According to a study by the US National Bureau of Economic Research, there has been a 3% annual increase in vehicular deaths linked to rideshare services. According to the report, Uber and Lyft drivers are associated with approximately 987 additional road deaths each year.
A fatal accident on the highway takes several lives so it is important to understand the steps you should undertake after being involved in a ride-sharing accident.
In this article, you will learn your legal options following a ride-sharing accident.
Assess the Situation
It is important to calm yourself after a ride-sharing accident. This keeps you from taking rash actions that could endanger yourself or worsen the situation. After checking yourself and others for any obvious signs of injury, dial 911 immediately. To avoid additional accidents, move the vehicle to a safer location.
Ride-sharing accident attorney Carl Barnes says it is advised to be level-headed after an accident to prevent any arguments with the other party concerned. Exchange important details, including names, phone numbers, and insurance information. When communicating with the other party, be polite and respectful.
Record the accident’s timing, location, and weather. Make a list of important information, such as the ride-sharing vehicle’s details, driver name, and company name. Try to get the contact information of anyone who might have witnessed the accident.
Gather Evidence
Presenting physical evidence associated with the accident will strengthen your case. Take photographs at the scene, including all vehicles, the road conditions, and any traffic lights. These pictures can be used to support your case later.
Document the injuries that resulted from the accident. Take photographs of any marked skin injuries and record all doctor visits and treatment. You can use these documents when you decide to take legal action or claim insurance.
Consult a lawyer before giving out a statement. Your lawyer will prevent you from making any incriminating statements. Having a legal representative will help you protect your rights during and after the incident.
Report the Accident
Promptly report the incident to police and provide all the necessary details. Be honest when telling the officers what happened. Request a personal copy of the police report.
Immediately get in touch with the ride-sharing company after informing the police. Most of these platforms have specific guidelines for reporting accidents. Failure to comply with these procedures may seriously impact your claim for future compensation.
Note down any evidence or claim number provided.
Notify Your Insurance
Don’t forget to inform your insurance company right away after the accident. Prompt reporting protects your rights to avail of any benefits due your way.
Provide complete and accurate details about the accident when you talk to your insurance. Keep in mind that complications can happen if your story has discrepancies.
Mention that you were driving for a rideshare service when the accident occurred. This information may affect your coverage or claim procedure. Follow your insurance provider’s guidelines to file a claim or provide more documentation.
Record all your communications with the insurance company. Write down the call date, time, and customer service representative names. Your documentation can be important in a claim dispute.
Consult With an Attorney
After reporting the matter to your insurance provider, it is advised to find a road accident attorney who specializes in ride-sharing accidents. This is particularly important because the cases usually turn out to be complex in that there will be many parties, insurance policies, and issues of liability. A ride-sharing accident lawyer can help with the complexities of ride-sharing accidents, such as multiple parties, insurance policies, and liability concerns.
Your lawyer will uphold your rights by helping you prepare for meetings and organizing relevant documents that can help your case.
A ride-sharing accident attorney can arrange evidence, negotiate with the insurer, and represent you in court. These can allow you to focus on recovery while your lawyer deals with all the legal aspects of the case. A skilled legal representative can help you get the money you need to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.