When you hop into an Uber, the last thing on your mind is being involved in a car accident. However, rideshare accidents do happen, and as rideshare apps continue to grow in popularity, so does the likelihood of being in one while using their services. If you've recently found yourself in the unfortunate situation of being involved in a car accident while riding in an Uber, Lyft, or other service you're likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure about your next steps. With a little knowledge, though, you can feel much more prepared for the road ahead.
Collect Information About the Crash
Collecting information after an Uber accident is crucial for multiple reasons. First, it serves as evidence to support any potential legal claims you may have as a result of the accident. This information can help establish the facts surrounding the incident, such as the cause of the accident, the parties involved, and the extent of your injuries.
Second, rideshare accidents are unique in that they involve multiple parties, including the Uber driver, the rideshare company, and their respective insurance providers. Having detailed information specific to the Uber accident, such as the Uber driver's name, license plate number, vehicle make and model, and any Uber-specific ID assigned to the driver, will be invaluable in navigating the complex web of liability and insurance claims that often arise in these cases.
Lastly, collecting this information will help your attorney build a strong case on your behalf. With accurate and thorough documentation, your legal team can more effectively advocate for your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and seek the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages. The more information you gather at the scene of the accident, the better equipped you'll be to protect your interests and achieve a favorable outcome.
Seek Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention shortly after an Uber accident is of paramount importance, even if you feel fine initially. Whether you are thinking of taking legal action later or not, you should focus on taking care of yourself and getting medical treatments.
It is crucial to seek or allow medical attention after an Uber accident due to:
- Hidden injuries: It's not uncommon for accident victims to experience adrenaline and shock, which can mask the pain and symptoms of certain injuries. Some common injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not manifest symptoms immediately. Delaying medical treatment could potentially exacerbate these conditions.
- Complying with EMT advice: If an ambulance arrives at the scene and an emergency medical technician (EMT) suggests that you receive emergency medical care, it's essential to follow their advice. Refusing medical care at the scene can be used against you by insurance companies to downplay the severity of your injuries or deny your claim altogether.
- Documentation of injuries: Receiving prompt medical care ensures that your injuries are properly documented by a healthcare professional. This documentation serves as vital evidence in your personal injury claim, linking your injuries directly to the accident. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, it may be challenging to prove that your injuries were a direct result of the Uber accident.
- Strengthening your legal case: Insurance companies often scrutinize the timeline between an accident and when the victim seeks medical care. If there's a significant delay, they may argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident or are less severe than you claim. Seeking immediate medical attention helps establish the legitimacy and severity of your injuries, strengthening your legal case.
Talk to a Lawyer
Consulting a lawyer soon after being involved in an Uber accident is important for several reasons. A skilled attorney who is experienced in handling rideshare accident cases can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the entire process, helping you navigate the complexities of a rideshare accident claim from start to finish.
A trustworthy Uber accident attorney can help by:
- Explaining your rights: Rideshare accidents can be more complicated than traditional car accidents due to the involvement of multiple parties, including the Uber driver, the rideshare company, and their respective insurance providers. An attorney can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action based on the specific circumstances of your case.
- Handling insurance claims: Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize or deny claims, which can make dealing with them challenging and frustrating. An experienced lawyer can handle communications and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Collecting and preserving evidence: A lawyer can help gather and preserve crucial evidence to support your case, such as medical records, witness statements, and accident scene documentation. Additionally, they can work with expert witnesses to analyze and present this evidence in a compelling manner as needed.
- Representation in court: If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, a lawyer may be able to represent you in court. If you go to court without a lawyer, the judge will still expect you to act with full legal knowledge and courtroom etiquette as if you had one. Therefore, it is always recommended to let an Uber accident attorney represent you.
Need legal counsel after an Uber accident in New Hampshire or Maine? Call (888) 801-9916 to see if the experienced rideshare accident lawyers of Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. can help. We’ve been standing up for the wrongfully injured in our communities since 1981, and we’d like to see what we can do for your case, too.