Rideshare companies such as Lyft and Uber have revolutionized public transportation. When the concept was first introduced, critics questioned the qualifications of the drivers. Despite the concerns, rideshare services are more popular than ever before. However, it is important that passengers know how to respond to an accident involving an Uber or Lyft driver.
If you were injured in a rideshare collision in Arizona, contact a Scottsdale accident lawyer from the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, lost income and other damages. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.
Here are five steps to take after a crash with an Uber driver:
- Call the Police
Contact the police as soon as possible. Law enforcement can secure the scene and notify emergency medical responders.
The police will also create a report that contains details about the accident. Your personal-injury lawyer may be able to use this report to demonstrate liability and strengthen your claim. Find out which station the attending officers are from, and request a copy of the police report.
- Gather Information from Drivers and Witnesses
Ask all drivers involved in the crash for their phone numbers, addresses and full names. If possible, take photos of their driver’s licenses and registrations so the details are accurate.
You should also collect contact information from witnesses. If the insurance company or at-fault party denies liability, an eyewitness testimony may help support your claim.
Also, witnesses tend to see aspects of collisions that drivers and passengers fail to notice. For example, if the at-fault driver ran a stop sign or red light before the crash, then a witness’s testimony can help your personal-injury lawyer prove negligence.
- Take Photographs of the Scene
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers useful tips for taking photos at a car accident scene. Capture wide-angle shots that show the positions of vehicles. Also, take close-up photos of property damage and injuries.
- Request the Uber Driver’s Insurance Details
If you were in a crash with an Uber driver, you should get his or her insurance details. These details are on the driver’s Uber application.
Uber provides insurance information for their drivers, as well as steps regarding a crash while en route. This information can be found here. Feel free to read through for information about making an accident claim. You can find information on Lyft here.
- Contact an Accident Lawyer
After you seek medical attention, contact a personal-injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can gather evidence, structure your claim and fight for the highest possible settlement. He or she can also help you avoid mistakes such as unknowingly admitting fault to insurance adjusters, or settling for an amount that will not cover your damages.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Arizona, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. A Scottsdale personal-injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process. Call 480-951-9700 to schedule a consultation.