Rideshare companies like Lyft and Uber are popular in urban areas, including Chicago. Many people find using rideshare services is easier and more convenient than cabs, buses, or other forms of public transportation.
However, rideshare accidents can result in complicated personal injury claims. If you were involved in a rideshare accident, our Chicago rideshare accident attorney would like to share five things you need to do to protect your legal right to fair compensation for injuries and damages.
Five Things to Do After a Rideshare Accident in Chicago
Regardless of whether you are the rideshare passenger, the rideshare driver, another motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian, these five steps apply in your case:
1. Call 911 to Report the Accident to the Police
Reporting the accident to the police creates an official record of the collision. When filing an accident claim with the rideshare company, having an official police report can be helpful.
2. Document the Accident Scene
If you can and it is safe to do so, try to document the accident scene with pictures and videos. Try to capture the location of the vehicles, damage to each vehicle, traffic lights and signs, and the general surroundings.
Even if you are a passenger in a rideshare vehicle accident, having this evidence can be helpful when you file an injury claim. You need to prove who caused the rideshare accident before you can recover money for your personal injury claim.
3. Seek Medical Attention for Your Injuries
If you do not go to the hospital by ambulance, see a doctor as soon as possible after the crash. You need to document your injuries for an accident claim.
Report all symptoms to the doctor, regardless of how minor you might consider the symptom. Aches and pains can be an indication of a more severe injury. Having that information in your medical records can help build a case for compensation.
Also, make sure you follow up with your doctor’s visits and complete your doctor’s treatment plan.
4. File an Accident Report with the Rideshare Company
Uber and Lyft make it easy to notify the companies of accidents involving their drivers. If you are a passenger, you can report the accident through the app on your smartphone. You can also contact the company directly to report the rideshare accident.
Make sure that you note any information you receive from the company, such as a claim number. Printing the response or making screenshots is an excellent way to preserve the evidence.
5. Contact a Rideshare Accident Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Rideshare accidents can be very complicated. The rideshare driver is an independent contractor for the rideshare company. Therefore, the company may deny liability for certain types of accidents.
Lyft and Uber have insurance policies that cover their drivers in some situations. However, proving that the driver was responsible for the crash and the insurance policy covers the crash may be challenging.
The insurance companies for the drivers and the rideshare company may argue about fault and liability. As a passenger, you could be caught in the middle.
An experienced rideshare accident lawyer understands the legal issues involved in these types of personal injury claims. The insurance companies and the rideshare company have teams of lawyers and investigators protecting their best interest. You need someone looking out for your best interest.
Contact Our Chicago Rideshare Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Determining fault for a rideshare accident could be difficult, especially when all parties are denying responsibility. Contact our Chicago rideshare accident attorney to discuss the next steps you need to take to recover compensation for damages caused by a rideshare accident.