Rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, have made getting around easier, especially in busy places. But accidents can happen at any time.
Understanding your rights and options after a rideshare accident is important. In such situations, it’s recommended to work with experienced rideshare accident attorneys. They can help you with the process of winning fair compensation.
The sections below discuss the steps involved in filing a rideshare accident claim.
Make Sure Everyone is Safe
Immediately after the accident, take a moment to check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 for medical assistance. Emergency responders can ensure that everyone is safe and receive treatment if necessary. If the accident is minor and no one is injured, move to a safe location off the road to avoid further danger.
Call the Police
Call the police even if the accident appears minor. The officers will report to the scene and investigate what happened, writing an official accident report. This is an important document containing information about the crash, including who may have been at fault. This report is important to filing your claim.
Get Medical Attention
Even when you feel fine after an accident, it is always important to see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal ones, may not appear immediately. Seeing a doctor takes care of your health and provides you with a medical record that will come in handy when you have to prove your injury.
Gather Important Information
Try to gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. Write down the names and contact details of everyone involved, including the rideshare driver. Make a note of the rideshare driver’s license plate number and their insurance details. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information, too. Photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any visible injuries, can also be helpful later when filing your claim.
Consider Legal Help
If the process of claiming becomes complicated or if, for whatever reason, the insurance company decides to deny your claim, then that might be a proper time to seek legal help. Rideshare accident attorneys can help explain options to you and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. They can negotiate with insurance companies and ensure your rights are protected.
Report the Accident to the Rideshare Company
Once things are well in order, contact the rideshare company. Most firms, including Uber and Lyft, have taken the initiative to create systems for accident reporting within their applications or websites. Let them know an accident has happened and provide them with any information they may need. The companies can then instruct you on what to do next and might pass you over to their insurance company.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Even if you weren’t driving, you should call your insurance company regarding the accident. Give them all the information you’ve gathered. They will inform you what your policy covers and may further assist in coordinating with the rideshare company’s insurance. Most rideshare companies have policies for both the passenger and driver, but how those relate to your insurance is what’s relevant.
File an Insurance Claim
Sometimes, filing a claim can get confusing, especially if there are multiple parties or there is disagreement over who is at fault. In such cases, rideshare accident attorneys will help you through. They can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, explain your rights to you, and make sure you receive fair compensation for damages or injuries.
Follow Up on Your Claim
After filing your claim, maintain close contact with the insurance company. Claims take time to process, but regular follow-up calls will confirm that everything is moving forward. The more organized you can be regarding keeping a written record of everything through emails, letters, and phone calls, the easier you can resolve hitches or misunderstandings while the process gets underway.
Final Thoughts
Filing a claim after a rideshare accident can be discouraging, but the steps above can ease the process. If you have any complications, don’t hesitate to consult rideshare accident attorneys. Legal expertise will make all the difference.
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