Tips from a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

While riding in an Uber or Lyft is generally considered safe, rideshare accidents can and still do happen. Over 6 million car accidents happen each year in the U.S. Given the popularity of rideshare services, many of those accidents involve an Uber or Lyft driver. If you are involved in an accident as a passenger, there are things you should avoid doing or saying that can hurt your claim. To understand more of your legal rights in a rideshare accident, contact our Uber and Lyft accident lawyer in Anaheim for a free consultation. 

Not Reporting the Accident to the Authorities

One of the most common mistakes people make after motor vehicle accidents is not calling the authorities and reporting the accident. For serious rideshare accidents involving property damage and injuries, you are required by California law to call 911. Leaving the accident scene can result in a hit-and-run charge, which is punishable by fines and even jail time.

Once the police arrive at the scene, they will assess the damage and create an official report. This report is an important piece of evidence that helps identify the at-fault driver and cause of the accident. In addition to notifying the authorities, you should also tell Uber or Lyft about the accident, as well as your insurance company. 

Leaving the Accident Scene Without Evidence

In any type of car accident situation, you have to be proactive about gathering evidence, as long as you are able to do so. While the police officer will obtain their own evidence through the police report, you should also gather as much evidence as you can, including photos of the vehicle damage, your injuries, and any relevant traffic signs. 

If there are any witnesses to your accident, you should also try to get their contact information. Contact them at a later date to get their statement, which can be very helpful when filing a personal injury claim. If you are unable to gather evidence of the accident scene, don’t worry. A rideshare accident lawyer can help you retrace your steps and collect as much useful documentation as possible. 

Neglecting Medical Attention

Even if the rideshare accident was minor, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, but can lead to serious complications and physical pain. Whiplash, concussions, and soft-tissue injuries are some of the most common car accident injuries.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, your medical treatment may include:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medication
• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic care
• Psychological therapy 
• Surgery 

Keep records of all of your medical expenses, which can prove your injury was caused by the rideshare accident. 

Posting on Social Media

Social media has become so integral in our lives, that many of us don’t think twice about posting about a car accident. However, many people don’t know that insurance companies monitor social media to find any admittance of fault. They will use your social media posts to deny or reduce the value of your Uber or Lyft accident claim.

Even if your accounts are private, it is best to avoid posting at all about your accident or injuries. 

Accepting a Settlement Offer Too Early

Insurance companies and rideshare companies are more concerned with their bottom line than the health and well-being of injured accident victims. Unfortunately, many victims accept early settlement offers because they think that is the best they can get. 

However, accepting an offer too early from the insurance company may mean accepting less than what you deserve. You may find the settlement does not fully cover your damages. Once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot renegotiate or ask for more. Speaking with a rideshare accident attorney can help you determine whether you are receiving a fair settlement or not. 

Not Consulting a Lyft Accident Lawyer

There are common misconceptions about Uber car accident lawyers that prevent people from picking up the phone and calling. They’re too expensive, I only have minor injuries…etc. Yet simply calling a rideshare accident lawyer for a free consultation can greatly help. Rideshare accident lawyers know the ins and outs of personal injury law, insurance company tactics, and rideshare liability coverage.

You will have a much better shot at obtaining maximum compensation for your rideshare accident injuries by calling an experienced Uber or Lyft accident attorney. Most Uber and Lyft accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, which means they only take a percentage of a settlement at the end if they are successful. If they cannot obtain a settlement, you as the client owe nothing. 

Uber or Lyft Accident Insurance Coverage

Uber and Lyft provide insurance coverage for their drivers that varies depending on their status at the time of the rideshare accident:

Offline/Personal Time:

When the app is off, only the driver’s personal auto insurance coverage applies.

Available/Waiting for a Ride Request:

Lyft provides third-party liability insurance if the driver’s personal insurance does not apply, with coverage of at least $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. 

Uber provides third-party liability insurance of $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. 

En Route to Pick Up Passengers or During Rides:

Lyft maintains at least $1,000,000 for third-party auto liability and may include first-party coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, PIP, MedPay, and/or Occupational Accident coverage. If a rideshare driver has comprehensive and collision on their personal auto policy, Lyft provides contingent comprehensive & collision coverage up to the actual cash value of the car ($2,500 deductible).

Uber maintains insurance that meets or exceeds the required coverage, which can include up to at least $1 million for third-party auto liability.

Katella Injury Attorneys Can Help You Obtain Compensation

Navigating the aftermath of a rideshare accident can be extremely complex and time-consuming. While Uber and Lyft maintain $1,000,000 liability policies, obtaining financial compensation from them is not that straightforward. 

If you or a loved one was involved in a rideshare accident with Uber or Lyft, Katella Injury Attorneys can help you. Our Anaheim personal injury law firm specializes in recovering compensation for motor vehicle accident victims. We require no upfront legal fees and offer a free consultation. Call our Anaheim rideshare accident lawyer today at (714) 395-5514.