When you’re a passenger in an Uber or Lyft vehicle, you must trust your safety to a driver you don’t know. While your driver may be experienced and cautious, an accident can happen at any time and it’s important to know how to react.
Assess the Scene
Immediately after you assess your own condition, you should check on the medical conditions of your passengers, the other drivers, and anyone else involved in the accident. Once you can give a brief description to the authorities, you should call 9-1-1 to request emergency services.
Collect Contact Information
While you’re awaiting the police and ambulances to arrive, you should begin collecting the names, phone numbers, and addresses for anyone involved in the accident. Additionally, be sure to get the insurance information from the other drivers, but resist any attempts to discuss the accident. Collect information from any witnesses to the accident as well. Your Lyft accident lawyer Los Angeles will likely need this information as he or she pursues your claim.
Collect Evidence of the Accident
The best evidence you can collect is in the form of photographs and cell phone cameras are great for this task. You can begin by taking pictures of the overall scene, including a nearby intersection where the accident occurred. Additionally, make sure you get close-up pictures of the damages to the vehicles, along with any other property damages that resulted from the accident. This may include telephone poles, trees, or fences.
Make a Statement
When the police do arrive, they will conduct a brief investigation of the accident. This typically involves taking statements of those involved in the accident, but they may determine they only need a statement from one driver. If this occurs, tell them that your Uber accident lawyer Los Angeles has insisted that you also make a statement. This will help ensure your version of the accident is also included in the official report. Once you have supplied your statement, review it for accuracy and sign the statement. Before the police leave, you should also request a copy of the full accident report. This document will help you file a more accurate personal injury claim.
Even after you have taken these actions, your responsibilities aren’t over. By consulting a personal injury lawyer Los Angeles, you can ensure your rights are protected. Your Uber accident attorney Los Angeles will negotiate for a settlement on your behalf and, if the insurance companies are unwilling to offer a fair amount, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court.