What To Do If Your Rideshare Gets Into An Accident
With the rise of major ridesharing platforms like Uber and Lyft, the chances of experiencing a collision involving one of these big corporations are ever-increasing. While the classic steps you would normally take after a collision are still important, there are a few additional steps you’ll want to take when there is a third-party company involved (and of course, it’s always a good idea to have your accident injury lawyer on speed dial). Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, make sure you follow these steps to ensure you get the best results from insurance companies.
Always check to make sure members of all vehicles are safe and call paramedics if anyone appears to be injured. Especially for backseat passengers, the possibility of soft tissue damage is high, but symptoms may not present themselves until hours later. Even if you think you’re fine, it’s always a good idea to get checked out by a doctor within the first 24 hours of your collision. Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning that if you are the victim in an accident, you have the ability to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you get into an accident as a passenger in a rideshare, call your local emergency number first and ask for an officer to come to the scene. You’ll need to file a report with the officer(s) to ensure the at-fault driver is named. Stick around and get a copy of the police report even if you believe you’re fine and didn’t sustain any injuries.
Step 1: Call Paramedics (if Necessary) and Report the Accident to the Police
While it’s always a good idea to snap photos of the damage to yourself and your vehicle in the event of an accident, it’s even more important in an at-fault state and when third-party rideshare companies are involved. If you are the driver, many rideshare companies’ insurance should cover damages to your vehicle. If the company attempts to deny covering the cost of damages to your vehicle, Murphy, Falcon & Murphy are here to help and the more photos you have of the damage, the easier it will be to claim full coverage. 
Step 2: Document the Accident
Most rideshare companies have uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage that they place passengers under once they enter the vehicle. If the person found at fault is uninsured, then this will cover you. In the event of a crash, contact the rideshare company you scheduled the pickup through and let them know.
Step 3: Let Your Rideshare Company Know
You never know whether or not your claim will be fully accepted by your insurance company, so it’s always a good idea to have a car accident attorney on retainer. Sometimes, companies like Uber and Lyft will reach out to offer you an initial payout. Accepting this first offer is almost never a good idea because you are leaving extra compensation on the table. Your lawyer can investigate all sources of compensation from the at-fault driver and the rideshare company to win you the funds you deserve and get your life back on track.
Step 4: Never Take the First Settlement Offered and Retain your Auto Accident Lawyer
Insurance claims can get a little complicated when you bring a third-party ridesharing company into the mix, but these are surefire ways to make sure you follow the right steps following a collision. If you’ve recently been in an accident while riding or driving for Uber, Lyft, or another rideshare company, let us know right away.
Talk to a Rideshare Accident Expert