In recent years, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft have become a staple in transportation, offering a convenient and sometimes cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis. Millions of people around the world rely on these services daily, whether for commuting to work, getting home safely after a night out, or traveling in unfamiliar cities.
However, while professional rideshare drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and typically submit to standard background checks by the rideshare company, accidents can and do happen. In this blog, we’ll help you understand what to do in the event of an accident to ensure your safety and protect your rights.
Immediate Steps to Take Following an Accident
Safety First
The moment an accident occurs, your primary concern should be your own safety and that of any fellow passengers. If the situation allows, check for injuries and assess whether it’s safer to remain in the vehicle or exit. If you’re on a busy road, it may be safer to stay inside the car until help arrives. However, if there’s a risk of fire, additional collisions, or other immediate dangers, carefully exit the vehicle and move to a safe location away from traffic. If you, or someone in a vehicle with you, appears severely injured, do not attempt to move them. Await the arrival of first responders.
Notification
Once everyone is safe, it’s essential to report the accident to emergency services. Additionally, most rideshare companies require drivers to report any accidents promptly, which triggers their internal processes, including reaching out to you as a passenger. The app will also provide instructions on the next steps and may facilitate communication with the company’s support team. This notification is a crucial step in ensuring that the incident is properly documented and that you receive any necessary assistance. Keep your communication short and to the point, informing the rideshare company about the collision only. In the days following a collision, the rideshare company may reach out to speak with you on the phone in order to take a recorded statement. Please consider speaking with an attorney before speaking with, or providing any statements to, the rideshare company.
Document the Scene
If you’re able to do so safely, take the time to document the accident scene thoroughly. Take clear photos of the vehicle, any visible damage, the surrounding area, and any other vehicles involved. Note details such as the time, weather conditions, and location of the accident. Additionally, if there are any witnesses, try to gather their contact information just in case their testimony is needed later. This documentation can be critical when filing claims or seeking legal recourse, as it provides an objective record of the incident. If the police or other first responders are on the scene, they will likely gather this information as well.
Understanding Rideshare Insurance Policy
In most cases, the rideshare company’s insurance policy is designed to provide coverage for both drivers and passengers in the event of an accident, but it’s important to understand when and how this coverage is applied. The coverage varies depending on the phase of the ride — whether the driver is waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting a passenger.
Once you are in the vehicle as a passenger, the insurance coverage typically comes into play, offering protection that supplements or supercedes the driver’s personal auto insurance. This coverage is designed to help with expenses related to injuries or property damage incurred during the ride.
Medical Attention and Legal Rights
Seek Medical Help
After an accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel injured right away. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately but can become serious if left untreated. A prompt medical evaluation not only ensures your health and well-being but also provides official documentation of any injuries sustained, which can be important if you later need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Legal Consultation
Rideshare accidents can involve complex legal issues, especially when it comes to determining liability and navigating insurance claims. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer who has experience with rideshare accidents is a wise step to protect your rights. Qualified attorneys, like Santoro and Gray, can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies, and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or losses incurred.
How To Report An Accident to Uber
Reporting an accident to Uber is straightforward and can be done directly through the app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Open the Uber app and navigate to the “Help” section.
- Select “Trip Issues and Refunds” and then choose the specific trip where the accident occurred.
- Tap on “I was in an accident” to report the incident.
- Provide the necessary details about the accident, including who, where, and when. Do not provide information as to how the collision occurred or any information about injuries.
- Submit the report. Uber’s support team will then reach out to you with further instructions. Refrain from speaking with Uber before you have consulted with an attorney.
Potential Complications in Rideshare Accidents
Liability Issues
One of the most challenging aspects of rideshare accidents is determining who is liable for the damages. Liability can be complicated by factors such as whether the driver was at fault, if another driver caused the accident, or if road conditions or vehicle malfunctions were involved.
In some cases, liability may be shared among multiple parties, making it difficult to ascertain who is responsible for compensating the injured parties. Understanding the intricacies of liability in rideshare accidents is crucial for pursuing the appropriate claims.
Multiple Parties Involved
Rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, which can complicate the claims process. In addition to the driver and the passenger, other drivers or pedestrians may be involved.
When multiple parties are at play, the process of negotiating settlements, filing claims, and determining fault can become complex. This is another reason why consulting with an experienced attorney is essential — they can help navigate these complexities and advocate on your behalf to ensure a fair resolution.
Ensuring Your Safety and Rights are Protected with Santoro and Gray
Ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft offer transportation convenience, but accidents can still happen, making it essential to know how to protect yourself. From ensuring your immediate safety and documenting the scene, to understanding insurance coverage and seeking prompt medical attention, being informed is key.
As a proactive passenger, always wear your seatbelt, stay aware of your surroundings, and be familiar with accident reporting procedures. In the event of an accident, seeking legal advice is an important step.
At Santoro and Gray, our experienced attorneys specialize in personal injury cases, including rideshare accidents, and are dedicated to protecting you and making sure you receive the compensation you deserve. Your safety and rights are our top priority, so don’t hesitate to contact us.