What to Do When Involved in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?

Getting involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience. Still, things can become even more complicated when it happens during a rideshare trip. Whether you are a passenger or a driver, there are specific steps you need to take to protect your rights and get maximum compensation. In this blog article, we will go over what you should do if you are involved in a rideshare car accident in Georgia.

It is important to note that Uber and Lyft accidents can be caused by various factors, including distracted driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In many cases, the drivers of these rideshare services may be inexperienced or unfamiliar with the area, leading to accidents due to poor judgment or unfamiliarity with local traffic patterns.

Rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers and passengers. However, the type and amount of coverage can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident.

For instance, if the driver is not on a rideshare trip, their personal insurance policy will be the primary coverage. If a rideshare driver gets into an accident while using the app but they have not accepted a trip yet then Uber can provide some coverage. Finally, if the driver gets into an accident, while on a trip then Uber will provide full coverage. However, in most cases, the rideshare driver’s privately owned policy will need to be used and exhausted first.

So, what should you do if you are involved in a rideshare car accident? Here are the steps you need to take:

Seek medical attention

The first and most crucial step is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained in the accident. Even if you feel fine, getting checked out by a doctor is essential, as some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Additionally, seeking medical attention will provide documentation of any injuries you may have suffered, which will be helpful when filing a claim.

Report the accident to the rideshare company.

Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app or website as soon as possible. They will ask you for details of the accident, so it’s important to be truthful and detailed when providing this information. The company will also likely initiate an investigation into the accident and may contact you for more information.

Call the police

In addition to reporting the accident to the rideshare company, you should also call the police to report the accident. The police will document the accident and file a report that provides crucial details that can be used in your claim.

Gather evidence

If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident. This can include taking pictures of the vehicle’s damages, getting witnesses’ contact information, and obtaining the other driver’s insurance information. All of this evidence will be helpful when filing a claim.

Contact an attorney

Finally, contacting an experienced attorney is essential. An experienced attorney can help guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are being protected. Rideshare accident claims can be complicated. An attorney can help you navigate the insurance company’s process and negotiate a fair settlement.

What can an attorney do if you get in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft?

When you’ve been in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, navigating the claims process can be confusing and overwhelming. But don’t worry – an experienced rideshare accident attorney can help. They’ll have the resources and legal know-how to investigate your case and determine who’s responsible for the damages caused by the crash. With their help, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the highest amount of compensation from Uber or Lyft’s insurance coverage.

Here’s what an attorney can do for you:

Evaluate your Uber/Lyft claim and determine the liability.
Investigate the circumstances of the accident.
Gather evidence to support your claim.
Calculate a fair amount for compensation based on your losses.
Negotiate with Uber/Lyft’s insurance company on your behalf.
Represent you in court if necessary.
Keep you updated through every step of the claims process.
Explore all possible sources of recovery for your injuries and losses.
Handle negotiations with third parties involved in the accident.
Defend against any opposition raised by Uber/Lyft.

It’s worth noting that Uber and Lyft accident claims can be particularly complex, with unique legal issues that may not arise in other types of accidents. That’s why it’s crucial to have an attorney familiar with these issues who can help you navigate them.

With their expertise and understanding of how these companies operate, they’ll work tirelessly to ensure you get the justice you deserve. So if you’ve been in an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney.

Being involved in a rideshare accident can be a stressful and confusing experience. Still, by taking the proper steps, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. Remember to seek medical attention, report the accident to the rideshare company and police, gather evidence, and contact an experienced attorney. Our exceptional attorneys at Castan & Lecca are here to help you in every car accident case, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and schedule your free consultation.

With the rising popularity of rideshare transportation comes the inevitable possibility of rideshare car accidents. It’s true that rideshare options can be a convenient and quick way to travel. But it’s sometimes difficult to know who shares the responsibility of fault if an accident occurs.

Both drivers and riders should know the type of coverage they have. It’s also important to know your rights and the possible compensation you may receive following an injury from an accident.

According to Ride Safe Georgia, Lyft and Uber drivers must meet four criteria to engage in offering rideshare services. Firstly, all drivers must have a fully insured 4-door vehicle. In addition to that, they must be able to pass both a background check and a driving record check. Furthermore, they must meet the minimum age/driving experience requirements.

It’s important to know the types of incidents that rideshare companies consider “accidents.” According to Lyft, accidents are defined as:

a vehicle collision
the vehicle striking an object like a curb or a tree
an incident when the vehicle is damaged by third-party property.

Due to their nature, rideshare accidents are more complicated than regular auto accidents. This is why we’ve laid out some important things to keep in mind so that you can be informed if you experience a rideshare car accident.

Immediately After the Rideshare Accident

During the immediate aftermath of a rideshare accident, all parties must check for injuries. They will also need to call police and paramedics if necessary. No matter the severity of the accident, everyone should document all pertinent information, including contact information and names. The course of action immediately following a rideshare accident should be similar to any general car accident.

If possible, the rideshare driver must move the vehicle to a shoulder or safe location out of the flow of traffic–a common move for auto accidents. But rideshare accidents have other factors to consider. After emergency services arrive, the driver and rider should both report the accident to the rideshare company. Both Lyft and Uber have claims forms for this process.

Many times, riders merely want to continue on to their destination and seek another rideshare driver. You may want to get to your destination, especially if you are not seriously injured, but it’s best to stay at the scene. You’ll need to document the incident, get all parties’ contact information, and speak with authorities so they can make a detailed report.

Remember, when it comes to rideshare accidents, there are a few more parties involved than a regular car accident, namely the rideshare companies and their insurance providers.

This is why it is important to stay at the scene of the accident. You should be aware of your rights so you know how to take the next steps.

Regardless of the rideshare company, all rides are covered by insurance. If the app is turned off, then driver’s personal vehicle insurance applies. When the app is on (whether waiting for a passenger or driving a passenger), then the rideshare companies provide coverage. The coverage amount varies by state and severity of injury.

How to Report a Rideshare Accident

It’s best to report the accident to the rideshare companies and the insurance companies as soon as possible so that you receive full coverage. Both Uber and Lyft have easy in-app features that both drivers and riders can use to contact a safety team in the event of an accident. Each company ensures that a trained team is available to guide riders and drivers through the process of reporting an accident.

The users should share details of the incident so that the team can provide personalized assistance based on the situation. Each company provides users with claims forms to complete so that they can determine how best to cover the accident.

If you are involved in an accident while driving for Lyft, you may require a Post Collision Inspection. Lyft provides drivers a form to complete so they have a record of the extent of damages to the vehicle. The driver then has to provide detailed descriptions of the damage. Then the inspector signs the document so that the claims process can move forward.

If You are Injured in a Rideshare Accident

If you are severely injured in a rideshare accident, you may receive medical treatment at the scene. You could also be transported to a local hospital. In this case, all insurance companies involved will be quickly notified of this situation.

But if you suffer an injury that you do not notice until later, it is important that you report it and seek treatment as soon as possible. In many cases, there is a time limit in which you can report your injury.

If you are injured in a rideshare accident, you must file an injury claim. According to Ride Safe Georgia, in order to do so, you must prove two things: how badly a party was injured (damages) and who was at fault (liability). When a rider is injured during a rideshare ride in Georgia, rideshare companies cover up to one million dollars in liability coverage.

In the majority of car accidents involving a rideshare driver or rider, the liability falls to the driver. It is important to remember, however, that the nature of coverage largely depends upon the status of the ride.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are involved in a rideshare accident, you may be dealing with a lot of different aspects in the aftermath. This could include large rideshare companies, auto insurance companies, medical insurance companies, and possibly even lawyers representing different parties.

Rideshare companies usually want to settle these types of claims fairly quickly–and they have the manpower to do it. But those who have been injured should focus on their own rights and seek a personal injury lawyer during this time.

Needless to say, the situation following a rideshare accident can become very complicated very quickly. All parties involved should be aware of existing laws, rideshare company regulations and protocol, and confusing or overwhelming legal loopholes.

It’s best to seek professional guidance so you don’t have to go up against these large companies alone. You should have a trusted expert on your side to assist you through this process. At Castan & Lecca, we have the legal knowledge and experience to get you the compensation you deserve.