Five Things to Do Immediately After an Uber or Lyft Accident
You may know what to do after having an accident in your own vehicle, but what happens if you’re in an Uber or Lyft? Learn five things you should do immediately after an Uber or Lyft accident, according to the experienced Florida rideshare attorneys at Lyons & Snyder.
1. Report the crash
Do not assume your UBER or Lyft driver will call 911 or document the crash through their rideshare app Oftentimes, your UBER or Lyft driver will not want to report the crash as they are afraid it will affect their ability to drive on the platform. This is especially true if there is limited property damage.
If there is even a chance you are injured, call 911 and report the crash to UBER or Lyft.
When the police arrive, they will make a report, which can help you later when you file a claim for your injuries. If law enforcement does not come to the scene, you will have to report the crash at the nearest police station.
You should timely report the crash through your rideshare app under the “Trip Issues” section. Reporting will allow your attorney to collect the applicable insurance policy.
Be very careful when speaking to any rideshare representative, however. Your injuries may not manifest themselves for a few days. When in doubt, have an attorney speak on your behalf.
2. Gather Information at the Scene
When you take an Uber or Lyft, the rideshare driver’s identity is protected in the app. After an accident occurs, however, you will need their personal details. Start by requesting the following information:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Insurance company and policy number
- License plate number
- Car make and model
- Registration number
If you are able, you should also collect additional documentation of the accident, including the following:
- Name and contact information of any witnesses
- Photos and video of the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries you have
- Photos, video, or notes about weather conditions, road conditions, or anything else that may have contributed to the accident
3. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, you should still visit a doctor promptly. Some injuries take hours, days, or weeks to appear. If you delay in seeking medical treatment, you may have difficulty proving that the accident caused your injuries.
Document as much of your recovery process as possible in case you need it to file a claim later. Hold onto any bills, invoices, doctors’ notes, employment records showing missed days, or other evidence of your injury and treatment.
4. File an Insurance Claim
As a no-fault car accident state, Florida requires you to first utilize the personal injury protection coverage in your auto policy to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs. Your policy may require notification within a certain period after the accident for you to qualify for coverage.
If you do not have an auto policy, you may be eligible to receive PIP/MedPay coverage through a resident relative’s policy or UBER/Lyft’s policy. Your personal injury attorney can help you with this process.
Do not agree to sign any paperwork or make any recorded statements without first talking to a Florida rideshare attorney.
5. Contact a Lawyer
If you were hurt in a rideshare collision, contact an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurred. Rideshare accidents carry an additional level of complication since drivers use their own cars to work for the company.
For example, when not logged into the app, the driver’s personal insurance may apply. Once they’re on the job, the company’s insurance should kick in. A Florida rideshare attorney can help you navigate complicated issues of whose insurance policy applies and who is liable for the accident.
Need Help? Contact an Experienced Florida Rideshare Attorney Today
If you’ve been seriously injured in a rideshare accident, insurance is not always enough to pay your expenses. If you need help negotiating with insurance companies or filing a personal injury lawsuit for compensation, call Lyons & Snyder today at 954-627-1779 or contact us online for a free consultation.
