What Steps Should I Take if I Am a Passenger in a Rideshare Accident?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are highly popular with people who need quick, convenient transportation. However, while Uber and Lyft prioritize passenger safety, any rideshare car may be involved in an accident.

What should you do if you sustain injuries as a Lyft or Uber passenger, and when should you call a Georgia rideshare accident attorney?

Who’s Responsible for the Accident?

Liability determination is often the trickiest part of a rideshare claim. Several parties may be at fault, like the Uber/Lyft driver, the rideshare company, or another driver who hit the rideshare vehicle.

While you ride in an Uber or Lyft car as a passenger, the rideshare company’s insurance policy, in general, covers any accident you may suffer. Uber and Lyft carry up to $1 million in liability coverage.

However, if the driver wasn’t logged into the Uber or Lyft app, they would technically be off duty, and any claim would be against the driver’s personal policy. Sometimes, you may need to file multiple claims against several insurance companies, all of which may deny fault or try to pay you as little as possible.

What to Do After an Uber or Lyft Accident

The following steps will help your Georgia rideshare accident attorney connect the dots if you suffer a car collision as a rideshare passenger. 

Document Everything

Take pictures of the entire accident scene with all the important details: the cars involved in the collision, your visible injuries, any deployed airbags, etc.

If possible, try to capture an image of the rideshare driver’s mobile phone. It can show whether the driver was using their device unlawfully (for example, for texting) when the accident happened. Also note the names, driver’s licenses, and insurance details of all the motorists involved in the accident.

If anyone else witnessed the accident, ask for their names and contact details. Note whether any cameras may have recorded the collision. For example, if a business’s surveillance camera captured the accident, your lawyer may request the owner to share the footage later. 

Call Law Enforcement

Call the police or 911, or ask someone else to do it. Preferably, wait on the scene until the police arrive. Cooperate with the reporting officer and provide a statement about how the accident happened.

Ask for the report number and which department is handling the report so you can request a copy. The accident report will help your Georgia rideshare accident attorney build a claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Go to urgent medical care or visit a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Do that even if you believe you’ve escaped unharmed since you’ll want to rule out any dangerous conditions that may not present until later, like a TBI. Save all medical records for your claim. 

When to Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Contact an experienced rideshare accident attorney when you’re safe and have received any necessary medical care.

Never attempt to handle an Uber/Lyft claim on your own. You need an experienced legal professional who knows how Georgia law views rideshare accidents. You’ll also want to act quickly so your attorney can tap into evidence that may not be available later, like surveillance camera footage that disappears after a limited time.

The Foster Firm: Legal Representation for Rideshare Accident Claims

Did you suffer injuries while taking an Uber or Lyft ride? Contact The Foster Firm today. Our experienced legal team will help you understand who’s responsible for compensating you, calculate your damages, and advocate for your rights throughout the claim process.

Call 404.559.8325 or fill out our online form for a free consultation with a Georgia rideshare accident attorney.