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If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident, you might be unsure about what to do next. This includes situations where you were a passenger, a driver, or another person on the road. Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than regular car accidents.
You may have to deal with injuries, talk to insurance companies, and figure out who is responsible for the accident, which can be confusing. This is why it is important to hire experienced rideshare accident lawyers. They can help you understand what to do and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Before you call a lawyer, let’s go through the important steps you should know.
Step 1: Ensure Everyone’s Safety
First, your safety is the most important thing. If you can, move yourself and others to a safe place away from the traffic. Call 911 immediately to tell them about the accident and ask for medical help if needed.
Even if you feel fine, it’s good to get checked for injuries, because sometimes pain can be hidden by adrenaline.
Step 2: Document the Scene
Accidents happen quickly, and it can be hard to remember everything later. Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, car damage, license plate numbers, and any injuries you can see.
These photos will be very important when you talk to insurance companies or if you need to go to court. Don’t forget to get the names and contact information of any witnesses and the rideshare driver.
Step 3: File a Report
Police reports are important for figuring out who is to blame in an accident. When you talk to the police, be sure to explain what happened clearly, but do not say you are at fault or guess about what happened.
If you’re a passenger in a ridesharing vehicle, notify the company through their app, as they typically have protocols for handling accidents.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel okay at first, it’s very important to see a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or damage inside your body, might not hurt right away. It’s important to keep all your medical records and bills, as they will be crucial in securing compensation for your injuries.
Step 5: Know Who’s Responsible
Figuring out who is responsible for a rideshare accident can be tricky. Was the rideshare driver to blame? Did another driver cause the crash? Or did both drivers share some of the blame?
The insurance from the rideshare company might help pay for your damages, but this usually only happens if the driver was carrying a passenger or was on the way to get one. Knowing these details is important if you want to make a good claim.
What Comes After You’ve Contacted a Lawyer?
Once you’ve hired a lawyer, you should do the following:
File a Claim
After speaking with a lawyer, start your claim with the right insurance company. This may be the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal insurance, or sometimes your own. Be ready for some challenges, as insurance companies often try to pay less than what you should get. Having a lawyer can help you get what you really deserve.
Keep a Paper Trail
Keep copies of all your medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any letters or emails with insurance companies. Organized documents are very important for your case and can greatly help your situation in court.
Stay Patient and Trust Your Lawyer
Rideshare accident cases can take a long time to settle, especially when there are disagreements about who is responsible or how much money should be paid.
It’s also very important to stay in touch with your lawyer, listen to their advice, and be patient. If you keep trying, you will see good results in the end.
