Southern California Criminal Lawyer Blog
Rideshare apps have become an integral part of our lives in Los Angeles. Whether you call a Lyft or take an Uber home after a long night out, you need to stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Here’s why: Uber and Lyft drivers are just as vulnerable to accidents on the road as other drivers. This means it is imperative to know how to handle an accident in LA while using a rideshare accident.
Here’s what you should do in an Uber or Lyft car accident.
Call 911
This is the first thing anyone should take after a car accident regardless of injuries. Calling the police is an essential first step toward making insurance claims and proceeding with lawsuits. It gets first responders on-site and provides you with undeniable evidence that is almost impossible to refute in court. Remember, rideshare apps have lawyers who will fight tooth and nail to either minimize their liability or shift the blame on something else (even you). A police report is hard to refute. Otherwise, it’s your word against them.
Plus, it’s always a good idea to have a peace officer protecting your legal rights, especially when emotions are running high.
Seek Medical Attention
Priority number one is to seek medical attention after a car accident. You may have high adrenaline after an accident, which lead you to not feel any pain. It’s a good idea to check in at a hospital for injuries that could affect you later. Also, visiting a doctor right away can provide you with documentary evidence for injuries sustained during rideshare accidents.
More importantly, failing to take prompt medical treatment could affect the integrity of a personal injury lawsuit as well as any insurance claims you may decide to make. The medical records and testimony of experts will go a long way in proving your injury claims.
Take Pictures after the Accident
Pictures will play a powerful role in backing up your accident claim. We understand it can be difficult to organize your thoughts after being involved in an accident, but being calm and collected can help you document what happened. Besides, accidents can create chaos and confusion, so you may not be able to keep tabs on important details.
Photos can help you document injuries, the vehicle’s condition, the surroundings, and the aftermath of the accident. These details help build a concrete claim. Remember, rideshare companies and their insurance providers will do everything they can to dispute your claim. Photographic evidence, however, will make it easy to prove your claims and resolve liability claims for the crash.
Talk to Witnesses
Having an eyewitness corroborate your claim in court can play a vital role in helping you seek compensation for your injuries following a rideshare accident. We understand it can be difficult to stay calm after the incident, but collecting data related to witnesses can go a long way in winning your case.
Jot Down Important Information
Once you’ve taken pictures, you should try to obtain information about the Uber or Lyft driver, or any other drivers involved. You should try to collect the following information:
- The driver’s name and contact information
- The rideshare driver’s insurance information
- The rideshare company’s insurance details
- The names and contact details of other drivers involved in the accident
- The insurance information for other drivers involved
- Data about all vehicles involves, including license number plate as well as make and model
- Names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the incident
Do Not Sign Any Documents
Rideshare companies and insurance companies may provide you with documents to sign. They may promise compensation for your injuries if you do as they say.
However, it’s in your best interests not to sign anything they provide you. The only professionals who have will advocate for you are your rideshare accident attorneys in Los Angeles. So wait until they arrive on the scene before signing anything.
This is why you should seek legal consultation just as soon as you’ve been involved in a car crash. An experienced rideshare accident attorney can ensure that you get the best possible representation and preserve your well-being. These professionals will also help you through accident investigations, insurance claims, and any other events that may follow after the accident.
Wrapping Up
Remember, if you’ve been involved in a rideshare accident, the Lyft or Uber driver, their insurance representatives, and the rideshare company itself will dispute your claims. Your only real ally is a knowledgeable rideshare accident attorney in LA dedicated to representing your rights. Click here to talk to our attorneys today for a free consultation.