There are several steps you can take as a passenger in an Uber accident to ensure you are able to receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have simplified the way consumers get from point A to point B by using smartphone technology to essentially hail a cab with a few simple clicks. In fact, these rideshare companies are very similar, and the process of seeking compensation is essentially the same for both. Therefore, we will be using the terms Uber and Lyft interchangeably in this article.
What to Do If You are a Passenger in an Uber/Lyft Accident
| Action | Description | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Get Medical Attention | Seek immediate medical help if injured. | Ensures health is prioritized and documented. |
| 2. Contact the Police | Report the accident for an official record. | Provides an unbiased accident account. |
| 3. Exchange Information | Gather details from all parties involved. | Crucial for insurance and legal purposes. |
| 4. Take Photos | Document the accident scene and injuries. | Visual evidence supports your claim. |
| 5. Identify Witnesses | Collect contact info of any witnesses. | Witness statements can bolster your case. |
| 6. Keep Records of Expenses | Track all accident-related costs. | Helps in receiving fair compensation. |
| 7. Contact a Rideshare Attorney | Consult with a specialized lawyer early on. | Expertise in navigating rideshare accident claims. |
According to a Pew Research survey, 36% of U.S. adults have used a rideshare service as of 2019. This number is double those who used Lyft or Uber in 2015.
This method of transportation is generally deemed easy, reliable, and safe. That being said, no one ever expects to be in a vehicle accident. But what happens if you get hurt in an Uber accident? You may have mounting medical expenses at a time when you cannot work, or otherwise find your life forever changed. An experienced New Jersey attorney can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your rideshare accident injury. Contact us today!
Liability Coverage for Uber and Lyft Drivers
The global ride-sharing market is expected to grow by more than 115% between 2021 and 2026. The market value is expected to amount to around 185 billion U.S. dollars in 2026. Uber and Lyft both have liability coverage for their drivers, but whether the funds will apply to your claim depends on the circumstances of your rideshare accident injury. Both companies have coverage of $1,000,000 per accident.
This coverage is active from when the driver is paired with a passenger on the app to when the passenger is dropped off at their destination. If the driver causes an accident, this liability coverage is used to cover all injured individuals involved.
Are Uber And Lyft Accidents Complicated?
If you were hurt in a Lyft accident, working with multiple parties is one of the biggest complications. These may include insurance companies, the rideshare driver, the driver of the other vehicle, and Uber or Lyft. If the other driver was in a commercial vehicle, you could even have another company in the mix.
In some cases, defective vehicle parts could be responsible for the accident. Or, the culprit might be poorly maintained roadways. Determining liability is a job best left to the professionals, so it is important to seek counsel from an experienced rideshare accident attorney.
Steps to Take After Sustaining Injuries in a Rideshare Accident
Being in any sort of vehicle accident can be unnerving whether or not you are the one in the driver’s seat. When you are on a rideshare trip, it can be even more difficult to understand what to do. Here are some steps you can take to stay safe and set yourself up for a less stressful legal experience.
Get Medical Attention
If you or anyone else sustained serious injuries, call 911 for emergency medical help. Taking care of your health is much more important than anything else you could do after being hurt in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Contact the Police
Call the police so that they can come to the scene of the accident and create an official report. The police or other law enforcement agency will usually document relevant information about the accident and obtain information from witnesses. Make sure they document that you were a rideshare passenger at the time of the accident.
Exchange Information
Obtain information about your rideshare driver and the other driver involved in the crash. You can also check your rideshare app to obtain information about your rideshare driver and the time and location of the ride. You may use screenshots.
Take Photos
Document the severity of the accident by taking photos. Smartphone photos are sufficient. Include the greater area, including the surroundings and traffic conditions. Consider also taking photos of your injuries.
Identify Witnesses
Obtain contact information from witnesses in case the police miss someone. It is always a good idea to have your own copy of the information.
Keep Records of Expenses
To ensure you receive fair compensation, keep track of all your medical expenses and property damage. This includes all costs associated with treatment, lost wages, and more.
Contact a Rideshare Attorney
The sooner you can contact an attorney, the better. Insurance companies often try to offer quick settlements that are less than the actual value of your case. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf and advise you on the best legal course of action.
Choosing a Rideshare Accident Injury Attorney
Experience matters when you are hurt in a Lyft accident. These large companies expect accidents to occur occasionally, as is the nature of driving a vehicle. Sometimes that can help, and sometimes it can hurt. Your legal counsel should be as well-versed in how to handle a rideshare accident injury claim as they are.
The team at Glugeth & Pierguidi, P.C. have been serving personal injury victims in Hoboken, New Jersey, for over three decades. We have obtained multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements to help clients recover from serious injuries. Contact us to schedule your consultation. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
David Pierguidi and Jared Glugeth understand how hard it may be for you and your family following an accident resulting from someone’s negligent actions. Get the medical treatment you need right away and then call our law firm at any time of day for answers to your questions.
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