What To Do If You’re In a Rideshare Accident

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Ridesharing services are not always safer than driving yourself.

Here’s some advice on what to do after a rideshare accident.

There’s no doubt that Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare companies have revolutionized the way Americans get from place to place. It’s safe to say that these apps have all but replaced taxi services as our preferred way to get around.

But as popularity and usage grows, so does the rate of traffic accidents.

While the Uber driver accident rate shows a low number of fatal vehicle accidents, a 2021 study showed a link between ridesharing services and car accident injury.

The fact remains that rideshare drivers are humans…humans without any special training. But, while you can’t prevent an accident while using a rideshare app, you can make the most out of a bad situation if you know what steps to take afterward.

At Beers & Gordon, we believe that everyone deserves a safe driving experience—whether that be in your own vehicle, someone else’s, a rental car, in town, or while on vacation. In this article, we’ll show you what to do after an Uber accident.

What To Do After an Uber Accident

Rideshare apps tend to give only minimal advice on what to do after an accident and this advice leaves out the most important step (calling a rideshare accident attorney).

The injury, pain, and suffering you experience after a car accident are very real and often take months or even years to fully recover from. Following the right steps immediately after your accident will make it that much easier to seek compensation.

Whether you’re a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or you were hit by a rideshare driver, here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a rideshare accident.

1. Assess For Injuries

After any car accident, the first step you should take is to assess the drivers and passengers of all involved vehicles for serious injuries and call an ambulance for emergency medical attention.

Muscle soreness should be expected, even if you are in a relatively minor fender bender.

2. Report the Accident to the Police

Don’t neglect this step! Having a police officer investigate the crash will create an official neutral record with information that can support your insurance claim.

Recently, Uber created an in-app emergency button so you can call 911 quickly. The app will even give you important information about the vehicle and your location so you can relate this information to the police.

3. Document the Scene

If you can, take your own photos of the scene while they are still fresh in your mind. A lot can change even during the time it takes for the police to arrive, so it’s best to start snapping pictures and/or taking video right away.

Document the scene and talk to any witnesses.

Additionally, talk to any witnesses and see if they would be willing to provide their information. Do not ask what they saw at this time, as this could be seen as trying to influence them.

You may want to screenshot the rideshare driver’s information if the police cannot come to the scene. You may need that information later. If the rideshare driver caused the crash, you may also want to obtain his/her insurance information.

4. Report the Accident to the Ridesharing Service

It’s dangerous to assume that Uber and Lyft drivers will report the accident to their employer. There have been reports of Uber dropping drivers from the platform after they have been involved in an accident. Your driver may not want to take this risk.

You can report traffic accidents (and any other unsafe behavior) through the app under the “Trip Issues” section. This will allow you to collect from the platform’s insurance policy.

We advise you to be very careful when speaking with any rideshare representative. Instead, refer them to your attorney.

5. Screenshot the App

Take a screenshot of your ride in the app so that you have proof that you were using the rideshare service at the time of the accident. This information can come in handy later.

If the rideshare driver was at-fault for the crash, you should also obtain his/her insurance information. Recent changes to Florida law have removed liability for ridesharing companies. In the event you have to file a lawsuit, you will have to go after the driver’s insurance.

woman laying in hospital bed and speaking to doctors

6. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Adrenaline and shock may keep you from feeling pain or other symptoms and a medical appointment will help you get an idea of the full extent of your injuries and prevent any complications.

Establishing a link between the accident and your health is crucial. If you fail to visit the doctor immediately following your rideshare accident, you will create the impression that you were not as injured as you actually are.

Insurance companies question everything and often insist that failure to treat for several days is indicative that the injury was not serious. Keep copies of all medical bills and other documentation related to your injuries.

7. Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Most people think of car accident attorneys as being only necessary when the insurance company is playing hardball with them.

This is exactly why all car accident victims should work with a lawyer.

Insurance providers and rideshare companies have plenty of experience in dealing with car accident claims. As a result, they know exactly what they can get away with. Having an attorney on your side right from the beginning will ensure that no stone is left unturned so that you get the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Car accident lawyers do a lot more than argue on your behalf during a trial or mediation. They can also help determine your level of insurance and investigate who was responsible for the crash. Having a professional on your side will take much of the burden off your shoulders so that you can focus on recovery.

Need an Uber accident attorney? We can help!

Rideshare Accidents Are Different

Although both Uber and Lyft may provide up to $1,000,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for passengers, insurance coverage for rideshare accidents isn’t as straightforward as you’d like.

Available coverage for injuries and property damage varies from platform to platform, state to state, and case to case.

Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident, you may have to file a claim through your PIP benefits, the driver’s personal insurance policy, Uber/Lyft coverage, or even a third-party’s insurance policy.

Not knowing exactly where to turn or how much coverage you’re entitled to can complicate an already stressful situation. Fortunately, knowing what to do after an Uber accident will give you the best chance at a successful claim.

Do You Need a Rideshare Accident Attorney?

While there is no special branch of law that specializes in ridesharing accidents, this doesn’t mean that every lawyer is qualified to assist with your rideshare accident claim.

In the past, you may have used the assistance of a personal injury lawyer to help you get compensation for your injuries. But not all personal injury claims are the same.

Some attorneys are more knowledgeable in trucking accidents. Others may specialize in slip & falls. Finding the right rideshare accident lawyer means seeking out an attorney with the experience needed to win your case. If this is their first time dealing with a ridesharing accident, your attorney may not know the right questions to ask.

Our Oviedo law firm has dealt with a wide range of personal injury cases—including ridesharing accidents—and are skilled at civil trial litigation.

Conclusion

Coverage for your Lyft or Uber accident injuries is difficult to understand, even in the best of circumstances.

If you were injured in a ridesharing accident as a passenger or third-party, contact the police and ridesharing app, document the scene, seek medical treatment, and—most importantly—contact an Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.

The Oviedo car accident attorneys at Beers & Gordon have experience working on behalf of both insurance companies and individuals like you. Everything we learned from working on their side, we bring to your case to get you the best possible result.