What to Do If You Are Injured While Using a Rideshare Service?
Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, have become a staple of transportation in New York. However, accidents involving rideshare vehicles are unfortunately not uncommon. If you’re injured while using a rideshare service, you should know the immediate steps to take in order to protect your well-being as well as your personal injury claim for financial compensation.
Assess Your Condition and Move to a Safe Location
The first step following an injury in a rideshare accident is to assess your physical condition. It’s essential to determine whether you have any visible injuries or if you feel any pain. If you’re able to do so, move to a safe location to avoid further risks. In some cases, there may be traffic nearby, or the area could be hazardous.
- Check for any immediate symptoms of injury, such as dizziness, pain, or difficulty moving.
- If you can move, try to step away from traffic or any other dangerous situations, but avoid unnecessary movement if you suspect a serious injury (e.g., head, neck, or back injury).
- If you're unable to move or feel unsafe, remain where you are until emergency personnel arrive.
Call 911 for Assistance
In a rideshare accident, it is vital to call 911 immediately to report the incident. Calling for emergency services ensures that police and paramedics arrive on the scene promptly to assess the situation, provide medical assistance, and investigate the incident.
- When calling 911, provide clear details about the accident, your location, and any immediate medical needs.
- Request an ambulance if you suspect injuries or need immediate medical attention.
- The police will also prepare an accident report, which will be important in documenting the details of the crash for later use in your claim.
Provide Factual Information to the Police
When the police arrive at the scene, be sure to provide them with accurate and factual information about what happened. Avoid speculating or making assumptions about how the accident occurred. Stick to the facts of the situation to ensure that the police report is correct, as this document will be crucial to your case later.
- Describe the accident as you remember it, including the time, location, and any details about how the collision happened.
- If you are unsure about any aspects of the incident, tell the officer that you do not know rather than guessing.
- Ensure that the police take a complete report that includes information on the Uber or Lyft driver, other involved parties, and witnesses.
Document the Accident Scene
It’s critical to gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This documentation can be used later to support your claim for damages. Take photos and notes that show the conditions surrounding the accident.
- Take clear pictures of the scene, including the vehicles involved, the position of the vehicles, any visible damage, road conditions, and traffic signals or signs.
- If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information and, if possible, request statements from them about what they saw.
- Make notes of any potential contributing factors, such as weather conditions, road defects, or other hazards that could have contributed to the accident.
Seek Proper Medical Attention
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is critical to seek proper medical attention. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal injuries, or head trauma, may not be immediately visible. A medical professional can provide a full evaluation to ensure that any injuries are identified and properly treated.
- Go to a hospital, urgent care center, or your doctor as soon as possible.
- Follow through with any prescribed treatments, tests, and follow-up appointments.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions as these will be important evidence for your personal injury claim.
Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
Both Uber and Lyft have procedures in place to report accidents through their respective apps. You should notify the rideshare company as soon as possible after the accident so that an official record of the incident is created.
- Open the app and use the “Help” or “Trip History” feature to report the accident.
- Be specific when describing what happened, including your injuries, the time and location of the accident, and any other relevant details.
- Request a copy of the report for your records.
Understand Insurance Coverage in Rideshare Accidents in New York
Rideshare companies in New York are required to provide insurance coverage for accidents that occur during a trip. However, the amount of coverage depends on the situation:
- If the driver is not yet on their way to pick up a passenger or has not yet accepted a ride, their personal insurance may apply.
- If the driver is actively transporting a passenger or en route to do so, rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft provide a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance for accidents.
- Understanding the types of insurance that may apply in your case will help you determine the right avenues for recovering damages.
Follow Up on Medical Care and Maintain All Documentation
As you continue your recovery, it is crucial to follow up on any medical treatments or therapies prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, keep thorough records of all healthcare services you receive.
- Track your medical appointments, including doctor visits, treatments, prescriptions, and any rehabilitation.
- Maintain copies of all medical bills and receipts for treatments.
- Document your pain levels, physical limitations, and how your injuries are affecting your daily life, as this information will be important for your claim.
Do Not Negotiate Directly with the Insurance Company
While it may seem tempting to quickly resolve your case, it’s crucial not to engage in direct negotiations with the insurance company without legal representation. Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims for far less than what you are owed by offering quick, low-ball settlements.
- Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your injuries or blame you for the accident to reduce their payout.
- Avoid accepting any settlements without consulting a personal injury lawyer, as they can evaluate the true value of your case and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
- Let your lawyer handle all communication with the insurance companies to prevent them from using unfair tactics against you.
Get Legal Representation from a Top Accident Lawyer
An experienced New York City Uber/Lyft accident attorney with experience in rideshare accident cases can help guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected, and that you pursue every possible avenue for compensation.
- A knowledgeable lawyer will gather evidence, review insurance policies, and handle the legal paperwork.
- They will advocate on your behalf in negotiations with the rideshare company and insurance providers, ensuring you do not settle for less than you deserve.
- If necessary, your lawyer will take your case to court to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
By following these steps, you can simultaneously protect your health and legal rights.
Get Our High-Powered New York Uber/Lyft Accident Attorney on Your Side
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rideshare accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Trust Michael S. Lamonsoff, known as “The Bull,” for aggressive and relentless representation.
- Proven track record: Michael has achieved some of the highest settlements and verdicts in New York, with millions in compensation won for his clients.
- No case is too big or small: From minor injuries to catastrophic injury cases, Michael fights tirelessly to get the results you seek.
- Unmatched preparation: Michael prepares every case as if it is going to trial, ensuring that the insurance companies know you won’t back down.
- Recognized success: Michael has been inducted into the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and consistently named to the prestigious Super Lawyers list.
- Fearless approach: His “No holds barred” strategy forces insurance companies to face the full strength of the law, leveling the playing field for his clients.
Don’t let the insurance companies dictate your future. Let “The Bull” fight on your behalf and recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-962-1020 or fill out this online contact form.