Ridesharing services are increasing in popularity, but unfortunately, this means accidents involving drivers from these companies are increasing as well. So what should you do if you are involved in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver?
How Do Lyft or Uber Accidents Commonly Happen?
There are various events and actions that can cause an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver. For example:
- Reckless driving. The Uber or Lyft driver may be speeding, not observing traffic rules or signs, or driving recklessly, crashing into your vehicle or otherwise causing an accident
- Distracted or impaired driving. The driver may be drowsy, distracted — such as by using their mobile phone or other electronics — or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, causing a crash
- Struck pedestrian. You may be a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist who was struck by an Uber or Lyft driver
- Improperly trained. The Uber or Lyft driver may not have received proper training, resulting in them driving negligently and causing injury in an accident
When an Uber or Lyft driver gets into an accident and causes you personal injuries, you might be entitled to compensation. You may need to show the driver was at fault. If you can prove that they were directly responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover damages.
You might also be able to hold the company responsible if their employee acted improperly. You will need to prove that the driver was doing their job at the time of the accident — and that they were an agent, or employee, of the company at the time.
You may also have a claim against the insurance companies involved: Uber and Lyft typically require their drivers to maintain liability insurance coverage, but they often also provide their own insurance coverage in the case of an accident.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been in an Accident Involving Lyft or Uber?
If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a Lyft or Uber driver, it is essential that you take certain steps in order to preserve important evidence, get the medical attention you need, and protect your legal rights. For starters, immediately after the accident, move to safety and call the police to report the crash. Be sure to take pictures of the scene, any injuries, and any damage to property. Also, get contact and insurance information for the other driver, as well as contact info — or, even better, a full statement — from any witnesses at the scene.
Seek Medical Help
It is important that you get checked out for injuries, even if you think you are feeling completely fine. Many personal injuries can take some time to develop, and it’s very important that you get the medical care you need as soon as possible after your accident.
Document Everything
Keep track of any documentation you receive from your medical providers, the police, the insurers, and the other party or witnesses. These types of reports and correspondence can go a long way in proving liability in your case. Also keep track of any bills or invoices you receive, whether for hospital stays, medical treatments, or car repairs, as those invoices will help you establish the full amount of your damages.
Seek Legal Help
Contact an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer as soon as possible, so that you can discuss your rights and options. An accident involving Uber or Lyft can pose many complicated issues, particularly when it comes to liability and damages. There may be multiple parties involved, along with their insurance companies, which requires negotiation skills that will help you reach a fair and reasonable settlement.
A knowledgeable lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, even with large insurers who have significant resources and large legal teams at their disposal. Moreover, a motor vehicle lawyer will research the intricate legal issues, investigate the unique facts of your claim, accurately assess your damages, and build a case based on relevant evidence to present in court, should a settlement not be possible.
How Can Pastrana & García Injury Law help?
At our firm, we pride ourselves on not only working to get our clients fair and reasonable compensation but also helping them piece their lives back together after a debilitating accident. When you’re faced with serious injuries after an accident involving Uber or Lyft, it is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible, in order to help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
If you need an experienced personal injury lawyer, contact Pastrana & García Injury Law. You will not be charged unless we win your case. We are Hispanic lawyers, and we understand how difficult and frustrating it can be to navigate the American legal system. With over 30 years of experience in recovering compensation for our clients, we can help you recover your compensation too. Contact us online or call 888-674-4487.
