As Uber and Lyft grow in popularity, more and more people are making use of these rideshare services as a convenient and cost-effective way to get from place to place.
This is especially true for people who are either traveling for business, running around town with their friends, or who don’t have vehicles of their own that they can use to travel with.
Some people even use rideshare services to get to work and back.
If you’re the type of person who likes to use rideshare services to get from place to place, then it’s crucial that you be aware of the fact that some special legal issues can pop up in the wake of an Uber or Lyft accident.
Yes, unfortunately—sometimes, even rideshare drivers get into accidents.
And if you’re ever unlucky enough to find yourself in such an accident, it’ll be crucial for you to understand how to protect yourself—not only legally, but also with how to take the proper steps to make sure that you’re cared for properly in the wake of the accident.
Let’s talk about it.
1. Stay Calm
Freaking out and panicking definitely won’t help you in the wake of a rideshare accident.
It’s important to keep your wits about you.
You’re going to need to stay present in the moment—to make sure that you get the help you need, and that you document everything that needs to be documented so that you can get the proper compensation, medical care, and reimbursement you’re entitled to.
2. Get Medical Attention
The very first order of business is to see to your own safety.
If you’re injured, then getting yourself emergency medical care is critical.
At the very least, even if you don’t think you were injured in the accident, always allow the emergency medical personnel on hand (the ambulance drivers, the paramedics, etc.) to give you a once-over, and make sure that you point out any unusual aches, pains, swelling, or injuries that you’ve sustained— even if they seem incredibly minor.
This will help to establish a paper trail—but it will also help to rule out the possibility of severe injuries that you may not be aware of as your body is in shock.
3. Document The Scene
As soon as you have the opportunity, it’s crucial to document the scene of the accident.
Take all kinds of pictures and videos.
See if you can find any witnesses, and try to record their statements—along with names, contact information, dates, and times.
Make sure to record the exact location, time, and circumstances of the accident.
What you’re basically doing is collecting evidence that a lawyer can use to get you the compensation you deserve in the event that the insurance company fails to pay out as it should.
Every bit of documentation will help to protect you and keep you safe, both legally and financially.
So it’s crucial that you perform this step as well as possible.
4. Call An Attorney
It’s always in your best interest to have an attorney’s contact information in your back pocket in the event of a rideshare accident.
One thing that you’re not going to want to do is go searching for a lawyer’s phone number in the aftermath of the accident.
You won’t have time.
So make sure that you find a local car accident lawyer’s information, and that you keep it on your phone or in your pocket—just in case.
This is especially true if you tend to use rideshare services a lot.
5. Never Admit Guilt Or Fault
In the aftermath of the accident, people may start asking you questions.
They may also start to inquire as to whose fault it was or who may be to blame for the accident.
Here’s the thing.
Even if you accidentally accept fault or blame for the accident, these statements can be used by the insurance company to deny your claim.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you keep from making statements that could implicate you in the fault of the accident.
This is especially true if you are a rideshare driver.
If in doubt, don’t talk to anyone until you’ve consulted with your lawyer.
This is the best way to keep you safe from both legal and financial risk in the wake of a rideshare accident.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly what to do if you’re involved in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Nobody wants to get caught up in this kind of stuff.
But unfortunately, it does happen.
And when it does, it’s always in your best interest to make wise choices to protect yourself from legal and financial risk.
You can do it.
Now, get out there and utilize those rideshare services to help you live your best life!
