It stands to reason that, as a passenger, you can’t be at fault in an accident when hiring a driver. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are relatively recent options, however. Understanding who is liable for damages and how you will get your medical bills paid can be challenging. Here are some tips on how to handle the claim so that you receive the best possible care.
Call The Police
Having an official police report documenting the details of the accident will eliminate much of the he-said/she-said confusion. If the police are too busy to assign an officer to your case—or you cannot call the police for some reason—all the information gathering will fall to you.
Document Everything
No matter who is at fault in the accident, whether your rideshare driver or the other party, collect all available information. It is better to have too much information and not need it than to miss a critical piece of the puzzle.
Documentation could mean the difference between receiving payment for your medical expenses or having to shoulder those costs yourself. Try to include as much of the following information as possible:
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- 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 their 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
Injuries that seem minor while your system is flooded with adrenaline can become more painful as the day progresses. Some injuries, like head injuries, can even worsen without treatment. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Follow any cautionary advice the doctor gives you, such as asking you to lie down for the rest of the day or taking a muscle relaxer to calm the injured area so damage doesn’t spread.
Keep all your receipts for medical copays, prescriptions, mileage or transportation costs, lost wages while attending to the case or dealing with medical expenses, and any specialized equipment used during your recovery, like a cane or walker.
Contact Utah Lyft/Uber Crash Lawyers
If your driver is at fault in the accident, there are two options for you to receive payment. You can get money from their personal insurance or their employer’s policy.
Technically, the company insurance should pay for the damage if the rideshare driver is on the clock. In reality, both insurance companies will lean toward the interpretation of the law that excuses them from liability.
Since insurance companies employ experienced lawyers, it pays to have an Uber accident lawyer who understands the law and can keep them honest.
The best Salt Lake City car accident attorneys will know the new rideshare laws and how they apply to your circumstances. Feel free to ask them for their experience handling such cases.
Attend All Meetings
Whether you attend in person or by video conference, make sure you appear at every hearing and meeting your lawyer arranges for you to expedite your case.
Be Careful About Signing Anything
All communication should go directly to the lawyer. If anything is sent to you instead, have your lawyer review it before signing.
Accepting a quick settlement check may be tempting in light of mounting bills. If you take the insurance company’s offer, however, you might be signing away your right to seek further damages if your injuries linger.
Your attorney is charged with protecting your rights now and ensuring you have funds to see to future medical needs related to the accidents. Based on your medical reports, your attorney can guide you through settlement decisions that will provide financial security to you and your family against future medical costs.
To Sum Up
While most rideshare drivers are safe and responsible, they spend a disproportionate amount of time on the road. If you factor in the unpredictability of other drivers and inevitable human error, it isn’t surprising that they are involved in the occasional accident.
That being said, hiring a driver should come with protection for you and your family as passengers. The at-fault party is responsible for correcting any damage they cause. These tips will give you more control over your future health and financial well-being in the unlikely event of an 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.)