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4 Things To Do If You’re Involved In An Uber Or Lyft Accident
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have revolutionized how people get around in their local communities. You can travel from one end of the city to another by booking a cab with just a click.
As convenient as Uber and Lyft are, ride-hailing services are driving up traffic deaths. The 2021 Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities report reveals that Lyft and Uber drivers were involved in 2,267 traffic crashes in the state. About 1,098 crashes took place in the city of Boston.
It’s devastating to think about the injuries and damages sustained by the drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. But what if you were involved in one of these accidents? What would have you done?
Being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident could be traumatizing. However, knowing what to do after that can make a difference in how the unfortunate incident unfolds. Here are a few things that you must do if your Uber or Lyft gets involved in a traffic crash.
The Uber or Lyft $1 Million Policy
Uber and Lyft offer a minimum of $1 million of insurance coverage to both drivers and passengers. Both companies cover their drivers and passengers with a three-tier insurance plan. However, the coverage you receive depends on the driver’s activity during the accident.
Let’s say a driver isn’t carrying a passenger but is available on the ridesharing app and collides with another vehicle. The driver’s insurance policy will be the primary insurance in such a situation. However, Uber and Lyft may provide extra coverage of a maximum of $50,000 per injury and $100,000 for property damage.
When the Uber or Lyft driver gets involved in an accident while carrying a passenger, both the driver and the passenger are covered under the liability insurance policy. A minimum of $1 million covers the accident. In case a third party, such as a pedestrian or a cyclist, gets injured, they are also covered by the ridesharing companies’ policy.
Regardless, receiving compensation for injuries sustained after being involved in an Uber or Lyft accident is a challenge.
Frantz Law Group asserts that rideshare companies save themselves from liabilities by stating that they only facilitate fares. On the other hand, people have noted that ridesharing companies are reluctant to pay when their drivers crash into another vehicle while being online without any passengers.
Proving that the driver of the ridesharing company is at fault is important to receive financial reparations for the damage caused due to the accident. If you’re unable to do so, you will lose your chance to recover damages.
However, car accident lawyers can help accident victims win fair compensation from ridesharing companies.
An experienced car accident lawyer will help you gather the evidence needed to prove the fault of the ridesharing company’s driver. Besides police reports, this includes the driver’s behavior and witness statements.
They also handle negotiations with insurance companies on behalf of clients. Rest assured that you will receive fair compensation for property damages, medical expenses, and other damages.
One of the many benefits of hiring a lawyer for your car accident case is that they handle the legal aspects while you focus on recovery.
Things to Do When You’re in a Lyft or Uber Accident
Accidents involving Lyft or Uber vehicles are no different than other car crashes. If you’re involved in one, here’s what you must do to protect yourself after a rideshare car accident:
1. Report the Accident
It doesn’t matter whether the accident is minor or major, it’s essential to report the accident to the police. Call 911 right after the accident so that police can come to the scene and prepare a report.
As the report contains all the details of the accident, including the vehicle’s description, the kind of damage that occurred, and the negligence suspected, it will come in handy in pursuing damages from the at-fault party.
2. Capture Photographs of the Accident Scene
As goes the age-old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” The same stands true in the case of car accidents. That is why you should capture as many photographs of the accident scene as possible. Accident scene pictures serve as valuable evidence in an auto accident lawsuit.
From the severity of the accident to the injuries sustained, photos prove everything. Besides the crash pictures, take photos of your injuries and the surrounding scene. Having enough photographs of the accident scene can speed up your claims and recover damages.
3. Seek Medical Help
After being involved in a car accident, seeking medical assistance is important, even if you’ve sustained minor injuries. That’s mainly because some injuries do not appear immediately. Seeking medical attention will help identify injuries that aren’t apparent.
Receiving medical care right after the accident will not only benefit your health but will also strengthen your compensation claim.
4. File a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you’ve sustained severe injuries in an Uber or Lyft accident, filing an auto accident lawsuit will help you recover damages. Make sure to file the lawsuit within the statute of limitations, which is usually two years from the date of the accident.
Filing a car accident lawsuit might seem like a lot of work, but it will help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Wrapping Up
Getting involved in Uber or Lyft accidents is stressful and traumatic. Besides the physical injuries, victims experience mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety.
However, you don’t have to bear accident-related expenses alone. You can recover damages by filing a lawsuit against the driver and the rideshare company. Just make sure to report the accident to the police immediately, capture enough pictures, and seek medical help. Doing all this will strengthen your case and help you win fair compensation.
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