Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are an integral part of many people’s daily lives in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. You undoubtedly rely on one of these helpful services to get you where you need to go securely, whether you take an Uber to work or phone a Lyft for a trip home.
Unfortunately, Uber and Lyft drivers are just as susceptible to traffic accidents as any other drivers, so understanding how to handle an accident while using a rideshare service is important to your health and well-being. Find out how you can safeguard your rights in the case of an Uber or Lyft accident.
After a traffic accident, the first thing you or your Uber or Lyft driver need to do is call the police. Whether or not there are injuries, you should contact the police since a police record is required for insurance claims and litigation.
A cop at the accident scene can also help defend your legal rights to establish that you have nothing to do with the cause of the accident as a passenger. The motorist may accuse you of causing the car crash if you do not notify the police.
If you suffer any injuries resulting from the accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. Even if you think that you are not wounded, it is good to confirm that you do not have any injuries that may impact you later on.
Obtaining medical treatment after an accident might also protect you legally if you have symptoms of injury due to the accident. Whiplash, for example, may frequently produce residual discomfort that you may not notice for days or even weeks following a car accident.
Documenting the accident is crucial as many insurance companies and attorneys use images and videos as proof. You have to take clear pictures of the accident scene. You should also photograph the road to capture any road conditions and the time of day when the accident occurred. Confidently say that you can determine the time and place of your images.
The Lyft or Uber driver and any drivers involved should provide you with additional information. You should collect the following information:
These ride-share firms are for-profit making, which means that they are primarily concerned with taking care of themselves and their drivers in the event of an accident. You should contact a rideshare attorney to receive a free consultation about your accident. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you never have to pay out of pocket.
