Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in Denver, providing a convenient transportation alternative for locals and visitors alike. Chances are, you’ve already ridden in a rideshare vehicle – or maybe you’ve even been a driver.
However, with the growing use of these services comes the heightened risk of being involved in an accident. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Safety Research, roughly a third of rideshare drivers have reportedly had a crash on the job.
Whether you’re a passenger, a driver, or another party affected by a rideshare accident, knowing what to do immediately after can help you protect yourself.
Our Colorado law firm has handled many rideshare accident cases, and we’ve learned a great deal about properly approaching these situations. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after an Uber or Lyft accident to prepare for any potential legal or insurance claims.
1. Ensure Your Safety
Accidents happen, and sometimes, they are out of anyone’s control. Before figuring out what went wrong, your foremost priority is safety. Check yourself and others for any injuries and call 911 so medical aid is available.
Rideshare apps typically only give minimal advice on what to do after an accident, so your first call should always be to emergency services before anyone else. Fortunately, some apps such as Uber even have an in-app emergency button that allows you to call 911 quickly.
Even if injuries seem minor, err on the side of caution. If you can move, find a safe location away from traffic to prevent further accidents or injuries and await first responders’ arrival.
2. Call the Police and Report the Accident
We highly recommend involving law enforcement after any rideshare accident, regardless of its severity or who is involved. This ensures the incident is carefully documented in an official accident report, which can serve as valuable evidence when filing an insurance claim or pursuing legal action.
Be prepared to provide the police with all the necessary details, including the location, time, and a description of the accident. The official accident report will typically include information about the parties involved (Uber, Lyft, etc.), the vehicles, and any potential witnesses.
If a police officer was not called to the accident scene, you can file an accident report online with the Colorado DMV afterward. However, it’s still best to act quickly, as crashes are required by state law to be reported to the agency having jurisdiction involved immediately.
3. Gather Information from All Parties Involved
Listing the involved parties in the police record is just the start. It’s also a good idea to personally collect information from everyone involved in the accident for your personal records and any future claims. This includes gathering the names, contact details, license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details of all drivers involved.
If possible, don’t forget to also ask for the contact information of witnesses who saw the accident occur. This information can be invaluable when corroborating your account of the events.
4. Document the Scene Thoroughly
Using your smartphone or whatever camera you have on hand, take multiple photographs of the scene to capture vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. We also recommend taking a video walkthrough of the scene to provide a broader context, showing the location of the vehicles and the surrounding environment.
When collecting evidence, remember to note the date, time, weather conditions, and any other relevant details that could support your case. The more information you can gather, the better.
5. Seek Medical Attention Even If Injuries Are Not Immediately Apparent
Some rideshare accident injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, might not manifest immediately and could appear hours or even days later. Additionally, adrenaline after the event can cause you to overlook pain and other symptoms that you might notice later on.
Get checked out by a medical provider, even if you think you’re fine. These medical records may end up serving as crucial evidence if you file an insurance claim or lawsuit down the road. You’ll thank yourself for being proactive upfront.
6. Notify the Rideshare Company and Your Insurance Provider
After receiving a medical evaluation and documenting the accident, report the incident to the rideshare company. Most companies have protocols for reporting accidents (as a driver or passenger) through their app or customer service channels.
Additionally, notify your own auto insurance provider about the accident, even if you were just a passenger. Some of your coverages, such as those for medical payments or uninsured motorists, may still apply.
7. Avoid Admitting Fault or Making Statements Without Legal Counsel
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s natural to want to discuss what happened, but it’s important to avoid admitting fault or making definitive statements about the incident. Just like you hear in the movies, anything you say can be used against you later.
Be mindful of what you communicate to the police, other parties involved, and insurance representatives. Before making any statements or signing any documents, consult with a rideshare accident attorney to ensure you are not compromising your legal rights.
8. Consult with a Rideshare Accident Attorney
There are a few key reasons to speak with a rideshare accident attorney.
First and foremost, rideshare accidents often involve multiple parties, including the rideshare driver, the rideshare company, other drivers, passengers, and sometimes pedestrians. This makes them complicated, to say the least.
Each of these parties may have different insurance policies and varying levels of liability, making it challenging for a layperson to navigate the intricacies of insurance claims and legal responsibilities. An experienced attorney understands these complexities and will help you determine the best course of action to pursue compensation for any injuries or damages incurred.
The second reason is to get help dealing with insurance companies. Insurance providers, whether they represent the rideshare company or another driver involved, often aim to minimize payouts to protect their financial interests.
An attorney will advocate on your behalf, ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting a low settlement offer that does not fully cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Lastly, a rideshare accident attorney will also ensure you understand all of your legal options. They will assess the specifics of your case, identify all potential sources of liability, and advise on whether pursuing a lawsuit is appropriate. If litigation becomes necessary, they will also handle all the legal proceedings, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in court.
9. Keep a Record of All Correspondence and Expenses
It doesn’t matter if it’s correspondence with a lawyer or fees paid to a medical provider: track everything.
Maintaining thorough documentation of all aspects related to the accident is vital for any future claims or legal proceedings. Keep a detailed log of all communications, including emails, phone calls, and letters from insurance companies and legal representatives, as well as medical providers and other relevant parties.
In Summary
Car accidents of any type can be traumatic, scary, and life-changing. Considering that the global ride-sharing market is expected to grow by more than 40% between 2023 and 2028, the rate of Lyft and Uber accidents is likely to increase, too.
If you were riding or driving in a rideshare vehicle when an accident occurred, know that you have legal avenues for pursuing compensation and holding at-fault parties accountable.
To get started, follow the steps above. When you are ready to speak with an experienced rideshare attorney, our firm is standing by to offer assistance.
Contact Our Denver Rideshare Accident Attorneys
If you have been involved in an accident with an Uber or Lyft in the Denver area, don’t hesitate to reach out to Manning Herington for a free consultation.
Our rideshare accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of your case and explore your legal options. Not only will we help you negotiate for the financial compensation you deserve, but we’ll also ensure reckless or irresponsible parties are held accountable for their mistakes.