What to Do Following an Accident in an Uber or Lyft

Accidents While in Rideshares Can And Do Happen

Uber and Lyft are popular rideshare services that have changed the face of transportation. Nowadays, it is difficult to remember a time when we didn’t have these handy rideshare services at our disposal. While rideshares are convenient and cut down the number of impaired drivers, they are not without risk. Just like with any other driver, Uber and Lyft drivers have the potential to get in accidents while they have passengers. If you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle that is involved in an accident, you must take the appropriate steps in the immediate aftermath. Being involved in car collision of any kind is a stressful experience, regardless of how serious it is. But an accident in a rideshare vehicle comes with added steps and considerations. If you’ve been hurt in a crash while riding in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you probably have a lot of questions.

• Who pays for my injuries?
• Is Uber or Lyft responsible?
• What are the laws surrounding these types of accidents?
• What happens if another vehicle was involved and sustained injuries?
• Was the Uber or Lyft driver at-fault?
• Who is going to pay for my medical bills?
• Is the driver responsible for his or her actions, or the rideshare company?

At Rad Law Firm, we understand how confusing these types of cases can be. We are here to answer any questions you may have and help you understand your rights. Knowing what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of an accident like this could potentially save you time and money down the road. If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of the accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit to recover damages.

What to Know If You Are Involved in a Rideshare Accident

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have millions of users worldwide, including right here in North Texas. With so many people relying on these services to get from point A to point B, it is no wonder accidents are on the rise. Rideshare services are not just for tourists and those without vehicles; locals also use them regularly. With the number of people moving to North Texas on the rise (1 million in less than a decade), it is more important than ever that drivers stay safe. Distractions are plentiful, whether you drive for a rideshare service or not.

Rideshare accidents usually come with a lot of questions, and understandably so. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are a passenger in a Dallas rideshare accident:

• Chances are the accident wasn’t the passenger’s fault
• Often, rideshare drivers do not want to report the accident to their company because of fear of suspension.
• If you are involved in a rideshare accident, call the police
• Report the accident immediately, as long as you don’t have a medical emergency
• Document everything!

Rideshare Accidents, Liability, and Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can make rideshare accidents even more complicated. Dealing with an insurance company following a traditional car accident is challenging enough, and a rideshare accident comes with even more specific issues. The following are usually involved with these types of accidents:

• The rideshare company’s insurance company
• The rideshare driver’s insurance company
• The insurance company of any other driver’s involved

Typically, the insurance policy of the rideshare company is the primary player. Both Uber and Lyft carry plans for $1 million per accident for personal injury. However, if your injuries and the property damage that incurred exceed that amount, other insurance policies may get involved. This is one of the most challenging aspects of rideshare accident cases. If you are in an accident as a passenger of Uber or Lyft, contact Rad Law Firm today to learn about your rights.

Here’s a breakdown of the coverage and how it varies depending on when the accident took place:

• If the driver is not logged into the rideshare app, and an accident takes place, the rideshare company offers zero coverage
• If the driver is logged into the rideshare app but hasn’t accepted a ride, the rideshare company will provide liability coverage for the accident
  • They provide up to $50,000 per injured person;
  • $100,000 total injury liability per accident, and
  • $25,000 property damage liability
• If the driver has accepted the ride and is en route to pick up the passenger when the accident occurs, the liability coverage increases to $1 million
• If the passenger is in the car, the liability coverage is $1 million, plus coverage for damage to the driver’s vehicle

Steps to Take Following an Uber or Lyft Accident

If an accident takes place while you are in a rideshare vehicle, you must stay calm and take the appropriate steps. Here are a few handy tips to help you simplify the aftermath of a car accident involving a rideshare vehicle:

• Report the accident to local law enforcement (even if the driver is resistant)
• Check for injuries
• Get all the information you can about the driver, including:
  • Name
  • Names of any other drivers involved in the accident
  • Name of the rideshare company
  • Phone number and additional contact information
• Look for eyewitnesses and talk to them about what they saw
• Write down a description of all the cars involved
• Exchange insurance information with all parties
• Take pictures and document the scene
• Seek medical treatment
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer
• Don’t sign anything

Proving fault in these types of accidents can be complicated. You must take the appropriate steps to protects yourself and any other passengers. Many rideshare accident victims wonder if they can sue the driver and the company, which is a valid question. If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft accident in Dallas that was not your fault, you should be able to recover damages. To learn more about your rights and what happens following these types of accidents, please contact Rad Law Firm today. We offer free consultations and are here to help you understand your case and what your options are.