Getting into an Uber or Lyft accident can leave you distraught and unsure of what to do next. Whether you were a passenger or struck by a rideshare vehicle, these cases can be challenging to take on, especially with no legal guidance from a personal injury lawyer. To protect your rights and maximize your compensation, it is important for you to avoid common mistakes people often make after these types of accidents. Let’s walk through the five most crucial errors to watch out for.

1. Delayed Medical Treatment

One of the most common mistakes people make is failing to seek medical attention shortly after a rideshare car accident. Some will argue that they did not experience any injuries, but in such a case, symptoms may not be immediately apparent and will gradually worsen if left untreated. This typically happens with soft tissue injuries and internal injuries. In addition, high adrenaline can also make it challenging to feel pain up until it progressively wears off.

Even if you believe you are okay, you should still get yourself evaluated by a healthcare professional. They can identify what type of bodily harm you incurred and document them for insurance and legal purposes. If you ignore this step, you will later start to endure legitimate pain. And with inadequate medical evidence, you will not be able to develop a strong claim.

The longer you wait to seek medical treatment, the more difficult it will be to prove that you suffered harm as a direct result of the rideshare accident. This delay could then be used against you by the opposing side, thus making financial recovery more complex, especially if you are seeking to cover medical expenses and long-term damage.

2. Not Reporting the Accident to the Rideshare Company

Another critical mistake is failing to report the Uber or Lyft accident as soon as possible. Some passengers may believe that it is the driver’s job to notify their employer about the incident. But, it is important for victims to take initiative, as well.

Uber and Lyft carry third-party liability insurance that covers passengers, drivers, and other road users who are harmed as a result of a rideshare driver’s negligence. But, this coverage is not automatically applied just because the accident happened. For insurance to kick in, the crash needs to be reported to the rideshare company through their respective app or website.

If you do not let the company know about the incident, they will argue that they did not get the opportunity to investigate the case, or that it did not happen while the rideshare driver was active. This could give them grounds to deny your claim or have it delayed.

With that being said, it is important to file the report immediately after the Uber or Lyft accident. Once either rideshare company receives it, they will refer the claim to one of their third-party insurers. An insurance adjuster will then communicate with you to gather additional information that will allow them to determine what would be the most appropriate approach to take to have the issue resolved.

3. Admitting Fault

Your emotions may be all over the place in the aftermath of an Uber or Lyft accident. This could influence you to apologize to the opposing side or take responsibility for the incident. But, admitting fault or making a confession at the accident scene can affect your ability to recover reasonable compensation.

In many cases, the cause of an accident is not instantly clear, and to determine fault, an investigation will need to be done. Even if you think you caused the collision, you should not make any statements that can be interpreted as admitting fault. Simply stick to the facts, like where it occurred and who was involved.

Apologizing can be misconstrued as confessing liability, and the opposing side may use your statement against you later if you decide to pursue legal action against them. It is always best to avoid discussing blame until you have the chance to speak to an attorney. They will offer guidance and support to ensure you do not make critical mistakes that can greatly affect your settlement value.

4. Not Collecting Evidence

One of the most important steps to take after a rideshare car accident is gathering evidence. This will support your case and establish fault. Without it, your claim could be weakened, making it more complicated for you to pursue compensation.

If you are physically able to do so, try to collect as much evidence as you can, like:

• Photos or footage of your injury, damages, and the accident scene
• Witness statements
• The driver’s vehicle, insurance, and contact details
• A copy of the police report and your medical records

Taking the time to preserve evidence shortly after the incident will help you develop a well-constructed claim in a timely manner.

5. Settling Too Quickly

A lot of Uber and Lyft accident cases involve victims settling their claims too quickly, especially when they are feeling pressured to do so due to a pileup of medical bills and lost wages. But, settling soon can cause you to lose your chances at acquiring a favorable settlement.

The other driver’s insurance company may want to make a quick offer to resolve the claim right away. While this may seem compelling, it is important for you to understand that early-stage settlements rarely reflect the severity of your injury, ongoing medical treatment, and the long-term effects you may endure. 

Prior to accepting an offer, you should consult with an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer to explain the true value of your case and whether the amount you receive is fair. In most cases, your lawyer will step in to negotiate a higher figure or represent you in court if your case proceeds to trial after failed resolution efforts.

Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Contact West Coast Uber and Lyft Lawyers Today

Rideshare accident victims are entitled to recover compensation for any losses incurred as a result of an Uber or Lyft driver’s negligence. At West Coast Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers, our expert legal team is here to guide you every step of the way. We understand the unique layers of rideshare accident cases and know how to hold the at fault driver responsible for their actions. From day one, we will protect your rights and work diligently to ensure you get a fair settlement.

We operate under a contingency-fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we successfully win or settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation with a personal injury lawyer, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 465-8682 or filling out our easy online contact form.