What To Do After a Rideshare Accident
When you request a rideshare, you’re putting your trust in a stranger to get you safely to your destination. If you’ve recently been involved in a rideshare accident in Texas, you may be feeling shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next.
Here’s what to do after a rideshare accident:
- Ensure your safety and call 911 if anyone is injured
- Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage if you can
- Get information from both drivers and any witnesses
- Screenshot your rideshare trip details in the app
- Report the accident to the police and the rideshare company
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney
Although the rideshare factor definitely complicates a car accident claim, it’s still possible to sort through the chaos and get you what you deserve. As a rideshare passenger, you may be entitled to compensation through multiple insurance policies, including the rideshare company’s coverage and the driver’s personal insurance.
Don’t try to untangle this complex web of coverage on your own. Call Grimes & Fertitta at 713-224-7644 or contact us online for a free consultation with Uber accident lawyers who understand the unique challenges of rideshare accident cases and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Ensure your safety and call 911 if anyone is injured
Your immediate safety is the top priority after any accident. If possible, remain in the vehicle until you’re certain it’s safe to exit, especially if you’re on a busy road or highway. When you do exit the vehicle, move well away from traffic to a safe location. Then you can:
- Check yourself and others for injuries, and don’t attempt to move anyone who reports neck or back pain.
- Call for emergency services, even if the accident seems minor, as police documentation will be vital for your case, and having medical professionals evaluate everyone at the scene can prevent further injury.
If your rideshare accident occurs late at night or in an unfamiliar area, it’s especially important to remain aware of your surroundings and take extra precautions to stay safe while waiting for help.
Learn more about the most common car accident injuries
2. Take photos of the accident scene and vehicle damage
Documentation is critical for supporting your insurance claim and potential personal injury case. Use your phone’s camera to capture clear photos or videos of all vehicle damage, including close-ups and wide shots showing the positions of all vehicles involved. Whether you were rear-ended* or involved in a T-bone accident, you should get as much coverage of the area of impact as you can.
You’ll also want to make sure you photograph:
- Traffic signs
- Signals
- Skid marks
- Road conditions
- Weather conditions
- Time of day
- Obvious hazards
These details may seem minor at the moment but could become crucial evidence later. If you’re too injured to take photos yourself, ask a bystander or another passenger to help.
Read more about the Texas rear-end laws
3. Get information from both drivers and any witnesses
Collecting thorough information at the scene is essential for your case. Get the name, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers from both your rideshare driver and any other drivers involved. Liability in these cases can be complicated, so documenting all details is necessary, even if fault seems obvious.
Don’t forget about witnesses — their unbiased accounts can be invaluable for your case. Get contact information from anyone who saw the accident occur, including other passengers or pedestrians. If possible, ask them to briefly describe what they saw and record their statements on your phone. Their recollections could be helpful if there are disputes about how the accident occurred.
If the other driver leaves the scene, try to remember or write down their license plate number and any details you can remember about them and their vehicle — a Houston hit-and-run lawyer can help protect your rights in these situations.
4. Screenshot your rideshare trip details in the app
Your rideshare app contains vital information that could disappear if you don’t capture it quickly. Take screenshots of your entire trip details, including the:
- Driver’s information
- Vehicle details
- Pickup location
- Destination
- Route being followed
This information establishes your status as a passenger at the time of the accident and can help your Houston Uber accident lawyer build a stronger case on your behalf.
The app may also show your driver’s ratings, how long they’ve been driving for the service, and other relevant details. Save these screenshots in multiple places — email them to yourself and save them to cloud storage if possible. This digital evidence helps establish the exact circumstances of your ride and can be beneficial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
5. Report the accident to the police and the rideshare company
Filing an official police report creates a record of the incident. Be thorough but stick to the facts when describing what happened to the responding officers. Make sure to get the police report number before leaving the scene, as this document will be important for your insurance claim and any legal action.
Most rideshare companies have specific procedures for reporting accidents through their apps. Follow these procedures carefully and keep records of all communication. As always, don’t accept any quick settlement offers from the rideshare company or their insurance providers before consulting with an attorney as these initial offers often undervalue your claim.
6. Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
The surge of adrenaline after an accident can mask injury symptoms, and some injuries may not become apparent for hours or days. Visit an emergency room or your doctor as soon as possible after the accident, even if you feel okay. A medical professional can identify potential injuries before they worsen and create documentation that connects your injuries to the accident.
Follow all medical advice and keep detailed records of your treatments, including:
- Photographs of visible injuries
- Medical bills
- Documentation of any work you miss due to your injuries
These records help when calculating the full value of your claim and ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your medical expenses and pain and suffering.
7. Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney
Insurance claims involving rideshare accidents can be complex because multiple insurance policies may be involved including the rideshare company’s coverage, the driver’s personal insurance, and the other drivers’ insurance. An experienced car accident attorney can help determine which policies apply and how to maximize your compensation under each one.
The sooner you contact an attorney, the better they can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence. Your attorney can handle communications with insurance companies, ensure you meet all filing deadlines, and build a strong case for the compensation you deserve. Many accident victims who try to handle claims on their own unknowingly damage their cases or accept settlements far below what they’re entitled to receive.
Rideshare accident — FAQs
What to do if your Uber driver gets in an accident?
After ensuring you’re safe and calling 911 if anyone is injured, document everything by taking photos of the damage and gathering information from all drivers and witnesses. Stay at the scene until police arrive, get checked by medical professionals even if you feel fine, and contact an attorney who understands Uber driver insurance coverage and specializes in rideshare accidents.
Should I report an accident to Uber?
Yes, you should report the accident through Uber’s app immediately using their safety incident reporting feature, as this initiates the Uber insurance claims process and creates an official record of the incident. Reporting the accident promptly helps protect your rights as a passenger and ensures you can access coverage under Uber’s insurance policy.
Does Uber cover crashes?
Uber has a significant policy for covering crashes. If you’ve been in an Uber accident in Texas, you may be entitled to compensation through multiple insurance policies, including Uber’s $1 million liability coverage and the driver’s personal insurance policies.
Remember to screenshot your trip details in the app immediately after the accident, and don’t accept any settlement offers without first consulting an experienced rideshare accident attorney who can protect your rights and help you receive fair compensation.
How long does it take Lyft to investigate an accident?
After reporting an accident to Lyft, the investigation process typically takes between 2 and 4 weeks, though complex cases involving multiple vehicles or severe injuries may take longer. During this time, Lyft’s insurance representatives will review the accident report, gather statements from all parties involved, assess vehicle damage, review medical documentation, and determine coverage under their policy.
How do I report damage to Lyft?
To report damage from a Lyft accident, immediately open your Lyft app, tap “Help” in the menu, select “Report an accident or safety incident,” and follow the prompts to provide details about what happened. Be sure to include photos of the damage, details about the incident, and any relevant information about injuries or other parties involved.
Injured in a rideshare accident? Let Grimes & Fertitta fight for your rights.
The aftermath of a rideshare accident can leave you dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and complex insurance claims, all while trying to recover from your injuries. Don’t let the rideshare companies or their insurance providers minimize your suffering or deny you the compensation you deserve.
At Grimes & Fertitta, we understand the unique challenges of rideshare accident cases and have a proven track record of successfully fighting for accident victim’s rights. We’ll carefully evaluate your case, explain your options, and handle all aspects of your claim so you can focus on what matters most — your recovery.
Let our skilled car accident lawyers in The Woodlands/Greater Houston area deal with the insurance companies and fight to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to. Call our experienced legal team at 713-224-7644 or contact us online today for a free consultation.
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