Over the years, ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft have revolutionized the transportation industry. These companies made the commuting lives of the general public easier and almost hassle-free. However, availing their car services won’t spare you from getting involved in a vehicular accident. You must be aware of these four crucial steps you need to take following a rideshare collision.
Call 911 immediately
In any car accident, the first thing you need to do is call 911 or emergency services. It is important that all parties involved must remain at the accident scene until the proper authorities arrive. Even if it was only a minor fender bender and your ridesharing driver wants to settle with the other party, do your best to prevent them from leaving. While waiting for the first responders to arrive, assess yourself and other passengers for injuries. Unless it was a major collision, make sure that both vehicles are safely off the road to give way to oncoming traffic and prevent further crashes.
Seek medical assistance
After providing your version of the accident to the local enforcement, make sure to have yourself checked at the nearest hospital. Remember that some car accident injuries tend to manifest later on, so you need to get examined by a doctor right away. Without a medical report, it may be hard to pursue compensation and get the justice you deserve since you have no proof that you were injured during the accident.
It is important to note that your rideshare driver’s status can significantly influence the amount you can recover for your medical damages. You need to call a rideshare accident lawyer immediately to ensure you get adequately compensated. An experienced attorney can give you sound legal advice and make the negligent party accountable.
Collect essential information
Even if you feel that the accident was your rideshare driver’s fault, refrain from starting an argument with him. Remember that whatever you say, regardless of how trivial it is, might be used against you, so do your best to stay calm. Focus instead on exchanging contact details with your driver and the other party. Make sure to get their names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information. In addition, never talk to the other party’s insurance provider without your attorney present, as they may try to persuade you to agree to a settlement amount that is less than what you deserve.
Obtain evidence
If you are physically capable, make sure to take photos of your visible injuries, the vehicles involved in the accident, nearby establishments, the condition of the road, and other details that you feel might help your case. However, if you sustained severe injuries, ask a good samaritan to complete this task. Get the contact details and statements of possible witnesses as their testimonies may prove useful. The quantity and quality of your evidence can make a difference to your claim, so try to collect as much evidence as you can.
Car accidents are unfortunate yet inescapable realities of life. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these steps to better prepare yourself should the inevitable happen.
