Have you ever been in a rideshare accident?
Rideshare accidents are scary. No one expects to be involved in one of those. 99.9% of Uber trips are made without safety issues according to Uber’s own safety report. But every year, rideshare crashes still happen to hundreds of thousands of people.
In fact, there are more than 100,000 reported rideshare accidents every year in the U.S. If you’re involved in one of these collisions, the steps you take afterward could mean the difference between receiving thousands of dollars in compensation or having your claim denied.
The problem is, most people panic. After an accident, they make a series of costly mistakes that result in smaller payouts. In fact, Uber accidents can be much more complicated than a normal car accident.
But here’s the good news…
I’m going to take you through the exact legal steps you need to take after a rideshare collision. Follow these tips and you can keep from making the same mistakes that have cost other accident victims thousands of dollars.
What you’ll discover:
- What to do immediately after an accident
- Insurance claim tips
- When to get a lawyer for your case
- Rights for a rideshare passenger and driver
- Mistakes that cost you money
Your Safety Comes First
Before we get into the legal stuff, let me ask you a question…
What’s the most important thing after any accident?
Your health and safety.
Even if you feel like you’re OK, it’s critical to get checked out by a medical professional immediately after an accident. Some injuries don’t show any symptoms for hours or even days.
This is what you need to do at the scene of the accident:
- Call 911 if anyone is injured
- Get out of the road if possible
- Remain calm and don’t admit fault
- Wait for paramedics to examine you
Remember, even if you think you’re OK, it’s always better to be safe and get checked out. In addition to protecting your health, this will also help strengthen any legal claim you file later.
Document Everything at the Scene
Here’s where most people make their first big mistake…
They don’t gather enough evidence while it’s still fresh. Witnesses leave, evidence disappears, and people forget important details.
Make sure you take photos of:
- All the vehicle damage
- The scene from multiple angles
- License plates
- Injuries that are visible
- Road conditions
Get contact information for everyone involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver and any witnesses. These people’s statements may be crucial to your case later.
Report the accident through the rideshare app as soon as you can. Uber and Lyft require you to use their app to report a crash in order to start the claims process.
Rideshare Insurance Coverage
This is where things get really tricky…
Rideshare insurance is different from traditional car insurance. Coverage for a rideshare accident depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the collision.
In general, there are three periods:
- App is off — Only the driver’s personal insurance applies
- App is on and driver is waiting for rides — Limited rideshare company coverage
- Ride is accepted or passenger in car — Full rideshare company coverage (up to $1 million)
This is why it’s important to hire an experienced rideshare accident attorney near me who is familiar with these insurance complexities. The attorney can figure out which policies apply and then fight for maximum compensation.
The insurance companies aren’t on your side. They want to pay out as little as possible, so they’ll use any excuse to try to deny or reduce your claim.
Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies Alone
Want to know what the biggest mistake accident victims make?
Talking to insurance companies without legal representation.
Insurance adjusters are experts at minimizing payouts. They will ask leading questions to try to find any way to blame you for the accident.
This is how it usually goes:
The insurance company calls within hours after the accident. The adjuster seems friendly, and the offer they make will appear generous. But once you accept it, that’s it. If your injuries end up being worse, you can’t go back to the insurance company for more money.
NEVER accept the first offer.
Insurance companies always lowball their first offers. They’re betting that you don’t know your rights and will settle for less than your case is worth.
Keep Detailed Records
Most people don’t do this right…
Keep every piece of documentation related to the accident:
- Medical bills and records
- Prescription receipts
- Lost wage statements
- Costs for transportation to medical appointments
- Photos of your injuries as they heal
Why is this so important?
The insurance company will want proof of every expense you’re claiming. Without the proper documentation, you won’t get compensated.
Keep a pain journal. Write down how your injuries are affecting your activities of daily living, ability to work, and overall quality of life. This can be used to establish pain and suffering damages.
When to Get a Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Here’s something most people don’t want to hear…
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, chances are you need legal help. The average Uber or Lyft accident case is worth about $500,000. Most accident victims who represent themselves end up with far less than they should have.
You definitely need a lawyer if:
- You suffered injuries that require medical treatment
- The accident involved more than one vehicle
- There is any dispute about who is at fault
- The insurance company denies your claim
Rideshare accident lawyers usually work on contingency. This means you don’t pay unless they win your case.
Understanding Your Rights
Fatal crashes involving ridesharing vehicles rose 137% between 2014 and 2017 according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. With the proliferation of rideshare services, these collisions are only getting more common.
But here’s what you need to know…
Passengers, drivers, and people hit by a rideshare vehicle all have rights.
As a rideshare passenger, you’re entitled to:
- Coverage under the rideshare company’s insurance policy
- Compensation for medical expenses
- Lost wages during recovery
- Pain and suffering damages
The rideshare companies have deep pockets and powerful legal teams behind them. Don’t try to take them on alone.
Mistakes that Cost You Money
If you’ve ever been in a rideshare collision, chances are you know someone who made these mistakes after a rideshare accident.
- Waiting too long to seek medical attention. Insurance companies use this against you to argue the injuries weren’t serious or caused by the accident.
- Not reporting the accident correctly. To the police and through the rideshare app. If you skip these steps, it can complicate your claim.
- Accepting a quick settlement offer. Insurance companies always try to get you to settle fast, and those offers are almost always lowball ones.
- Talking to insurance adjusters without representation. They are only trying to protect their company’s bottom line.
- Failing to keep proper records. You can’t prove your damages without proper documentation.
All of these mistakes are completely avoidable if you know what to expect and take the right steps.
Time Limits to File Claims
Here’s something else that trips people up…
You don’t have an unlimited amount of time to file a rideshare accident claim. In most states, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Some time limits are even shorter.
Don’t wait. The sooner you get the legal process started, the better. Evidence is lost, witnesses forget, and your case gets weaker as time passes.
Wrapping It Up
Rideshare accidents are a growing problem as these services become more common. But most people don’t know what to do or what their rights are after a rideshare collision.
Here’s the important stuff:
- Get medical attention immediately after the accident
- Document everything at the scene
- Report the accident through the app and to police
- Don’t talk to insurance companies without representation
- Keep detailed records of expenses
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers
- Be aware of time limits for claims
The bottom line is that rideshare accidents can be more complicated than a normal car accident. Insurance issues are more complex, and the rideshare companies have teams of lawyers who are ready to fight you. You need professional legal help in order to get a fair payout.
The owners and authors of Cinnamon Hollow are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice. We cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research and consult with your personal physician before using.
