In a car accident liability is determined by who caused the accident; so, it stands to reason that as a passenger, you can not be at fault in an accident when you hired a driver.
In the modern age rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are very prevalent in our day to day lives, offering a way to get you home safely from practically anywhere. These apps have been instrumental in decreasing drunk driving accidents and increasing safety on our roads.
But accidents can still occur, and if your Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident what are your options? As Utah car accident attorneys we believe it is crucial to understand your rights when you get into a rideshare, and in this article we will be diving into how you can handle a car accident claim when you have been in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Call the Police
The first step that you should take after being involved in a rideshare accident is to call the police. This will ensure that an official police report is created for the accident scene. This police report will help to eliminate the he-said/she-said confusion that comes from a car accident.
A police report will gather all of the information from the accident scene and assign who is at fault in the accident. This determination of fault will be what an insurance company uses to determine who is responsible for the accident, and may affect your ability to recover any damages from your accident.
Document Everything
Regardless of who is at fault in the accident you should collect as much information as possible. Remember, it is better to have an excess of evidence and not need it than to miss a critical piece of evidence.
Your documentation of the accident scene could be the difference between receiving a settlement for your injuries and medical expenses, or having to shoulder those costs yourself. Remember to try and gather the following information at the scene of the accident:
- Driver Information for Both Vehicles (It doesn’t matter if one or both parties deny fault or if they insist their insurance company or boss should handle the claim.)
- Full Name
- Driver’s License Number
- Date of Birth
- Mailing Address and Phone Numbers
- Personal Insurance Information
- Company Insurance Information
- Car Information for Both Vehicles (Some or all of this information will be on the insurance card.)
- Year, Make & Model
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- License Plate State and Number
- A Picture of Every Side of the Vehicle (to document damage and prevent them from padding the claim)
- Accident Scene Photos Taken From Multiple Angles
- Witness Contact Information
- A List of Events In Order- It is much easier to take down information at the scene of an accident than to try and recall details later.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not feel any pain after your accident you should still seek a full medical evaluation. An injury that seems minor, or injuries in general may be covered up by adrenaline after an accident and may become more severe as time goes on. Seeking medical attention will ensure that all of the injuries you have received have been uncovered and that a treatment plan is created to start your road to recovery.
Attend all treatments that your doctor assigns to you, and remember to follow all cautionary advice that your doctor may tell you. If your doctor tells you to lie down and rest, then lie down and rest! It will greatly improve your recovery.
Throughout your treatment remember to keep your receipts from your medical copays, any prescriptions you pick up, transportation costs, and lost wages while attending medical treatment. These expenses can all be calculated as part of your medical expenses and can be pursued through your personal injury case.
Contact Utah Lyft / Uber Crash Lawyers
If your Uber or Lyft driver is found at fault in the accident, you are not out of luck! You can pursue compensation for your injuries through the driver’s personal insurance policy or their employer’s policy.
As long as your Uber or Lyft driver was on the clock while you were in their car then you will be able to pursue a personal injury claim through their insurance policy. In reality, both the driver’s personal insurance policy and the company’s policy will lead toward the interpretation of the law that could excuse them from liability.
Insurance companies employ experienced lawyers to protect their interests and help them to avoid paying out fair settlements to injured parties. This is why hiring a skilled Utah car accident attorney for your case. Your car accident attorney has intimate knowledge of all rideshare laws and how they might apply to your circumstances, consider reaching out to one if you have questions about your accident.
To Sum It Up
The majority of rideshare drivers are totally safe and responsible, but they spend a disproportionate amount of time on the road which can lead to accidents. If you have been injured while you were in a rideshare remember that you have rights.
As a passenger in a vehicle you are deemed by the government as a fault free passenger, meaning you can seek compensation for your injuries regardless of if the driver was at fault for the accident. If you or someone you know has been injured in a rideshare accident reach out to the Utah car accident attorneys at LifeLaw Trial Lawyers today. Our team of car accident attorneys will work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. If you were injured give us a call or contact us today for a free consultation, and to discuss your next steps!
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