Car Accidents
The popularity of rideshare services has grown enormously in recent years. Lyft, all by itself, has completed over a billion rides since its founding in 2012. Like with any trip in a motorized vehicle, there’s the chance that you’ll get into an accident. Here’s what you should do if that happens.
Focus on Safety
If you or someone else suffers an injury, contact emergency services before anything else. Remain calm and comply with the instructions of medical personnel. Rush to the hospital in an ambulance if they deem it to be necessary. Otherwise, remain put, as leaving the scene of an accident can potentially be considered a crime.
Assuming the car is still drivable, move it to the side of the road. Doing this helps prevent another collision, as does turning on the hazard lights. Switch off the engine and set road flares if your driver carries them.
Collect Evidence
As a passenger, you are not liable. Regardless, you want to determine which driver caused the accident. The assignment of blame will massively impact the insurance process. Regardless of your driver’s reaction, take pictures of the scene, making a special effort to gather information about the vehicles involved.
Responding officers will want to know precisely how the accident occurred. Be cooperative and speak clearly. Talking with everyone on-site will increase your odds of making a successful insurance claim. Do your best to verify that everyone is giving accurate statements, and then find out how you can obtain a copy of the police report before officers disappear.
Seek Medical Care
Even if you do not believe you are injured, you may be suffering physical trauma, the effects of which will not surface until later. Contact your primary care physician for a complete medical assessment. Tests may reveal that you have indeed endured an injury. Symptoms may arise that suggest you have cerebral or organ damage. Treating these conditions can be costly, time-consuming, and uncomfortable. After some reflection, you might conclude that recovering damages is the correct decision. In this case, contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Lyft accidents are identical to other types of car collisions. They’re upsetting, costly, and everyone involved could be hurt. Respond as you would after any other wreck. Later, contact a car accident lawyer from a firm like Ward & Ward Law Firm for assistance with a rideshare accident lawsuit. With legal assistance by your side, there’s a decent chance you’ll receive compensation for any physical harm you’ve sustained.