Important Information About Uber/Lyft Accidents

In today's world, fewer and fewer people spend time trying to find a taxi to give them a ride around town. Instead, they simply turn to ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. Popular for the past decade, these new modes of public transportation have become more popular with each passing year. By simply downloading an app to one's smartphone, it becomes possible to summon a driver to your location in only a matter of minutes. However, just as it is when using a taxi or other form of public transportation, you are putting your safety in the hands of someone you don't even know once you get in the vehicle and head on your way. While Uber and Lyft are generally very safe public transportation options, accidents can and do happen each day. Unfortunately, most passengers in these situations know little about what they should do if involved in a ridesharing accident. If you are a frequent passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, here are some crucial tips to keep in mind should you ever be involved in a ridesharing accident.

Call 9-1-1

When involved in an auto crash, the first thing to do is call 9-1-1 so that police, fire, and rescue personnel can be summoned to the scene. In doing so, you can be sure you, your driver, and anyone else involved in the accident will be treated for their injuries. In addition, a police report will be filed, which will likely include a preliminary assessment by the officer on scene as to who was at fault for the accident. This could play a part in determining the legal outcome of this case, which is why you should always consult a ridesharing accident lawyer in Los Angeles as soon as possible.

Stay Calm

Even though you have been involved in a ridesharing accident as a passenger, it is important you try to stay as calm as possible. By doing so, you will be able to think clearly and make sure you notice anything that may help you when filing a claim with an Uber accident lawyer, such as ensuring the driver had their app on while giving you a ride. If for any reason there is a question about this, it could possibly affect your ability to gain the compensation you deserve.

Take Photos or Videos

If you can, pull out your smartphone and take photos or videos of the accident and anything else that may be important. For example, if you suspect your driver may have been impaired while driving, try to get a video or photo of them, and also notify police at the scene of your concerns.

Say as Little as Possible

Even though you were the passenger and there is little chance the accident could be viewed as being your fault, that does not mean an Uber or Lyft driver could not use this as their defense in an attempt to shift the blame from them to you. Due to this possibility, always make sure you say as little as possible to the driver at the accident scene. By doing so, you will make it easier for your attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers to help you gain the compensation you deserve.

Uber Insurance Policy

If you are a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle that is involved in an accident, the good news is that the companies have a $1 million insurance policy that kicks in when these situations occur. While this sounds as if it will be smooth sailing for you, that may not always be the case. If for any reason the driver or the company's insurer tries to blame you for the accident, the situation could get very complex and confusing in a hurry. Rather than let this happen, always turn to an experienced and knowledgeable ridesharing accident lawyer to help guide you through the process and make sure your rights are protected each step of the way.

Don't Speak with Insurance Companies

If any questions arise as to any role you may have played in contributing to the accident, you will without a doubt be hearing from the ridesharing company's insurer soon after the accident. While they may initially sound as if they are simply trying to help you, the truth is they are doing the opposite. Instead of wanting to help you, they are hoping you will become intimidated or confused and admit your actions resulted in the accident taking place. For example, the insurer may claim you distracted the driver or did something out of the ordinary that led to the accident. If this happens, or if the insurance company makes you a settlement offer that sounds very low, say as little as possible until you can speak to your Uber accident lawyer. In addition, let the insurance company know you have retained an attorney, and refer any further communications to your attorney.

Make Notes of the Accident

Since it is possible your role in the accident may be called into question, it is extremely important you be able to make as many notes as possible while at the accident scene and shortly afterwards. By doing so, you may give your attorney at West Coast Trial Lawyers the crucial bit of evidence they need to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve as an accident victim.

The Uber App

When an Uber or Lyft driver is transporting a passenger, they are supposed to always have their app on during the ride. In doing so, this not only verifies they are transporting a passenger, but also provides other information that may prove crucial should an accident occur. Along with providing location and times, the app can also track such things as the vehicle's speed, braking, and other factors that are always scrutinized in the event of an auto accident. Because of the importance of this information to a potential legal case, always make sure your driver has the app turned on before you embark on your ride.

Be Careful of Social Media

If you are involved in a ridesharing accident as a passenger, be very careful of what you say and do while on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. While you may be tempted to go online and start ranting about the driver or other factors involved in the accident, it is always best to be as cautious as possible while your case plays out. In fact, your Uber accident lawyer will probably advise you to stay off social media until your case is resolved. This will be very important if you are under doctor's orders to refrain from various activities. After all, one wrong picture posted online or something said in a posting could give the driver and the company's insurer just what they need to possibly deny your claim for compensation.

According to the latest statistics, over 75 million riders have used Uber since it began, and the company completes 15 million rides each day. Therefore, should you be a passenger in a ridesharing accident, don't trust your case to inexperienced attorneys. Instead, schedule an immediate consultation with a ridesharing accident lawyer from the trusted professionals at West Coast Trial Lawyers.