Five Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Rideshare Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is crucial that you take the right steps after the accident. Doing so can help you protect your claim for compensation and help you get your life back to normal. Being involved in a car accident can be a shocking experience, and understandably, victims might unintentionally admit fault or take other actions that could hurt their claim for compensation. The situation can be even more complicated when the accident involves a Lyft or Uber vehicle. As more people use rideshare apps, the number of uber and Lyft accidents has increased. If you have been involved in a car accident involving an Uber or Lyft vehicle, taking these steps can help you protect yourself and your legal rights.

After the accident, call 911 and request a police officer and a paramedic to come to the scene. Even if the accident seems minor, this is still an important step. The police officer will interview everyone involved and document the accident in an official police report. You might need the police report to prove that the accident happened as you described. When you speak to the police officer, give a clear account of the circumstances leading to the accident.

If the paramedic at the accident scene recommends that you go to the hospital, take his or her advice. Sometimes injuries can be more severe than they appear at first, especially brain injuries and back and neck injuries, like whiplash. Doctors at the hospital can conduct the appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm the extent of your injuries. In addition to allowing you to get the medical treatment you need to recover, you will also be able to use medical records of your treatment to show that the car accident caused your injuries. Some injuries may not become fully apparent until days or even weeks after a car accident, so it is essential that you continue to look for symptoms of injuries after the accident.

If you suspect you have been more seriously injured than initially, contact a doctor to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. You should also follow all of your doctor's orders, attend all appointments, and take all of your prescribed medication. Taking the steps can help you prove that the accident caused your injuries and that you have done everything possible to receive treatment.

You may not be able to move at the accident scene safely, but if you can, taking photos of the accident can be important. You should take photos of the scene of the accident, recover any – cam footage if possible, and collect the contact information of witnesses. He should also take screenshots related to your rideshare if you were the passenger in the vehicle. For example, take a screenshot of your driver's information and the numbers associated with your ride. If you notice any unusual circumstances, like debris in the road or evidence that the driver was intoxicated, take photos of the evidence. Write down any factors that could have contributed to the accident as soon as you think of them. It can be difficult to remember details as time goes on after a car accident.

Do not post about the accident on social media. You can report that an accident occurred, but it is wise to discuss your case with an attorney before providing a recorded statement to your own insurance company or Uber or Lyft insurance company. Any information you provide can be used against you to deny your claim or reduce the compensation you receive. It is also crucial that you only accept a settlement offer once your attorney reviews the offer. Insurance companies are notorious for offering settlements that are far too low. Your attorney can negotiate a fair settlement after considering all of your damages and determining the value of your case.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an Uber or Lyft accident in North Carolina, it is crucial that you reach out to an attorney as soon as possible. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, today to schedule a free case evaluation and learn more about how we will fight for you and your rights. You only have a limited amount of time to pursue a compensation claim.