Rideshare accidents are definitely more confusing than regular vehicle accidents, and it can be hard to know where to even start. Talk with an El Paso, TX rideshare accident lawyer right away, as this is the best step you can take to strengthen your claim after an accident.
At the Scene
First, always call emergency services, even if it doesn’t seem like anyone is badly injured. You want the police there to assess the situation and make a report, which will become a foundational document in your claim and will have a lot of the basic details you need, such as all the information about involved parties and witnesses. Then, you’ll want to gather evidence if you can physically do so. If you’re badly injured or if it’s not safe, skip this step and talk to a lawyer as quickly as you can so they can investigate the accident. If you’re able to, take pictures and video of the accident. Make sure to get pictures from multiple angles that capture all the vehicle damage, any marks on the road, traffic signs nearby, and any injuries. Get the license plate and driver information from all cars and jot down the names of any witnesses who saw what happened. If they’ll give you their phone numbers and a brief statement, even better. You’ll pass this on to your lawyer right away.
Get Medical Care
Even if you feel fine, go see a doctor, and do this as soon as you can. Car accidents can cause injuries that don’t always have immediate symptoms, but if you tell a doctor you’ve been in an accident, he or she will know what to look for. If you delay treatment, then the insurance company for the liable party may try to claim that your injuries are not very serious or not related to the accident at all. Keep every medical document you get, including bills, and follow the doctor’s orders to the letter.
Reporting the Collision
As soon as you’re safe, notify the rideshare company. With Uber and Lyft, you can do this right through their app. With an Uber, you use the “safety toolkit,” and with Lyft, you’ll visit their help section. The company will then connect with their insurance provider to start the claims process. If you were a driver, you’d also want to contact your personal auto insurer. Always give the facts simply and clearly in these situations. Don’t speculate about fault with the insurance or rideshare company.
Call an El Paso, TX Rideshare Accident Lawyer
Rideshare collisions involve multiple insurance layers, and at every step, there’s the possibility of making a mistake. The insurance companies love to try to shift blame and dodge their responsibilities, and they typically try to devalue or even deny claims if they can. Your lawyer will take over negotiations, sort out who is to blame, and keep your claim moving: all the way to a lawsuit if that becomes necessary.If you’ve been in a rideshare collision, reach out to the Labinoti Law Firm now for advice and support in El Paso, El Paso West, and in Las Cruces, NM.
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