Uber and Lyft have caused contention ever since they launched. On one hand, both provide accessible and affordable transportation at the click of a button. From another perspective, they have strained the taxi industry, increased traffic congestion, and created numerous legal challenges for insurance companies and legal professionals nationwide.
Despite their criticisms and shortcomings, people continue to use Uber and Lyft regularly and research suggests ridership is growing. This begs the question of what happens if you’re riding in an Uber or a Lyft and the vehicle is involved in a car crash. What should you do? Who is liable? How will you pay for your medical bills if you get hurt? Thankfully, as these industries have grown, their procedures have policies have improved regarding vehicle crashes. Here is what you need to know if you are involved in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft.
Steps to Take Following a Rideshare Accident
Though ridesharing services have only been around for about a decade and therefore research is scant, there is some evidence that as companies like Uber and Lyft grow, so do traffic accidents. A University of Chicago and Rice University study suggested that the rise of ridesharing services has increased traffic deaths by 2% to 3% in the United States since 2011. Therefore, it’s good to know what to do if you get into an accident while riding in an Uber or a Lyft.
If you have been in an Uber or Lyft accident, take the following steps:
- Call the paramedics if you or anyone involved has been seriously injured
- Call the police to the scene and file an accident report
- Take as many photos of the accident scene as you can—especially of any injuries and property damage—before anything is relocated or cleaned up
- Exchange insurance and contact information with your rideshare driver and any other motorists involved
- Ask bystanders who witnessed the accident for their contact information as well
- Contact Lyft or Uber directly and inform them of the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel unhurt—some injuries take time to manifest and your medical records can serve as evidence when you file a personal injury claim
- Contact a lawyer
Have You Been in an Uber or Lyft Accident as a Passenger?
Belushin Law Firm, P.C. has provided comprehensive and personalized legal solutions for New Yorkers for nearly two decades. Our team of legal experts has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of ridesharing accident victims and other injured clients. We can help you receive a settlement that will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with one of our Brooklyn Uber and Lyft accident attorneys. Remote services are available.