Nobody thinks about it until it happens. What happens if your Uber driver wrecks with you in the car and you’re injured? What do you do? Your car wasn’t involved. So you wouldn’t be calling your auto insurance provider. Well, aside from that, you pretty much follow the same process you would for any other car accident.
Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention If Necessary
Per California Vehicle Code, you have 24 hours to notify the local police or California Highway Patrol of a car accident. The police MUST be called if anyone has been injured in the accident.
Having an officer at the scene of a motor vehicle accident helps expedite the exchange of information among all parties involved. This is particularly important since you really have no idea who your Uber or Lyft driver is. You’ve literally accepted a ride from a stranger. While rideshare companies swear by their background checks, having the police on hand to get personal information and statements from all involved parties or witnesses is very useful. This information includes:
- Your Uber or Lyft driver’s name and information
- The names, contact and insurance information of all other involved parties
- Contact information of any bystanders who witnessed the crash
You’ll also want to make sure you get a copy of the police report as it’s good to have on hand through the claims process.
Even if you don’t believe you’ve sustained serious injuries, a medical evaluation is highly recommended. Not only will this rule out any potential internal injuries, but it also offers you legal protection if the injuries manifest hours, days, or weeks later.
Take Photos or Video At the Scene
If you are physically able to, try to document the accident scene as much as possible. Use your cellphone to take photos or video of the crash scene.
Ideally, you’ll want to take this video or the pictures before vehicles are moved. The goal is to tell a story with this media. Start from a distance and move in towards the point of collision either recording or snapping pictures along the way. Be sure to document any road conditions (potholes, debris, obstructions) or traffic signs or lights.
Be responsible and tactful while doing this. Make sure you aren’t endangering yourself or other motorists. DO NOT take photos of injured people or fatalities.
Understanding Who Pays After an Uber or Lyft Accident
Rideshare companies have only been in existence since 2009. Who is liable and financially responsible for Uber or Lyft accidents is still a gray area and terribly confusing for anyone hurt in a rideshare accident. Rideshare companies have been able to sidestep most for-hire laws and regulations. They’re viewed more like an app or technology-based company than a conventional taxi service. A complex and sticky area from a legal perspective.
A number of states are trying to get legislation approved to iron out much of the legal confusion surrounding the rideshare industry. As things stand right now, both Uber and Lyft have insurance coverage for passengers hurt in an accident with one of their drivers. However, this insurance might be secondary to the driver’s personal auto insurance or that of another at-fault driver’s.
SEEK THE HELP OF A LOS ANGELES UBER CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
As you’ve read, Lyft and Uber car accidents are a confusing area of the law. If you’ve been hurt in an Uber car accident, you can and should receive fair compensation for those injuries. The attorneys at M.R. Parker Law handle Lyft and Uber car accidents in and around Los Angeles. Let us fight to get you the settlement you deserve! Call our offices at (818) 334-5711 or fill out our quick and easy online case evaluation form today to schedule your free consultation.
