The moments following an Uber or Lyft accident are critical for protecting both your health and your legal rights. Rideshare accidents involve unique considerations that differ from traditional car crashes, and the steps you take immediately after a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation later. Knowing what to do helps ensure you do not inadvertently compromise your claim.
Immediate Safety and Medical Priorities
Your first priority must be safety. If vehicles are operable and blocking traffic, move them to the shoulder when safe to do so. Check yourself and others for injuries. Even if you feel fine initially, adrenaline can mask serious injury symptoms that only become apparent hours or days later. Internal injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage frequently present delayed symptoms.
Call 911 if anyone is injured or if the accident involves significant vehicle damage. Police documentation creates an official record of the accident that becomes important evidence for insurance claims and potential litigation. Emergency medical personnel can assess injuries and provide or arrange transport to the hospital.
Seek medical evaluation even if you believe your injuries are minor. Emergency room or urgent care documentation establishes that you sought treatment immediately following the accident, connecting your injuries directly to the collision. Delaying medical attention gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries resulted from something other than the accident or were not serious enough to require prompt treatment.
Documenting the Accident Scene
Photograph everything at the scene while information remains fresh and available. Document vehicle damage from multiple angles, capturing license plates and any distinctive identifying features. Photograph the surrounding area including traffic signals, road conditions, weather, and any factors that may have contributed to the accident. If you have visible injuries, photograph those as well.
Collect information from everyone involved. For the rideshare driver, obtain their name, phone number, driver's license number, personal insurance information, and the rideshare company they were driving for. Get the same information from any other drivers involved. Collect contact information from witnesses who may be able to corroborate your account of what happened.
Because you were involved in a rideshare trip, preserve your ride history within the Uber or Lyft app. This information documents that you were a passenger during an active trip, identifies the driver, and establishes the timing and route of the ride. Take screenshots before this information potentially becomes unavailable.
Reporting and Communication
Report the accident to the rideshare company through their app. Both Uber and Lyft have in-app functions for reporting accidents, which initiates their claims process. Keep records of your report and any response you receive.
Notify your own auto insurance company about the accident, particularly if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that might apply if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. However, be cautious about providing recorded statements to any insurance company before understanding your legal position. Insurance adjusters work for their companies, not for you, and statements you make can be used to minimize your claim.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Do not sign any releases or accept settlement offers without understanding their implications. Early settlement offers often undervalue claims, particularly before the full extent of injuries becomes known. What seems like fair compensation before you understand your medical prognosis may prove grossly inadequate once you face ongoing treatment, missed work, and lasting pain.
Consider consulting with an attorney experienced in rideshare accidents, especially if you suffered significant injuries. These cases involve multiple potential insurance policies with different coverage periods and limits. An attorney can help identify all available coverage, navigate the claims process, and ensure you do not leave compensation on the table.