Thousands of people use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft each year. Sadly, some passengers of rideshare services will be injured in rideshare accidents this year. In some cases, pedestrians, other drivers, and bicyclists may be injured in rideshare accidents. It is very important to understand your legal rights and the steps you should take after a Lyft or Uber accident. Consulting a Houston Uber accident attorney is a crucial step in protecting your legal rights. Below are several other steps you should take if you are injured in a rideshare service accident.
Top 5 Steps to Take After a Rideshare Accident
The steps we discuss below would be in an ideal situation. However, the circumstances in very few accidents allow victims to complete each of these steps. In some cases, a person may be severely injured and unable to take photographs or talk to eyewitnesses. In other cases, the shock of the crash can make a person forget some of the steps they should take after an accident. However, we want to review all steps to take after an accident with a rideshare vehicle so that you know what you should do if the circumstances permit you to do so.
Step 1. Call 911 for Emergency Assistance
If the driver does not want to all for the police and emergency medical services (EMS), you should insist upon calling for assistance. Two important reasons for calling 911 are to have an official record of the accident and for immediate medical attention.
A police report or traffic accident report contains valuable information your Houston attorney can use to investigate the crash. A police report can help identify the responsible party who is liable for damages. For your health, you need to be checked by a medical professional, regardless of the severity of your injuries. If you do not go to the emergency room by EMS, you need to see your doctor as quickly as possible. However, you should keep in mind that the police report will notate that you refused medical treatment and transportation at the accident scene.
Step 2. Gather Information at the Accident Scene
The accident scene can change after the vehicles are moved and time passes. If possible, preserve the accident scene as it looked at the time of the crash with video and pictures. Use your cell phone to document the positions of the vehicles, the damage to each vehicle, skid marks, traffic signals, signs, and any other element you believe may be relevant. Also, try to speak with eyewitnesses so that you can obtain their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can be very persuasive to a jury if your case must go to a trial.
In addition to pictures and witness information, you also need to ask for other information including:
- Names and contact information for each driver
- Make, model, color, and tag number for each vehicle
- Insurance information for each vehicle
- Owner’s information for each vehicle
Step 3. Do Not Speak with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters for one or both drivers may contact you regarding the accident. The adjuster may request a written or recorded statement; ask questions; or, request a signed medical release. It is in your best interest to speak with a Houston Uber accident attorney before you speak to an insurance adjuster. The insurance adjuster is seeking information he can use for the benefit of the insurance company. Anything you say may be used against you during your claim.
Because the accident involves a rideshare service, the insurance issues can be even more complex and serious. Therefore, call an attorney before talking to an adjuster.
Step 4. Avoid Social Media Accounts
Whenever you are involved in a traffic accident, it is prudent to avoid using social media accounts or posting online until you speak with your attorney. Even though you believe what you post online is private, a defense attorney could gain access to this information. If you continue using your social media accounts, you should not post anything about the accident, your injury, or your recovery. Refrain from posting any pictures too.
Step 5. Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
As soon as you can, you should call our Houston personal injury law firm to discuss your case with an Uber accident attorney. Accidents involving rideshare services can be very complex. The rideshare service companies want to deny liability to avoid paying claims, and private insurance carriers deny liability because the vehicle was being used as a “business” vehicle instead of a private vehicle. In addition, you might have issues related to which driver is responsible for causing the crash.
Therefore, you could have three or more insurance providers and companies involved in disputing liability for the accident. An experienced Uber accident lawyer understands the unique issues and challenges of filing an injury claim related to a rideshare accident.
Free Case Review for Uber and Lyft Accidents
For a free consultation with one a personal injury attorney, contact Weycer Law Firm 24/7 by calling (713) 668-4545 or using the chat feature on our website. Our rideshare accident attorneys carefully analyze all avenues of recovery of compensation for damages. It is our goal to obtain full compensation for all your injuries, losses, and damages from the party or parties liable for the Uber accident.