Key Takeaways
- Your safety comes first. Check for injuries, move somewhere safe if possible, and call 911 when necessary.
- Document the accident, including driver information, vehicle damage, and screenshots of your ride details.
- Report the accident through the Uber or Lyft app.
- Insurance coverage depends on the circumstances of the crash and which driver was responsible.
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
When you order a ride on a rideshare app, you expect to get from point A to point B, and safely at that. But accidents happen. And when they do, knowing what to do next isn’t always straightforward.
As a passenger, you weren’t behind the wheel, but you may still be dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and a whole lot of questions. Who’s responsible? Whose insurance pays? And does Uber or Lyft cover the accident?
Here’s what you need to do after a rideshare accident.
Check for Injuries and Get Somewhere Safe
First things first: Make sure you’re okay.
If you’re injured in a car accident, call 911 or ask someone to call for you. If it’s safe to exit the vehicle, move away from traffic and find a secure place to wait for help. Even if you feel fine, don’t assume you’re in the clear. Adrenaline can mask pain, and hidden injuries like whiplash may not become noticeable until hours or days after a car crash.
Get medical attention if you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms. Follow your doctor’s recommendations, and keep records of your appointments, treatment, and expenses.
Call the Police and Document What Happened
A police report can be an important piece of evidence, especially when insurance companies start asking questions (and trust us, they will). Call law enforcement to report the accident, particularly if anyone is injured. In Georgia, drivers are required to report certain crashes involving injuries, deaths, or significant property damage.
If you’re able to safely gather information at the scene, here’s what to document:
- Driver details: Names, contact information, and insurance information for the drivers involved.
- Vehicle information: Make, model, license plate number, and visible damage.
- Ride details: Screenshots from your rideshare app showing the driver, pickup location, intended destination, and trip information.
- Photos and videos: Damage to the vehicles, road conditions, traffic signals, and anything else relevant to the accident.
- Witness information: Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
Don’t worry about figuring out who’s at fault on the spot. Stick to the facts and let the investigation determine what happened.
Report the Accident to Uber or Lyft
Both Uber and Lyft have processes for reporting accidents through their apps. If you were a passenger in an Uber or Lyft when the crash occurred, report the incident as soon as you’re able. Include the trip details and an accurate description of what happened.
Keep copies of any messages, emails, or reports you receive from the rideshare company. You may need them later when dealing with an insurance claim. And here’s something worth noting: Reporting an accident through the app doesn’t automatically mean you’ve filed an insurance claim or received compensation.
Understand How Rideshare Insurance Works
This is where things can get a little complicated. Rideshare services generally provide insurance coverage for qualifying trips, but the coverage available depends on the circumstances.
For example, Uber and Lyft maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million for covered trips when a driver has accepted a ride request and is transporting a passenger. But that doesn’t mean every accident automatically results in a $1 million payout.
The insurance process may depend on several factors:
- Whether your rideshare driver or another driver caused the accident.
- Whether the ride was active in the app.
- The insurance policies involved.
- The nature and extent of your injuries and other losses.
If another driver caused the crash, their insurance may be responsible for covering your damages. Other coverage may also apply, depending on the situation. A personal injury attorney can help you understand which policies may apply and what options are available.
Keep Track of Your Expenses and Recovery
An accident can affect a lot more than your ride home.
Maybe you need physical therapy. Maybe you miss a few days of work. Or maybe you’re dealing with lingering pain that makes everyday activities more difficult.
Keep track of everything related to your recovery — things like medical bills, prescriptions, transportation costs for treatment, and lost wages. You may also be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, which can include the physical discomfort and emotional effects of your injuries.
Track, track, track. The more documentation you have, the easier it may be to show how the accident has affected your life.
Know When to Speak With an Attorney
Between the rideshare company’s insurance, the driver’s personal policy, and potentially another driver’s insurer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And insurance adjusters may contact you before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.
Before accepting a settlement or signing paperwork that releases someone from liability, consider getting legal advice. An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate the accident, identify potentially responsible parties, review available insurance coverage, and help you pursue compensation.
A Few Rideshare Safety Tips for Your Next Trip
Accidents aren’t always preventable, but a few simple habits can help protect you before and during your ride.
Before getting:
- Confirm the driver’s name, vehicle description, and license plate match the information in your app.
- Check available driver ratings and trip details.
- Familiarize yourself with the app’s safety features, including its emergency button and trip-sharing options.
Rideshare companies also conduct background checks on drivers, although these screenings can’t eliminate every potential risk.
During your ride:
- Wear your seatbelt, even for short trips.
- Sit in the back seat when practical.
- Share your trip details with someone you trust, especially when traveling alone.
- Pay attention to unexpected route deviations or changes to your intended destination.
Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something feels wrong before the trip starts, you can cancel the ride. If safety concerns arise during the trip, ask the driver to stop in a safe, public location when appropriate. And contact emergency services if you’re in immediate danger.
A little preparation can go a long way toward passenger safety.
Injured in an Uber or Lyft Accident? Litner + Deganian Can Help.
You booked a ride because you needed to get somewhere. Dealing with injuries, insurance companies, and unexpected expenses probably wasn’t part of the plan.
At Litner + Deganian, we help injured people understand their rights and navigate the personal injury claims process. If you’ve been hurt as a rideshare passenger, our team can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation.
