What to Do After an Uber/Lyft Car Accidents

Uber has announced plans to use self-driving vehicles as part of their ride-sharing services. In 2018, an Uber test driver who was in charge of monitoring the self-driving vehicle collided with and killed a pedestrian. She was charged with negligent homicide as a result of the accident. An investigation revealed that the driver watched television on her phone when the self-driving vehicle struck the pedestrian in Tempe, Arizona.

This incident was the first case of a fully autonomous vehicle killing another person. The national transportation and safety board released a statement in which it concluded that the accident was caused by the driver’s distraction and Uber's inadequate safety culture. This case exemplifies the complicated process of determining liability in accidents involving self-driving cars. The case also brings to light the safety culture at ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

While self-driving cars are not the norm yet, Uber has stated that they eventually would like their services to include the use of autonomous vehicles. For now, Uber and Lyft drivers are not using autonomous vehicles, but the risk of Uber drivers causing serious accidents remains. If you are involved in an Uber or Lyft car accident, it is important to know how to respond. The steps you take after an accident are important and can play a role in the validity of your legal claim. Below is a list of actions you should take if you are involved in an Uber or Lyft accident below.

Regardless of who was at fault for the Uber or Lyft car accident, it is important to receive the medical care you need and to make sure the accident is documented. If you have been injured in the accident, it is imperative that you request Emergency Medical services and follow any medical advice they give you. If they recommend that you go a hospital, it is important to do so. Often times, many of us tend to downplay our injuries, but it is important to document and treat any injuries you may have suffered as a result of the accident. Failure to do so may be detrimental to your case if you decide to file a lawsuit against the other driver. The more proof of your injuries and the more detailed your medical records, the better. If the accident did not result in any injuries, it is still important to call 911 to make sure the accident is documented.

Those who are severely injured will not be able to exit the vehicle, but if you are able to take photos, it is important to do it. Use your phone to take pictures of any damage caused to the vehicles, the way the vehicles are positioned, and the larger scope of the accident scene. Take pictures of the license plates involved and any marks you see on the pavement that indicates how the accident occurred.

If you notice any witnesses at the scene of the accident, ask for their name, address, and phone number. These witnesses could play a crucial role in your personal injury lawsuit. If you were an Uber or Lyft passenger when the accident happened, gather all of the information you can about your driver. Ask to take a picture of his or her license, or at least write down his or her driver's license number. Write down the name and badge number of the officer who comes to the scene of the accident and write down the police report number so you can access it later. The more information you can gather and provide to your attorney, the better. When you speak to the officer at the scene of the accident, be sure to mention any injuries you believe you have suffered, so he or she can document it in the official police report.

You may need to report the accident to your own insurance company, in case you need to file for uninsured or underinsured coverage. It is important that you do not admit fault when speaking with your insurance company if you were not the at-fault driver. Insurance claims can be complicated and difficult to recover from, and a personal injury attorney can help you through this process.

A car accident can be a traumatic experience, especially when injuries are involved. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we understand how complex the insurance claims process can be and how important it is to resolve these issues as quickly as possible. Not only can we help you through the insurance claims process, but we can help you litigate any potential personal injuries claim you may want to bring against the other driver or the ride-share company.

Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation and learn how we can advocate for you. For your convenience and safety, we offer video and phone conferencing. If you prefer an in-person consultation, we have three easy to reach offices in Uptown Charlotte, Monroe and Mooresville.