What To Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare companies provide a valuable service. Given the prevalence of these companies and the people who work for them, you may find yourself in the position of being involved in a rideshare accident at some point. If you are, it is important to know what to do. Here is a brief list of actions to take to protect your legal rights and options. You can also call Mingo & Yankala, S.C. at 414-273-7400 for help.
Call 911
The first step to take is to report the accident to authorities. Even if you don’t seem injured or the driver pleads with you not to report the accident, calling 911 is essential to get the process started. An ambulance can be sent to help you or other injured accident victims. Police can respond to the scene, investigate the accident, and prepare a report that can help establish your right to recovery.
Get the Drivers’ Information
Get information to identify each driver involved in the accident, including the rideshare driver and any other drivers involved in the accident. Request the following information from them:
- Their name
- Their address and phone number
- Their driver’s license number
- The make, model, and year of their vehicle
- Their license plate number
- Their insurance provider and policy number
- Their rideshare information, if applicable
Document the Scene
The accident scene likely won’t last long, so it’s important that you try to preserve it while it is fresh. Take pictures of the following:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Road and weather conditions
- Wide angles of the accident scene
- Any physical signs of the accident, including tire tread or skid marks
Get Witness Information
If any witnesses stopped at the accident scene, get their contact information. Your lawyer may want to call them later to get a statement about what they saw.
Report the Accident on the App
Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft have an option to report an accident directly on the app. You can report the accident here and keep a copy for your records. Stick to factual statements and avoid making any guesses or theories about how the accident occurred.
Keep All Documents and Receipts
Car accidents are often followed by extensive documentation and it’s important to keep up with it. Keep the following information:
- Any written communication with the insurance company
- The car accident report
- Estimates or invoices for your car repairs
- Car rental receipts, tolls, or costs for rideshare services while your vehicle is being repaired
- Medical records, including doctor’s notes, hospitalization records, imaging test results, diagnostic notes, and all bills for medical services
- Paystubs or employment records that show the amount of income you lost because of the accident
- Journal entries that discuss how the accident has affected your life and the pain you are going through
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a rideshare accident, reach out to an experienced car accident attorney at Mingo & Yankala, S.C. for help. We provide a free case review to discuss your legal rights and options. You can complete our online contact form or call our office at 414-273-7400 to begin the process of pursuing compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.