Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized transportation, offering convenience and flexibility for passengers and drivers alike. However, accidents involving these services can be complex due to multiple parties, insurance coverage issues, and liability concerns. If you find yourself involved in an Uber or Lyft accident as a passenger, driver, or third party, it’s essential to know the proper steps to take to protect your health, legal rights, and financial interests.

1. Ensure Safety First

Immediately after a rideshare accident, your number one priority should be safety. Carefully assess yourself and others for any injuries and if anyone is in a critical or severe medical state, call 911 right away and try your best to help until first responders arrive. If nobody is critically injured, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers about the accident and move out of the way of traffic to avoid further accidents. 

2. Call Emergency Services

Regardless of the severity of the accident, calling the police is crucial. By having an officer arrive on the scene, they will write up a police report and it can serve as valuable evidence when dealing with insurance claims or legal disputes. 

When speaking with law enforcement, provide honest and accurate information about the accident in question, avoid admitting fault in your answers, and do not make any speculative statements. Once you have done so, request a copy of the report or ask how to obtain one at a later date.

3. Gather Evidence at the Scene

Collecting evidence at the accident scene can be instrumental in supporting your case. Be sure to:

• Take photos and videos: Capture images of the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
• Record details: Write down the date, time, and location of the accident.
• Collect witness statements: If there were bystanders, ask for their contact information and statements about what they saw.
• Exchange information: Gather the names, contact details, and insurance information of all drivers involved, including the Uber or Lyft driver.

4. Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft

Both Uber and Lyft require drivers and passengers to report accidents through their respective apps. Here’s how:

• Uber: Open the app, navigate to “Help,” select “Trip Issues and Refunds,” and choose “I was in an accident.” Follow the prompts to report the incident.
• Lyft: Go to the “Help” section, find “Safety Concerns,” select “Report an Accident,” and provide the required details.

Rideshare companies have insurance policies that may cover injuries and damages, but the claims process can be complicated. Reporting the accident promptly helps initiate the process.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not be apparent right away and can lay dormant until an external factor triggers it. Documenting medical visits and treatments will also be crucial if you need to file a claim.

6. Contact Your Insurance Company

Notify your auto insurance provider about the accident, even if you were a passenger. Depending on your policy, you may be eligible for coverage under personal injury protection (PIP) or uninsured motorist coverage. 

When you contact your insurance company about the accident, be sure to provide a factual account of the accident and avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault. In addition, it is important to ask about available coverage and the claims process so you can get a better understanding of your options. 

7. Understand Rideshare Insurance Coverage

Uber and Lyft provide different levels of insurance coverage depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. For instance, if the rideshare driver was offline during the time of the accident, then their personal auto insurance is applied. 

However, if an accident occurs while the driver is waiting for a ride request, rideshare companies can provide limited liability coverage (e.g., $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage). 

In cases where a rideshare driver has got into an accident during a ride, both Uber and Lyft can offer up to $1 million in liability coverage, as well as contingent collision and comprehensive coverage. Understanding these distinctions can help you determine whose insurance applies in your case.

8. Consult a Lawyer if Necessary

If the accident resulted in significant injuries, disputes over liability, or issues with insurance claims, seeking legal counsel is a wise decision. A personal injury attorney with experience in rideshare accidents can:

• Help you navigate complex insurance claims.
• Ensure you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Represent you in negotiations or legal proceedings if necessary.

9. Follow Up on Your Case

Stay proactive in tracking your recovery and any claims you have filed. Keep records of medical bills, insurance correspondence, and repair estimates. It is also important to stay in constant communication with relevant parties to ensure your claim progresses smoothly.

West Coast Uber & Lyft Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident can be stressful, but taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. However, if you or a loved one have been involved in a rideshare accident and need legal assistance to settle any disputes or delays, then West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers are here to help.

With years of experience representing victims of rideshare accidents, our legal team is well-versed in California law and are confident that they can get you the compensation you deserve. 

To schedule a free consultation, call (213)-465-8682 today!