If you use Lyft or Uber, you may be wondering what to do if your driver gets into an accident. After all, you are entrusting your safety to them when you get into their car. The good news is that both Uber and Lyft have insurance policies that cover passengers in the event of an accident.
However, there are some things you should do to ensure that you are covered and that the process goes smoothly. It’s vital that you know what to do if your Lyft or Uber driver gets into an accident. We will discuss what information you should gather, how to contact Lyft or Uber, and what other nuances you can expect.
Check Everyone for Injuries
Be sure to check everyone in the car for injuries, even if they seem minor. Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents and can lead to long-term pain and discomfort if not treated properly. If anyone in the car is injured, call 911 immediately and request an ambulance. Do not try to move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger of further injury (i.e. if they are trapped in the car and it’s in traffic or on fire).
Move People and Vehicles to Safe Places
If your Lyft or Uber driver gets into an accident, the first thing you should do is move yourself and any other passengers to a safe place. If possible, get out of the vehicle and stand on the side of the road or in a nearby parking lot. If you can’t get out of the vehicle, stay calm and wait for help to arrive.
Reach Out to Authorities
If you are involved in an accident while using a rideshare service, the first thing you should do is reach out to authorities. This is important for your safety and for ensuring that the proper documentation is in place.
Once the police have been notified, they will likely want to speak with the driver of the other vehicle involved in the accident. Be sure to exchange insurance information with this driver so that claims can be filed appropriately.
If you need immediate medical attention, do not hesitate to call 911. They are there to help in any way they can, including medical issues, support, and valuable resources.
Gather Evidence
If you are involved in an accident while using any type of ride-sharing service, there are some important steps you should take to ensure that you are able to file a successful insurance claim. First, be sure to get the contact information of the other driver involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses. You will also need to take pictures of the damage to both vehicles, as well as obtain a police report if possible. This is something you will need if you decide to hire a rideshare accident attorney.
If you have your own auto insurance policy, you may be covered for damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. However, your coverage may be limited if you were not using your own vehicle at the time of the accident. Be sure to check with your insurance agent to see what coverages apply in your situation.
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, that driver’s insurance company should be responsible for paying for the damages to the vehicle you rode in. However, if the other driver does not have insurance, or if their insurance is not sufficient to cover the damages, you may need to file a claim against your own ride-sharing company’s insurance policy.
Photograph Everything
If you’re involved in an accident while using a rideshare service, it’s important to take some photographs.
First, take pictures of the location of the accident. This will be helpful for insurance purposes. Then, take pictures of any witnesses to the accident. If there are any injuries, be sure to photograph those as well.
You should also take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident, as well as the drivers’ license plates. Finally, if you see any skid marks from the accident on the road, make sure to photograph those as well.
The goal is to have a photograph of everything, from as many angles as possible. That way, should this ever end up in court, you have evidence to show everything you state happened during the accident.
Document the Experience in Writing
It’s important to document the experience in writing as soon as possible after an accident occurs. This will help you remember the details later on and will be useful if you need to file a complaint or insurance claim.
When documenting the experience, be sure to include:
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- A description of what happened, including any damage to property or injuries sustained
- The name and contact information of any witnesses
- The name and badge number of the Lyft or Uber driver
- Any photos or videos taken at the scene of the accident
- The license plates of any vehicles that stopped following the accident
Contact the Drive Share Company About the Accident
If you are involved in an accident while using a ride-sharing service, it is important to contact the company as soon as possible. The company will need to know what happened and will likely initiate an investigation.
It is important to know that you are not responsible for any damage to the vehicle or property. However, you may be held responsible if you were partially at fault for the accident.
If you are contacted by the other party involved in the accident, do not give them any information other than your name and contact information. Let the insurance companies handle the rest.
Protect Yourself Following Any Type of Rideshare Accident
If your Lyft or Uber driver gets into an accident, the best thing you can do is stay calm and call customer service for help. Customer service will be able to help you figure out what to do next and will also be able to contact the driver to see if they are okay.
Also, don’t hesitate to contact 911 if you or anyone else involved in the accident was hurt. That way, they can get medical attention as quickly as possible.