Many people rely on Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services regularly. Yet, what happens if you are in a rideshare car accident? You could end up with minor or catastrophic injuries, not to mention medical bills, time off work, and other costly problems. Rest assured that you have options. You also have legal rights as an injured party.
The moments after a car accident tend to be confusing, especially if you are a passenger in someone else’s vehicle. If you are able, pick up your phone and dial 911 right away. Do not assume your driver or someone else will make the call. Alerting the police is critical. Police generate accident reports, and those reports can be useful to you later.
While you are at the scene, you should do your best to document what happened by taking photographs or videos, as long as you can comfortably and safely move around. You may also want to get the names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses, including the other people in the rideshare vehicle.
You should get seen by a medical professional. This could mean accepting medical attention at the scene, going to a nearby emergency room, or making an appointment with your primary care physician. Remember that many types of injuries can surface in the hours or days after an accident, including a concussion, whiplash, and deep bruising.
In addition to alerting the authorities and getting treatment, you will need to call the rideshare company, whether it is Uber or some other company. Do not assume that your driver will take this step. Drivers may not want their rideshare companies to know that they have been in a crash. By bringing the accident to the attention of the rideshare company, you may help yourself later.
Do Rideshare Drivers Carry Insurance?
When you are in a rideshare vehicle, you might wonder if the driver carries insurance. All legitimate rideshare companies require that their drivers keep up-to-date insurance coverage. Most third-party rideshare companies, like Uber and Lyft, also require that their drivers pay for special coverage.
Rideshare insurance may cover some of the costs of passenger injuries or damage to property, such as personal electronics. However, the exact extent of coverage can vary between types of insurance plans. Not all rideshare drivers take insurance seriously. Some may also not keep up with their insurance premiums. Even a minor lapse in payments could cause major hiccups for injured passengers.
If you get into a crash as a passenger, you do not need to worry about insurance right away. Instead, you should understand how to respond in a way that puts your safety first.
Should I Call My Car Insurance Provider After a Rideshare Accident?
You will want to know the insurance company your rideshare driver uses for coverage after the accident. The insurance company will have a process that you can use to start a formal claim after the accident. You should be aware that if the other driver was at fault, your rideshare driver’s insurance will fight with the other driver’s insurance. This can leave you at the bottom rung when it comes to getting paid.
You can also call your own auto insurance agent after the incident. You may carry coverage that can help offset some of your medical bills. Unless your injuries are very minor, your personal coverage may be inadequate to cover everything. At that point, you may need to negotiate with the driver’s or rideshare company’s insurer.
Most insurance companies, including your own, will try to pay as little as possible. Before you accept any settlement offer, you may want to seek out legal advice. Talking with a lawyer can help you determine if the settlement offer makes sense based on your injuries. For example, a settlement may sound very high at first. However, it may not be enough to cover all of your expected costs over time. What seems like a minor injury could take months of recovery. During this time, you may be unable to participate in work or recreational activities.
Once you agree to a settlement, you rarely have the ability to compel the courts to reopen the case. Therefore, you want to make sure that you get the best deal you can upfront, with or without the assistance of a lawyer.
Can I be Seriously Injured in a Rideshare Accident?
Your injuries could include anything from mild bruising to life-threatening wounds. For this reason, you should always buckle up whenever you get into a rideshare vehicle. Putting on your seat belt can lower your risk of a serious injury should a crash happen. Ultimately, every car accident is unique. The most important step is for you to get the treatment you need as quickly as you can.
Should I Avoid Using Rideshare Services?
Rideshare companies provide valuable services. Yes, you could get into a crash as a rideshare passenger, but you do not need to avoid taking advantage of them. Make sure that you know your rights in the event that your driver gets into a rideshare accident.
Mount Laurel Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman can Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident
There are many scenarios where you should use a rideshare service. However, rideshare drivers are not immune to accidents. If you were injured in a rideshare accident, call our Mount Laurel Uber and Lyft Accident Lawyers at the Law Office of David S. Rochman. Call us at 856-751-2345 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.