Companies such as Lyft and Uber that provide ride-sharing services have become an integral form of transportation for millions of Americans. An increase in the number of drivers that contract with Lyft and Uber coincides with a rise in the number of accidents. What happens if you get involved in an accident with a ride-sharing vehicle? Do the same steps taken by victims of other types of car accidents apply to a collision with a ride-sharing driver?
Contact Law Enforcement
The first action to take after an accident with a ride-sharing vehicle involves calling the nearest law enforcement agency. Calling the police results in the filing of a formal police report that you need a copy of to file an insurance claim, as well as a civil lawsuit if the ride-sharing driver committed one or more acts of negligence. A law enforcement officer also takes control of the accident scene to direct traffic, as well as ensures the ride-sharing driver has obtained the proper credentials to provide ride-sharing services.
Receive Medical Care
Medical expenses represent the costliest type of expenses you can expect to pay after a collision with a ride-sharing vehicle. To receive compensation for your injuries, you must undergo diagnostic tests that prove you sustained one or more injuries. If you sustained serious injuries, you must seek medical care immediately after the accident. Otherwise, you remain at the scene of the accident until the law enforcement officer completes the initial investigation.
Gather Evidence
The law enforcement agency that responds to the ride-sharing accident conducts an investigation that includes gathering and organizing evidence. However, you should take photos of the accident scene that includes images of the damage done to your vehicle and the injuries you sustained because of the accident. Photographs of the accident scene can help your attorney determine whether the ride-sharing vehicle committed one or more traffic violations.
Driver and Witness Information
Because Lyft and Uber drivers operate as independent contractors, you need to acquire the driver’s name and contact information. You also should receive information that describes the ride-sharing company’s insurance details, such as policy number and how much coverage the company has bought. The responding law enforcement officer should ask for this information as well. Ask witnesses for their names and contact information, which you give to your personal injury attorney.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney
Hire a personal injury lawyer before you contact your insurance company and file an accident report with the ride-sharing company. Your attorney advises you on how to proceed with the filing of a claim, which includes contacting your insurer at the right time. Personal injury lawyers act as intermediaries between clients and insurance companies. Working with a personal injury attorney helps you file an insurance claim, as well as a civil lawsuit, before the state-imposed deadline.
Getting in an accident with a ride-sharing vehicle introduces different legal issues than if you got involved in a typical auto collision. Act with a sense of urgency by scheduling a free case evaluation with an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney.
