Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become popular ways to get around. While they are often a safe and convenient choice, accidents can still happen, leading to serious injuries and even fatalities. If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself and your legal rights. This guide will walk you through five important steps to follow if you’re ever in a rideshare accident.

1. Check for Injuries and Seek Medical Attention

The first thing to do after any car accident is to check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to be cautious, as injuries can sometimes appear later. Look around and assess the condition of your passengers, the driver, and anyone else involved in the accident. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical help. 

Even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s a good idea to see a doctor after the accident for a full evaluation. Some injuries, such as whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away but could get worse over time. The safety of everyone involved is the top priority, so make sure to get medical help right away.

2. Gather Important Information

After you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, it’s time to gather as much information as possible about the accident. This includes details about the rideshare driver, the other drivers involved, and the accident itself.

Here’s what you should collect:

  • Rideshare Driver Information: Get the rideshare driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information. If the rideshare driver has an app open, take a screenshot of their driver profile, the car’s make, model, and license plate number.
  • Other Drivers’ Information: If other vehicles are involved, exchange contact and insurance information with those drivers as well.
  • Witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information in case you need a statement later.
  • Police Report: If the police arrive, ask for a copy of the accident report or the case number. 

The more details you can collect, the stronger your case will be if you need to file a claim.

3. Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company

After an accident, it’s important to report the incident to the rideshare company as soon as possible. Uber and Lyft both have in-app features that allow you to report an accident. By doing this, you can ensure that the company is aware of the incident and can start the claims process. 

The rideshare companies often have insurance coverage for accidents that happen while a driver is on the job, but it’s essential to notify them right away. This will help protect your ability to file a claim for damages. Reporting the accident to the rideshare company is a key step in ensuring you receive compensation.

4. Document the Accident Scene

Take photos of the accident scene, including all vehicles involved, any damage to the cars, and any visible injuries. These photos can be important evidence later, especially if there are any disputes about what happened during the accident. In addition to taking photos, write down everything you can remember about the crash. This includes the location, time, weather conditions, and how the accident occurred. 

If you’re able, try to get pictures of any street signs or traffic signals that may be relevant. Documenting the scene of the accident provides crucial evidence to support your case.

5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, it’s highly recommended that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, navigate insurance claims, and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. Rideshare accidents can be complex because there may be multiple parties involved, such as the rideshare company, the driver, and other drivers. 

An attorney will work to protect your interests and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Having a skilled attorney on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.

A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help if You’re Injured in a Rideshare Accident

If you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation. An experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Many offer no-cost consultations and will work on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. Reach out today and get help with your rideshare accident claim.

Contact the Trinity Uber & Lyft Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a Uber & Lyft accident lawyer in Trinity. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763

(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615

(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655

(727) 815-8442

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695

(727) 787-2500