What to Do Next When You’re Involved in a Rideshare Accident
If you were in the car during an Uber or Lyft accident, it is normal to have concerns and be uncertain of the next best move, especially if you are injured. The first step we recommend is to contact a lawyer like the ones on the team at Belushin Law Firm, P.C.
The problem in these cases is that the rideshare companies tend to assume the best-case scenario, so the instructions are not always clear for passengers. The primary instruction they have for their riders is to call 911 and make sure the passengers are safe. They also prioritize keeping drivers safe, and Lyft has a “Trust and Safety Team” that contacts passengers in case of an accident in order to help the situation. Of course, the top priority will always be your safety, but we also want to make sure that the necessary damages are paid by the responsible parties. In order to do this, we will want to gather the following information:
- Your Lyft or Uber driver’s name, address, and phone number (some of this information might be available in the app)
- The other driver’s name, address, and phone number
- The personal insurance information for the Lyft or Uber driver
- Any insurance information available regarding Lyft or Uber’s own insurance
- The other driver’s insurance information
- Vehicle information, including the registration number, make, model, and license plate numbers for any cars involved
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Any pictures and notes available regarding injuries or vehicle damage
We understand that this can be a stressful situation, but the good news is that both Uber and Lyft can provide up to $1 million per accident with their insurance plans, with $50,000 per person for personal injury. This is an insurance plan that acts as the primary insurance plan in an Uber or Lyft accident. If this amount does not cover the damages, or another driver caused the accident, their insurance policy might be able to cover your injuries as well.
Types of Rideshare Car Accidents
When it comes to a car crash in an Uber or Lyft, there are four main situations that can arise:
- Passenger was injured in a rideshare vehicle during the ride
- Rideshare driver was injured in an accident with a vehicle performing ridesharing services
- Passengers in a vehicle were injured in a crash with a rideshare vehicle on its way to pick up a fare
No matter what the case might be, it is important to get in touch with a legal team and your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurer will follow up with the driver’s insurance company and begin the claims process. This is considered an easy lift for the insurance company because a passenger is unlikely to have any liability unless the behavior was distracting or illegal. If the accident involved two or more vehicles, the claims adjusters will need to determine who was at fault. The driver who was at fault will be responsible for covering the claim.
Were you injured in the vehicle as a passenger of an Uber or Lyft? Call (888) 918-9890 or contact us online for the personal injury assistance you need.
Most Common Personal Injuries in Car Crashes
It is important to our team that you are fully compensated for physical, emotional, and financial turmoil. Every case is unique and has unique damages involved, so the parties responsible will be different in every case as well. A car crash can injure virtually any part of the body, so the medical expenses can vary widely The most common personal injuries that we see in car crashes include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Car accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury or TBI. This occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain and can happen when the head hits an object or when an object pierces the skull and damages brain tissue. Some examples of traumatic brain injuries include hematomas, hemorrhages, concussions, edemas, skull fractures, and axonal injuries.
Spinal cord injuries
Spinal cord injuries are quite a common phenomenon in the U.S. There are more than 17,000 new cases of spinal cord injuries in the U.S. yearly. Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of spinal injuries at 38%, according to data from the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC).
Fractures and broken bones
Any bone in your body can become injured from a car accident, but the most common crash fractures include lower legs, femurs, arms, wrists, clavicles, hips, ribs, and facial bones or skull. You might not recognize immediately if you have broken a bone, but you will sense the pain immediately. Some signs and symptoms of broken bones include:
- Pain that worsens when you move or touch the area
- Inability to bear weight on the injured area
- Redness, swelling, and tenderness
- Bruising or discoloration
- Visible bone exposure
- Visible deformity
Knee injuries
In car crashes, the most common knee injuries are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the medial collateral ligament. These are both tears that require surgery and extensive rehab, so if you sustain one of these injuries while in a car crash, you will want a team of lawyers on your side to defend your rights.
If you were involved in a rideshare car accident and are not sure what to do next, call Belushin Law Firm, P.C. at (888) 918-9890 or contact us online.