What to Do After a Rideshare Accident?

About one-third (33%) of rideshare drivers surveyed reported being in a work-related crash, according to ScienceDirect.com. Uber data shows other drivers cause 95% of fatal crashes involving their vehicles, with impaired and speeding drivers being major causes.

A car accident can be very complicated when multiple insurance carriers are involved. Such is the case with accidents involving a vehicle driver for a rideshare company, says Fontana Rideshare accident lawyer Mark Gonzales. You need an experienced accident lawyer to examine your case and provide reliable legal advice about your options.

Here’s what you need to do to protect your rights and pursue compensation after a rideshare accident. 

What to Do Immediately After a Rideshare Accident?

In case of an accident with ridesharing, safety is key. The health and safety of everyone involved is most important. If someone is hurt, call 911 or 999 right away. This is the fastest way to get help. 

However, even with lighting up the danger signs to alert other cars early on, the safest way should be used to move the patients aside.

The first thing you must do is to be there for everyone after this disaster. Once security has been assured at the location, do not forget to take deep breaths and keep your composure. Your presence at the accident scene is quite crucial, because moving away can create problems with the law.

Avoid taking responsibility. You should document the incident in photos or whatever else and then note damage or details that may be pertinent at a later date to help. The priority is to keep your safety and that of all others at the top level.

Gather Important Information After a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare accident situations demand the protection of your rights and the claim for huge losses to be compensated. Initially, getting the names and addresses of all persons concerned—including passengers, drivers, and witnesses—is one of the necessary actions.

The defendant driver is to be examined, including identification of their license plate number, in the case of rideshare accidents, whereas the rideshare parent company should be clarified.

Take images of the crash site and all wrecked or twisted vehicles, as well as any site pointing to injury. Get a copy of the vehicle collision file from the police on the spot. Document at least the date, time, and damage location resulting from the accident. Take a record of expenses and medical treatments associated with any injury suffered. 

Those details are needed when an injury claim is set up or when reimbursement for injuries is pursued.

How to Report Your Rideshare Accident?

Getting an accident report from the police is one of the most important steps in filing a claim for a rideshare accident. Written evidence is a must to prove that the accident took place, so you will have to explain the incidents to the local law enforcement first. The officers will help you with how to get a police report of a car accident.

But you need to give them the accurate details: the rideshare driver’s details and the identities of all involved parties.

The next step is to notify the rideshare company through their app or customer service line because they will be able to answer the other party’s claim with their defenses. Provide the date, time, and location of the accident, and provide any photos or witness statements. 

Notify your insurance provider about the accident, irrespective of being at fault. This helps in preserving your claims and benefits if another party comes forth with a completely different story.

Rideshare Insurance Claims Process

After the accident happens, report it to the rideshare company as soon as possible. The representative may further brief you on how to go about filing for a claim. Make sure you understand the insurance coverage.

Make sure to document any and all contact with insurance companies and keep copies of all correspondence. In case a knowledgeable lawyer dealing with rideshare accidents rejects or gives less value to one of your claims, you should get their help. The attorney will support you in all the negotiation efforts or litigation that may come up as a result of the disputes.

Get Medical Attention and Care After an Accident

Once you’ve managed the insurance claims process, getting medical attention should be considered your next objective. Ensuring your safety and well-being needs to be the top priority. After verifying everyone’s safety, you must collect all necessary details and report the incident. 

Even if you feel fine, visiting a doctor is advisable. Injury may manifest later, even if you feel fine. For that reason, don’t overlook any sort of discomfort. Go to a medical professional as soon as you can to be evaluated. 

Take the recommended medication or therapy with the care your health requires, supporting both your recovery and the integrity of your claim. Keep all medical records, reports, and bills in one single folder. This documentation is very important in pursuing your claim.