I have been involved in accident with Uber or Lyft, now what should I do?

With more and more people enjoying the benefits of a rideshare, there are certain events which are out of their control. For example, when in a rideshare, a passenger can be involved in an accident. Here are some tips to pursue a case against Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare companies:

1. Ensure your safety. Check and see if you or others have any injuries. Try and move to a safer location, if possible. If the vehicles can be pulled off the road, attempt to get them on to the shoulder, or another safe area. It goes without saying, if anyone is hurt or there’s serious damage, call 911.
2. Even if it’s a minor collision, call the police. Having a police report is important for insurance, and possibly legal issues which may arise down the road. Make sure you get the police officer’s name, badge number, and report number. The report number is very important.
3. Become a cameraman. Take photos and videotapes of damage to vehicles, the surrounding area, including but not limited to, street signs, intersections, or cameras. Verify the license plates of all vehicles involved. It is also important to note the time of the incident, location of the incident, and did the weather have any impact on the collision. If possible, take photos or a videotape of your injuries related to the collision.
4. Exchange information. You need to obtain all relevant contact and insurance information from the rideshare driver and/or any other vehicles involved. If you can secure the name of any independent witnesses, you must do so at the scene.
5. Contact and report the collision to the rideshare company. Inevitably, they will start an internal investigation, and you can contact them through their insurance team. Believe it or not, the rideshare insurance team which does not have your best interest at heart.
6. Seek medical attention. Often, what may appear to be simple aches and pains following a collision can eventually lead to more significant problems. Even if you feel fine, some injuries such as a concussion, back problems, or lingering soft tissue injuries do develop later. Get checked by a doctor or medical team as soon as possible and keep all medical records and bills.
7. Notify your insurance carrier. I think a big assumption, and a problem many make is they assume the rideshare’s insurance will cover everything. Insurance coverage for a rideshare vehicle depends on several circumstances. For example, whether or not you are waiting for a ride request; whether you are being actively transported as a passenger; or whether you are on your way to get picked up; all of which could impact the available insurance coverage of the rideshare operator. Thus, the importance of letting your insurance company know exactly what happened and timely providing them with a police report and/or any medical treatment upon receipt.

If you were injured or there is a dispute about potential coverage or liability of a rideshare accident, contact the rideshare attorneys at Kaveny+Kroll who have experience and can help protect your rights. Contact the rideshare trial lawyers at Kaveny+Kroll for a free consultation at 312-761-5585.