Uber and other rideshare companies are a great way to get around, and even provide a safe way home when you've been drinking. However, despite its many benefits, Uber drivers are still human (for the most part), but what if your Uber or Lyft driver gets into a car accident?
Below are some tips on what you should do if you suffered injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident:
Tips If You Are Injured in a Rideshare Accident
#1: Don't Leave the Scene—Stay There & Call the Police
Trade insurance information with the Uber driver. Uber has a company insurance policy that covers any injuries, pain, or suffering you may experience as a result of the accident. Also, leaving the scene without contacting the police may leave you vulnerable to legal action later.
#2: Take Pictures of All Vehicles Involved in the Uber Accident
Take pictures of the front, back, and both sides of the vehicle. Take close-up and medium shots of any damaged areas, including the hood, the windshield, and the doors. Take a picture of any dangerous features the environment too—blind turns, trees blocking road signs, things like that.
#3: Make Sure You AND the Uber Driver Report the Accident to Uber
Don't trust that the Uber driver will do it on their own. You should report it to Uber to make sure your story is made part of the record.
#4: Call an Experienced Uber Accident Attorney
If you've been hurt or harmed in any way, your claim ought to include everything you'll need to recover. The only way you'll develop a thorough claim is with the help of an experienced Uber/Lyft accident attorney who can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Your attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process with you to help you hold the rideshare company accountable.
Who Is Liable If I'm Injured in an Uber/Lyft Accident?
Depending on what contributed to the accident, liability can fall on several potential parties:
- The rideshare driver
- Another driver (if they caused the accident)
- The rideshare company if they acted negligently
An attorney can review the details of your accident and help you investigate who is at fault. It may be one party, or multiple parties responsible for your accident.
What Makes Rideshare Accidents Different from Car Accidents?
Rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft hire drivers who own and use their own vehicles to provide transportation for customers. Lyft and Uber require that drivers be covered under a commercial insurance policy, which is going to be more than your average driver. So the difference between a regular car accident and Uber/Lyft accident will typically be that rideshare drivers have additional coverage that you may be able to recover from compared to regular drivers.
Additionally, Uber or Lyft as a company may also be liable for damages depending on the situation, such as if they acted negligently in hiring or screening the driver.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
The award-winning legal advocates at Texas Abogada Leah Wise have the skills, knowledge, and resources to file an Uber accident claim on your behalf. While you focus on recovering, we'll help make sure your claim accounts for every penny you need to move forward.
Call (956) 232-2349 or contact our Edinburg Uber accident lawyers online to get a free consultation. Learn about your options and how we may be able to help you get the money you need to recover in peace.