The steps you take when your car is hit by an Uber or Lyft driver are similar to those that follow any motor vehicle accident. While your priority should be to get the medical care you need and report the accident, it is also in your best interest to protect your legal rights as well.
Once you see a doctor, consider getting a free case review with our team as soon as you can. By taking careful steps in the aftermath of an accident, you could not only see to your injuries but also put yourself in the best position possible to hold the Uber or Lyft driver accountable.
Rideshare Driver
A ridesharing company like Uber or Lyft operates on a business model where drivers use their own vehicles to transport passengers for compensation. In exchange for this service, the passenger pays a small fee per ride. This means that there is no insurance coverage for the driver. If they cause an injury while driving, the responsibility falls solely on them.
In most states, if you’re injured due to negligence, you have the right to sue the negligent party. However, you may want to speak with an attorney before filing suit so that you know what your options are. You might find that the victim was at fault, which would mean that you don’t have a valid claim against the other person.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Pull Over and Contact Law Enforcement
You should pull over to the side of the road immediately after an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. Once you are safely out of the roadway, it is important to contact the police and report an accident. If the crash involves bodily injuries or serious property damage, you are required under the law to notify the police and remain at the scene until they arrive.
The failure to stop at the scene of an accident is not only a criminal offense, but it could also make it difficult to pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Seek Medical Treatment if Necessary
If you suffer an injury after an accident caused by a negligent Uber or Lyft driver, you should seek out medical treatment as soon as possible. If your injuries are severe, it is in your best interest to request emergency medical treatment at the scene of the crash. A severe injury that requires medical care is the only excuse that would allow you to leave the scene before the police arrive.
You should also seek medical care for minor injuries. Seemingly minor injuries have the potential to worsen rapidly, especially as the shock of a car accident wears off. Seeking medical care immediately could help you prevent your injuries from worsening needlessly and put you on the path to a faster recovery.
Going to see a doctor could also help your personal injury claim. When you visit with your physician, you create a trail of medical records that can document how serious your injuries are. This evidence could be invaluable should your case ultimately go to trial.
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Exchange Insurance Information
As is the case with any accident, you should exchange information with the other driver. This includes details of your insurance coverage. There is an important difference between Uber and Lyft drivers compared to the operators of personal vehicles, as these individuals should provide you with two different insurance policy details.
Like all drivers, rideshare operators must maintain liability insurance for their own vehicles. However, Uber and Lyft also provide insurance coverage to their drivers in many situations.
Note these important details about rideshare insurance companies:
- If the Uber or Lyft driver was transporting a passenger or actively seeking one on the app at the time of the crash, you could be entitled to pursue a claim through the rideshare company’s insurance. This is important, as the maximum coverage provided by the rideshare companies is typically much higher than what the individual driver will carry.
- If the rideshare driver was not actively picking up or shuttling a passenger, the rideshare companies require their drivers to rely on their private auto insurance first. However, if your claim is worth more than their policy limits, you may be able to pursue a claim with the rideshare company’s insurance policy in an effort to make up the difference.
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Report Your Accident to Uber or Lyft
In addition to calling the police and notifying your own insurance company about the crash, you should also give notice to Uber or Lyft that one of their drivers was involved in an accident. Do not assume that the driver will do so on your behalf. Both companies offer online forms that allow for reporting an accident with one of their drivers. Additionally, passengers that were on a ride at the time of the accident could report the crash on their mobile app.
Be Careful How Much Information You Reveal
While you should report the accident, you should never discuss the details of the crash. This is true with the other driver, their attorney, the insurance company, or a representative of the rideshare company.
Discussing the details of your case is risky. The other side could use something you say against you by twisting your words. Often, they will take statements out of context to imply you admitted fault. It is not unusual for the insurance company to deny claims for these reasons. Limit what you say to anyone other than your attorney following a crash, including any representatives for Uber or Lyft.
Get a Free Case Review for Your Rideshare Accident Case
Last but not least, you may want to consider getting a free case review with our team after an accident with an Uber or Lyft driver. During your call, you could gain useful insight on your chances of recovering monetary compensation as well as the potential challenges you might face during the claims process. If you choose to work with us, we can handle every aspect of your claim or lawsuit.
Kaine Law Is Ready to Offer Our Help with Your Case
The attorneys of Kaine Law understand the unique challenges that come with rideshare accidents. Our team is prepared to negotiate with all of the insurance companies involved to help you get the compensation you deserve.
To learn more about what to do when your car was hit by an Uber or Lyft driver, call for a free consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
