Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have made transportation more convenient than ever. But with more rideshare vehicles on the road, accidents are inevitable. If you’ve been involved in a crash while riding in, driving for, or hit by an Uber or Lyft, you may be left confused about your rights and how to pursue compensation. Unlike traditional car accidents, rideshare crashes involve multiple insurance policies, complex liability questions, and corporate defense teams working to minimize payouts.
Knowing the right steps to take immediately after a rideshare accident is essential. Here’s what you should do to protect your health, your claim, and your future.
Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention
Your first concern should always be safety. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical help if anyone is injured. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, it’s critical to get evaluated by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Having timely medical records also strengthens your claim if you pursue compensation.
Contact the Police and File a Report
Always make sure a police report is filed. This document is crucial in establishing what happened, who was involved, and potential fault. Police reports often serve as valuable evidence in an Uber or Lyft accident claim. Be honest and factual with the responding officers, but avoid speculating about fault or making statements that could be misinterpreted.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, collect as much information as possible at the accident scene:
- The names, contact details, and insurance information of all drivers involved.
- The rideshare driver’s license plate number and rideshare app information (screenshot the trip details in Uber or Lyft).
- Photos of the vehicles, visible injuries, road conditions, and surrounding environment.
- Names and contact info for any witnesses.
This evidence can be invaluable later when your rideshare accident lawyer builds your case.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft require that accidents be reported through their apps. While you should notify the rideshare company, be careful about what you say. Avoid making statements about who was at fault or downplaying your injuries. Stick to the facts: that an accident occurred, and you were involved.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Alone
Insurance companies, whether Uber’s, Lyft’s, or the driver’s personal insurer, are not on your side. Adjusters may try to get you to settle quickly for less than your case is worth or ask you leading questions designed to limit liability. Before giving any recorded statements, speak with an experienced Uber accident attorney who can protect your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
Consult a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Because Uber and Lyft accidents involve multiple parties and overlapping insurance policies, it’s critical to work with a lawyer who understands rideshare claims. An experienced Lyft or Uber accident attorney can:
- Investigate the crash and gather evidence.
- Identify all potential sources of compensation.
- Handle communications with insurers and the rideshare company.
- Fight for damages including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
If you’ve been injured in a rideshare crash, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Taking the right steps immediately—seeking medical care, documenting the accident, and contacting a rideshare accident lawyer—can make all the difference in protecting your health and your financial recovery.
At The Law Offices of Parente & Norem, our team has extensive experience handling Uber and Lyft accident cases. We know how to take on powerful corporations and their insurers to make sure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Don’t wait! Your rights and your recovery depend on swift action. Call or text us today at 312.641.5926 or visit pninjurylaw.com to schedule your free consultation with our skilled rideshare accident lawyers.