What Should You Do If You Were Hurt by a Rideshare Driver?

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have become second nature as a transportation option in North Carolina. The prevalence of rideshare options encourages people to take a backseat when they shouldn’t be driving, which can make the roads much safer. 

But rideshare drivers may not have the training and experience of other professional drivers and may get involved in accidents. And when that happens, it can be confusing to know what to do if you’ve been injured. Do you need to contact the rideshare company? Should you answer questions from investigators or insurance representatives? How can you ensure that you receive compensation for your medical bills and other losses?

The easiest way to get answers is to consult an attorney experienced in handling rideshare accidents in North Carolina. A knowledgeable attorney can review the specific facts of your situation and explain your best options for recovery. Here are some general guidelines about what to do after a rideshare accident.

Safeguard Your Health

Whether you were a passenger in a rideshare vehicle or you were hit by a driver working with Uber or Lyft, your first priority is the same. You need to do whatever is necessary to safeguard your health. That includes remaining in a safe place at the accident scene until emergency assistance arrives. 

If emergency medical technicians do not put you in an ambulance, don’t assume that you’re not hurt. You may be suffering from severe injuries that aren’t immediately obvious.

After the accident you may want to get a complete medical examination and inform the doctor that you’ve been in a collision, so they know to check for signs of trauma injuries. Getting prompt medical attention not only protects your health but also your legal right to recover compensation. Records from the exam provide evidence of your injuries and the time of causation. If you wait until later to see a doctor, the insurance companies may assert that your injuries were caused by something that occurred after the accident.

Even after receiving a complete medical exam, it is quite possible that you won’t know everything about your medical condition for some time yet. Injuries such as traumatic brain injuries often develop slowly as fluid accumulates in the brain. If you notice any new or worsening symptoms later, return to the doctor and report them.

Document What Happened

An Uber or Lyft accident may involve corporate interests, insurance companies, and a host of professionals who spend their time trying to avoid liability. Their job is to save the insurance companies money. To counteract their tactics, you need to be prepared with knowledge and evidence.

You need evidence to show that the rideshare driver behaved in an irresponsible way and that the irresponsible actions were the cause of your injuries. The smallest details can be crucial to accident reconstruction experts as they build a timeline of what happened before, during, and after the collision. The process of gathering evidence to show the factors that caused the accident and your injuries can include:

• Taking photos of the accident scene and the vehicles involved from every angle, including closeups and landscape shots
• Locating and preserving footage from traffic cameras and security cameras in the area that may show driver actions in the time leading up to the collision
• Interviewing witnesses about what they saw and heard in the time leading up to the accident and during the collision
• Taking photos of injuries and damage inside the vehicle
• Getting a copy of the police report
• Gathering medical records of injuries and treatment
• Keeping a journal documenting the impact of injuries

Certain evidence needs to be collected as quickly as possible because the quality will degrade over time. For instance, the scene of the accident will change, and witnesses’ memories will be less reliable. An experienced injury attorney can help collect and preserve evidence for use in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, in court.

Be Careful When Speaking With Company Representatives

Rideshare companies provide insurance for their drivers that may provide coverage in your case, depending on the driver’s status at the time of the accident. In addition, there are times when a rideshare company can potentially be liable for a driver’s actions. So representatives from the insurance and rideshare companies may contact anyone injured in the accident, asking questions and making offers. It is extremely important to be wary when speaking to these representatives.

They will be seeking information they can use to shift the blame onto someone else, including the victim. Even if you just say something like “I’m okay,” they can use that to argue that you aren’t truly injured. If possible, it is best to let your attorney handle all communications, because a knowledgeable injury lawyer will be expecting these attempts and know how to answer accurately without saying anything that can unnecessarily damage your legal position and opportunities for recovery.

Learn More About How to Protect Your Rights After a Rideshare Accident

While victims of rideshare accidents may be able to recover compensation from the resources provided by rideshare companies, the process will not be easy. It is vital to understand how to protect your rights, or you could lose them. Working with a dedicated attorney early on is the best way to avoid problems that could interfere with your recovery.

The insurance companies and rideshare company involved may pressure you to accept a settlement quickly and tell you that you don’t need to pay a lawyer for help. Be aware that any money they offer is likely to be far less than you need or are entitled to receive. Call the team at Martin & Jones for a free consultation, call us at 800-662-1234 or contact us online today.