Getting into a rideshare vehicle, such as Uber or Lyft, should take the stress out of your day. When that does not happen because the driver causes an accident, you may be unsure what to do about your losses. Learning what to do after a rideshare accident happens to you is critical. Be sure to talk to a Butte car accident lawyer about your case at a free consultation.
Uber and Lyft Accidents Create Serious Injuries
Uber and Lyft are very large companies, and most of their drivers are not highly trained or even specially licensed. According to some reports, about one-third of all rideshare drivers have stated they were in a crash while working. That is a significant number of people trusting those who have a crash history.
Some of the most common injuries in these cases include:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Lacerations
- Internal organ injuries
- Burns
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck and back injuries
If you were in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, and you had any of these or other medical conditions as a result, it is critical to seek legal help. Doing so protects your rights to compensation.
Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
After an accident, get medical care, document what you remember, and file a police report. After you do this, you may not be sure what to do next. This is where our legal team at Everett Cook Law can come into play. With over 40 years of proven experience, we encourage you to make us your next call.
Once you hire an attorney, here is what you can expect:
- Determining who was at fault in a rideshare accident. Various factors play a role in determining fault, including whether the rideshare app was engaged, whether the driver was providing services, and what caused the accident. Uber and Lyft could be responsible, or the driver’s liability insurance may be.
- Calculate all of the losses in your case. You may be able to pursue financial losses, including economic and noneconomic damages. To do so, you must be able to document what those injuries are and then link them to the accident itself.
- Negotiate with the insurance companies. These are large companies with powerful insurance adjusters. Expect us to be ready to fight for your case.
There are also several things you should not do after an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. For example, do not take any of the blame by saying you are sorry. Instead, document what occurred, get the contact information for all involved, and then contact your attorney.
Do not put your case on social media. This is a prime way for insurance adjusters to find mistakes or to try to capture you slipping up on how you feel. That could be used against you later. Instead, stay off social media and let our legal team handle the process.
Make sure you continue to receive medical care for your injuries as well. That includes completing therapy and getting to all follow-up appointments.
Taking these steps protects your right to fair compensation by limiting the risk of the insurance adjuster trying to switch fault to you. After an accident with Uber or Lyft, do not simply trust these big companies to protect you. Rather, hire your own attorney and advocate to fight for you.