What You Should Do In A Rideshare Accident
New Orleans is a busy city and that means the hustle and bustle of people, cars, trucks, and more. But unfortunately, car accidents happen and are happening at an alarming rate, as New Orleans has seen a 35% increase in fatalities from car accidents in 2021 compared to the previous year.
At The Law Offices of Chip Forstall, we understand the importance of taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and your rights in the event you are in a rideshare accident. In this blog, we will walk you through the steps of what to do in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Report The Accident
Reporting an accident is essential in protecting yourself and your rights in a car accident, especially when it involves a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Call 911
and have the police come to the scene to record what happened. The police will create a report documenting the details of the accident, including the time, location, and any injuries or damage. It’s important to obtain a copy of this report for your records.
Contact insurance companies of all parties involved.
Contacting Uber or Lyft is essential. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have liability insurance policies that may cover injuries and damage resulting from the accident. However, contacting your insurance company is also important, as they may have coverage that applies in an accident involving a ride-sharing service.
Reporting an accident is a critical step in the aftermath of a car accident. By contacting the police, and insurance companies, you have taken the necessary first steps to protect yourself and your rights.
Document And Gather Information
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s essential to document and gather as much information as possible.
Obtain contact and insurance information
from the other parties involved in the accident and any witnesses. It’s also important to take note of the make, model, and license plate numbers of the other vehicles involved.
Take pictures of the accident scene
including any visible vehicle damage or injuries you sustained. This can include taking photos of the location of the accident, skid marks, and traffic signs or signals. In addition, it’s important to gather any physical evidence like broken glasses, debris, or any other relevant material.
By obtaining contact and insurance information and taking pictures, you can ensure that you have all the necessary information to proceed with a claim. The more information you can obtain, the more it can help your attorney pursue compensation.
Seeking Medical Attention
Seek medical treatment.
This is crucial in the aftermath of a car accident. Even if you feel fine, it’s imperative to get checked out by a medical professional, as some injuries may not show symptoms until later.
Document injuries and treatment.
Keep all medical bills, receipts, and other expenses related to your injuries. Having detailed records of your injuries and expenses is essential, as it will help a car accident attorney build a strong case on your behalf.
Remember, seeking medical attention and documenting your injuries is essential for your physical recovery, protecting your rights, and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Do Not Accept Any Settlement Offers
Be aware that the other party’s insurance company may offer you a settlement when involved in a car accident. However, it’s important to remember that any settlement offer should not be accepted without consulting a personal injury attorney. The initial settlement offer may not fully compensate you for your injuries and damages.
An attorney will be able to review your case, assess the full extent of your injuries and damages, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. They will be able to evaluate any settlement offer and will advise you if it’s fair or not or if it’s better to go to trial and fight for fair compensation.
It’s important to remember that once you accept a settlement, you will be waiving your right to any further legal action, so it’s crucial to have an attorney review any settlement offer before you agree to it.
Consulting With A New Orleans Car Accident Attorney
Being involved in a car accident involving a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, you can protect yourself and your rights by taking the necessary steps to report the accident, document and gather information, seek medical treatment, and consult with a personal injury attorney.
Remember to never accept any settlement offers without consulting with an attorney, and never hesitate to contact professional help if you have any questions or concerns. It’s important to take all the necessary steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve and guarantee your physical and financial well-being.
If you’re looking for professional help after a car accident involving a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, contact the Law Offices of Chip Forstall for a FREE consultation.
