist’s negligence. In any case, car accidents are unavoidable and using rideshare services also comes with some level of risk.
If you have been involved in a rideshare accident, you may be confused about what to do next. It may be challenging to figure out who is at fault, whose insurance to call, or if you even qualify for coverage.
Contacting a Lyft car accident attorney is the best thing to do. Here is a quick summary of what you should do after a Lyft or uber car accident
How Common are Accidents Involving Rideshare Vehicles?
There is a hot debate on whether rideshare services have improved road safety in our country. According to a 2018 Science Magazine article, the number of auto accidents in the US increased in 2014, breaking a decades-long downward trend.
This finding correlates with the growth of ridesharing services, but there is no concrete evidence that these services are responsible. Both Uber and Lyft have disputed the assertions.
According to their statistics, Lyft and Uber had 0.72 and 0.57 fatalities per 100 million miles driven, respectively, in 2018. Although these rideshare companies counted fatalities only, their rates are much lower than the national average of 1.13 deaths from that year.
What Should You Do After Being Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
Navigating through the aftermath of a crash can be utterly overwhelming. You may be in a state of shock or unable to move. If you are physically able to move, here is a checklist on what to do after an auto accident:
Call the police
Contacting the police is the first thing to do following an accident. Although you have several days to file a formal report, there are several advantages to having police respond right away.
First, it will ensure that the information you obtain from the other parties is correct. Besides, if there is a chance of injury (to any involved parties), if cars cannot be safely withdrawn from the flow of traffic, or if there is debris that might endanger other motorists, you should notify the police.
Take photos
If you can, use your phone to take pictures or a video of the accident scene. Remember to take pictures of any damage to the involved vehicles.
Taking photos of the accident scene or any pertinent traffic signs or signals is important as it can help determine fault for the accident.
Also, ensure you take pictures of the involved vehicle’s license plates. If the involved motorists seem intoxicated or impaired, try to get it on video or report it to the police when they arrive.
Get the other driver’s information
When waiting for the police to arrive, gather relevant information about all the drivers involved in the accident, including your Lyft or Uber driver if you are a passenger. Since you will probably still be in shock, taking a picture of this information is a good idea to ensure there are no mistakes when you write it down.
Talk to the police
When the police turn up, please stick to the facts when answering their inquiries and avoid speculating about what transpired.
But it is crucial to inform the police if you think another motorist may be under the influence so that they can run the appropriate tests on the spot.
Additionally, inform police officials of any injuries you may have and any discomfort you may feel so they can record it in the report. The outcome of your claim fully depends on the police report, so this is a crucial step.
Seek medical attention
Seek medical treatment immediately after speaking with the police. It is crucial to undergo a medical evaluation following a traffic accident, even if you do not think you were significantly hurt. Most injuries, some of which may be fatal, do not manifest immediately.
Some injuries, like soft tissue injuries, take days to show symptoms. It will not be easy to get compensation if you fail to seek medical treatment immediately after an accident. The sooner you seek medical care, the stronger your claim will be.
Talk to a Lyft car accident attorney
Soon after your accident, you will likely get numerous calls from insurance providers. It is crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer before speaking with any claims adjusters or before accepting a settlement offer from them.
Why Should You Not Talk to Insurance Agents After a Car Accident?
Despite their friendly appearance, insurance adjusters are inherently predatory. These adjusters work for insurance firms, and if they offered a fair payout to everyone, the insurance companies would not make any profits. Instead, they attempt to persuade claimants to accept the lowest settlement.
Insurance agents use various tricks to convince you to accept a settlement lower than what you are owed. For example, they often create a sense of urgency and warn you that you have just a short window after a crash.
There is a deadline for filing claims, but it is not particularly short. The deadline allows you plenty of time to speak with a lawyer.
Claims adjusters want you to accept their offer immediately after the accident because they know you will not have enough time to assess your injuries or the cost of long-term recovery fully.
Additionally, insurance agents will engage in small talk that sounds innocent but can later be used against you to deny compensation or reduce your settlement.
So, it is advisable to avoid any potential traps and let a lawyer negotiate on your behalf. Most insurance companies will offer a better settlement if an attorney’s name appears on your claim since they want to avoid costly litigation.
Who Can Get Compensation After an Uber or Lyft Accident?
There are various ways of seeking compensation if you were hurt in a car accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver.
First, you can rightfully file an insurance claim for your damages if you are a Lyft or Uber driver involved in a car accident when on the job. The payout will depend on whether you or another motorist was responsible for the collision, but in either case, you are still entitled to coverage.
Another thing, rideshare drivers are required to carry insurance to protect passengers who may travel in their vehicles. If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft and are involved in an accident, you may file a claim with the rideshare driver’s insurance and the other driver.
Similarly, if a rideshare driver hits your car, you can file a claim against them. Pedestrians, bikers, and e-scooter riders struck by uber or Lyft drivers can also file claims against them.
What are the Most Common Injuries That Result from Rideshare Accidents?
Accidents involving Uber and Lyft are becoming more frequent and can result in many injuries. The following summarizes some of the most common injuries sustained in ridesharing incidents.
- Whiplash
- Herniated discs
- Fractured bones
- Spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Skull fractures
- Lacerations
Even if you have not suffered any injury, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like soft tissue injuries or whiplash, can take days to manifest physically, and their symptoms can last for months or even become chronic.
Ensure you inform the doctor and the police of any pain or discomfort you feel so that it can be included in your claim. Many people are reluctant to mention mild aches and pains at the scene because they believe they are merely sore and will fade away. However, these symptoms often worsen as the adrenaline rush wears off.
What Is My Uber or Lyft Accident Worth?
Several factors will affect the value of your Lyft car accident claim, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of financial damage they caused. Generally, you are entitled to economic and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
Medical bills, prescriptions, treatment, surgery, in-home care, and travel expenses to and from medical visits are just a few examples of the things covered by economic damages.
Suppose your injuries prevented you from working or would prevent you from resuming a job at the same pay rate you received. In that case, you may also be entitled to economic damages in the form of lost income or a reduction in your earning potential.
Lawyers calculate your pain and suffering damages by multiplying your economic damages by a number that demonstrates the severity of your injuries.
The pain and suffering multiplier will be higher if your damage is severe and long-lasting. Depending on your particular case, you may also be eligible for additional or punitive damages.
Since there are so many variables at play, speaking with a Lyft car accident attorney who can provide you with an estimate based on information unique to your situation is the best approach to determining the full worth of your claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?
Having legal counsel on your side while dealing with an Uber, Lyft, or other ridesharing accident has several advantages. The main advantage is the recovery of your damages.
As previously said, insurance firms frequently provide claimants that attorneys represent with greater initial settlements since they know that litigation is possible. They also know that a bigger settlement is less expensive than going to court.
Legal representation is a good way to fight with insurance providers and ensure they will not take advantage of you.
Contact a Lyft Car Accident Attorney to Help With Your Case!
Any vehicle accident can be unpleasant and perplexing, but dealing with large corporations like Uber and Lyft and their insurance may make rideshare accidents particularly challenging.
The legal experts at Legal Giant can help you through this tough process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and review of your case.
