What To Do if You’re Injured in a Car Accident While Using Uber or Lyft

You might know what steps you need to take if you’ve been involved in an accident in your vehicle, but what happens if you’re hurt in a collision while riding in an Uber or Lyft? Many people are unsure and often ask us, “What do I do if my Lyft got into an accident?” Find out what you should do and how these rideshare collisions are different from a typical car accident.

Check for Injuries

After any car accident, your first priority should be to check for injuries. If you’re hurt, you need to get to a doctor right away to minimize the potential damage. Even if you don’t have any apparent signs of an injury, take a moment to check how you feel. You may have internal injuries, which can be harder to detect but still cause serious harm. Your best bet is to see a doctor as soon as you can, regardless of how you feel.

Call the Police

Calling 911 will bring emergency medical responders and law enforcement to the scene. While medical personnel check for injuries, the police can begin their accident investigation. You’ll want a copy of the police accident report once the investigation is concluded. While the rideshare vehicle driver will likely be the focus of the officer’s investigation, if the police ask you any questions, answer honestly but keep your answers concise.

Gather Information

Evidence from the crash scene is crucial if you want to recover compensation for your injuries. Take pictures of the damage to the vehicle you’re in, as well as of any damage to other vehicles. If you can, also get pictures of your injuries and the surrounding area. Before you leave the scene, be sure to get contact and insurance information from your Uber or Lyft driver as well as any other drivers involved in the accident.

Seek Medical Treatment

If you aren’t brought to a hospital from the Uber/Lyft accident scene, schedule an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. Letting undiagnosed injuries linger after a car accident can lead to serious health effects. Delaying treatment could also cost you dearly when seeking compensation for your injuries through an Uber or Lyft auto accident claim, as the liable party can argue that your delay caused or exacerbated your injuries.

As an Uber or Lyft Car Accident Passenger, Who Pays for Your Injuries?

If you’re a passenger in a rideshare car accident, who covers your injuries will depend on the cause of the crash. If you have an auto insurance policy for your own vehicle, you can use your no-fault Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits to cover some of your medical bills and lost wages. However, your PIP benefits may not be enough to cover the full extent of your losses. If this is the case, you can file a claim against the driver who caused your injury.

If the crash was the fault of your Uber or Lyft driver, you could file a claim against their auto insurance. In addition, a claim may be filed against Uber or Lyft’s corporate insurance policy, which covers injuries sustained by passengers in a Lyft or Uber car accident.

If the crash was the fault of a third party, you might need to file a claim with their insurance provider. New York has complicated rules for recovering compensation for car accident claims, though, so be sure to get help from a rideshare accident attorney.

Contact an Uber/Lyft Accident Lawyer at Finz & Finz

The New York Uber and Lyft accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. on Long Island have extensive experience representing car accident victims. We are a nationally recognized, family-run business of three generations and care deeply about your recovery. Your focus should be on your recovery, while our focus will be on protecting your legal rights and obtaining maximum compensation on your behalf. Contact us today to get started on your claim.