What to Do If You Are Hit By a Rideshare Driver
If you get hit by a motor vehicle in Los Angeles and discover that the driver works for Uber or Lyft, there are additional steps you should take after the crash to make sure you get the most out of your injury claim. One of the most important things to do is to contact a Los Angeles rideshare accident attorney near you for a free consultation and in-depth case review. A lawyer for personal injury in Los Angeles can help you understand your rights and what steps to take next.
Put Safety First
After any car, bicycle or pedestrian accident, pull over immediately and move your disabled vehicle out of the way of the rest of traffic, if possible. Check yourself and others in your car for injuries. Get immediate medical attention, even if you don’t think you’ve been seriously hurt. Many injuries – including brain injuries, spine injuries and other serious injuries – have delayed symptoms.
Call the Police
Call 911 using your cell phone from the scene to report the accident. You have an obligation as the driver in California to report any car accident that causes injuries, deaths or more than $1,000 in property damage to the police. Even if your crash does not seem to meet these parameters, notify law enforcement so that you can obtain a police report. Police reports can contain important information and evidence to support your case.
Exchange Information With the Rideshare Driver
Speak to the rideshare driver who hit you, but do not admit fault or apologize. Get his or her full name, address, contact information, insurance information and vehicle identification number. If the driver has an Uber or Lyft decal in their window, ask the driver whether they were logged into the app at the time of your accident. If so, make sure this gets put into the police report.
Gather Evidence
Before you leave the scene of the accident, do what you can to collect available evidence. Take pictures of the crash scene and both damaged vehicles with your cell phone. Write down the names and phone numbers of any eyewitnesses, including passengers in either vehicle.
If the rideshare driver was carrying passengers at the time, ask them to send you screenshots of their trip information from the app. Look around for possible video footage from traffic, surveillance or dashboard cameras. Check the inside of the Uber or Lyft driver’s car for an in-cab camera, as well.
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Secure Compensation After an Accident
Notify the Rideshare Company
You should always communicate with your own car insurance company after getting hit by a rideshare driver. Then, notify Uber or Lyft about an accident involving one of its drivers. You should be contacted by a representative shortly after.
It’s important to protect your rights during conversations with an insurance claims adjuster. Say no to a recorded statement, and keep your answers to questions short – don’t offer more information than is essential. Most importantly, don’t accept early settlements without consulting with an attorney first.
Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles
Rideshare accident cases can be complex and difficult to navigate. The rideshare driver may deny hitting you or argue against liability for the accident, placing you in a position to have to prove fault. The rideshare company may refuse to offer a reasonable settlement for the extent of your injuries and losses, despite having up to $1 million available in insurance coverage.
A specialized attorney handling car accident cases in Los Angeles will know exactly how to navigate the nuances of your case. Your lawyer can take over communications with the rideshare company or an insurance provider on your behalf to fight for maximum compensation while you heal. An attorney will accurately track your losses and help you avoid common mistakes that could hurt your case.For immediate assistance and legal counsel after getting hit by a rideshare driver in Los Angeles, contact us for a free consultation.