Research indicates that ridesharing has increased traffic fatalities by 2 to 3%, and tragically, every year, many people are injured in ridesharing accidents. These accidents can affect passengers, other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Wondering what to do if you are involved in a ridesharing accident? Take a look at these tips.
1. Get to Safety
After an accident, always get yourself to a safe spot, and move any vehicles involved to the side of the road. If you cannot get out of your vehicle safely, stay in your car until the authorities arrive.
2. Call the Authorities
Always call the authorities after an accident. The police can make sure the situation is safe, facilitate communication between you and the ridesharing driver, and create an accident report.
If the ridesharing driver says they don't want to call the police, call them yourself. Do not simply take the driver’s details and agree to deal with the issue privately.
In most cases, you are legally obligated to report the accident. Beyond that, you may need an accident report to make an insurance claim or take legal action against the ridesharing driver. Keep in mind that you can't always assess injuries or vehicular damage at the scene of the accident.
3. Ask for the Driver's Details
If possible, ask the ridesharing drivers details before leaving the site of the accident. If you are involved with a hit-and-run driver, try to take a photo of their license plate.
4. Seek Medical Help
Even if you don't have any visible injuries, you should still seek medical help. If you go to urgent care or an emergency room after an accident, they can check for injuries that you may not notice on your own.
For instance, they can assess you for a concussion, look for signs of whiplash, ensure there is no internal bleeding, and take care of other essentials as needed. Remember, some injuries, including both concussions and whiplash, may not show up right away.
5. Report the Accident to the Ridesharing Company
In addition to reporting the accident to the authorities, you should also make a report to the ridesharing company. Major ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft have web pages where you can report accidents.
If you're dealing with a smaller ridesharing company, look for a similar feature on its app or website, or contact the company directly. In most cases, you can report incidents to ridesharing companies whether you are a passenger, someone else involved in the accident, or a bystander.
That said, if you do contact the ridesharing company, be careful about what you say. If you were driving another vehicle, you don't want to inadvertently admit fault or even contributory neglect. If you are worried about this, you may want to have an attorney handle communication for you.
6. Take Notes and Keep Records
While dealing with the aftermath of a ridesharing accident, take notes and keep records. If you are able to do so safely, take photos at the scene of the accident. Also, ask first responders for their contact details.
When you get medical help, remember to keep your records. Additionally, maintain receipts or notes about any expenses you incur as a result of your injuries.
7. Consult With an Attorney
Ridesharing companies are big and powerful. Typically, their drivers work as independent contractors rather than employees, and these companies try to use that distinction to absolve themselves of liability. To ensure the best results possible, you should seek the help of an attorney.
An attorney can help you navigate a ridesharing accident. They can negotiate with insurance companies, handle mediations, and take the case to trial if necessary.
If you suffer injuries due to the negligence of a ridesharing driver, you may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can help to safeguard your rights. To learn more, contact us at the Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc today.
I went in for a quick consultation. They were no nonsense, to the point and very helpful. Also they did not try to up sell me on extra stuff or take advantage of the delicate situation I came in to consult about . Gave me great honest advice and if I can't handle my situation on my own I will definitely be back for services . Great first impression!
- Priya M.
I have used this attorney two times once for a car accident and once for a work injury and both times they were amazing. I got way more than I expected and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I would recommend this firm, also they were quick to return phone calls and emails.
- Aj S.
We have worked with Steve for the past 5 years. He has won every battle along the way for us and always been available to answer our questions. When we were getting frustrated with the process he took the time to explain what was going on and what our options where. I highly recommend this law firm and greatly appreciate all the hard work they have done for our case!
- Misty MM.
I was in an accident as a passenger earlier this year. I had a free consult with Justin Monro shortly after because I was concerned about the cost of my recovery. Justin was kind, personable and confident he could help me. It took several months of trips to the chiropractor, but once I was back in good health, Justin and his staff were promptly in communication with me regarding my case. My medical bills were taken care of and Monro Law went above and beyond in helping me obtain a settlement that was much greater than I had anticipated. I don't know what I would have done without their help in my road to recovery. They did all the work in dealing with the insurance company which relieved a lot of stress. I highly recommend their services.
- Mirinda A.
I went in for a quick consultation. They were no nonsense, to the point and very helpful. Also they did not try to up sell me on extra stuff or take advantage of the delicate situation I came in to consult about . Gave me great honest advice and if I can't handle my situation on my own I will definitely be back for services . Great first impression!
- Priya M.
I have used this attorney two times once for a car accident and once for a work injury and both times they were amazing. I got way more than I expected and I didn't have to worry about a thing. I would recommend this firm, also they were quick to return phone calls and emails.
- Aj S.
We have worked with Steve for the past 5 years. He has won every battle along the way for us and always been available to answer our questions. When we were getting frustrated with the process he took the time to explain what was going on and what our options where. I highly recommend this law firm and greatly appreciate all the hard work they have done for our case!
- Misty MM.
I was in an accident as a passenger earlier this year. I had a free consult with Justin Monro shortly after because I was concerned about the cost of my recovery. Justin was kind, personable and confident he could help me. It took several months of trips to the chiropractor, but once I was back in good health, Justin and his staff were promptly in communication with me regarding my case. My medical bills were taken care of and Monro Law went above and beyond in helping me obtain a settlement that was much greater than I had anticipated. I don't know what I would have done without their help in my road to recovery. They did all the work in dealing with the insurance company which relieved a lot of stress. I highly recommend their services.
- Mirinda A.
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Phone: (360) 863-3728
Toll-Free: (844) 346-6815
Email: stephenm@monrolawfirm.com
Address: 1830 Bickford Avenue, Suite 204 Snohomish, WA 98290
BUSINESS HOURS
OUR LOCATION
The information on the website of Monro Law Firm P.S., Inc. is not intended to be and has never been legal advice. You should speak with an attorney if you want legal advice specific to your circumstance. Please contact us by phone, mail, or email; we look forward to hearing from you. A client-attorney relationship is not established by communicating with us in any way. Please do not email us any sensitive information until we have established an attorney-client relationship.
Bar Admissions:
Washington
U.S. Federal Court
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
King County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
BROWSE OUR WEBSITE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: (360) 863-3728
Toll-Free: (844) 346-6815
Email: stephenm@monrolawfirm.com
Address: 1830 Bickford Avenue, Suite 204 Snohomish, WA 98290
BUSINESS HOURS
OUR LOCATION
The information on the website of Monro Law Firm P.S., Inc. is not intended to be and has never been legal advice. You should speak with an attorney if you want legal advice specific to your circumstance. Please contact us by phone, mail, or email; we look forward to hearing from you. A client-attorney relationship is not established by communicating with us in any way. Please do not email us any sensitive information until we have established an attorney-client relationship.
Bar Admissions:
Washington
U.S. Federal Court
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
King County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
BROWSE OUR WEBSITE
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone: (360) 863-3728
Toll-Free: (844) 346-6815
Email: stephenm@monrolawfirm.com
Address: 1830 Bickford Avenue, Suite 204 Snohomish, WA 98290
BUSINESS HOURS
OUR LOCATION
The information on the website of Monro Law Firm P.S., Inc. is not intended to be and has never been legal advice. You should speak with an attorney if you want legal advice specific to your circumstance. Please contact us by phone, mail, or email; we look forward to hearing from you. A client-attorney relationship is not established by communicating with us in any way. Please do not email us any sensitive information until we have established an attorney-client relationship.
Bar Admissions:
Washington
U.S. Federal Court
Professional Associations and Memberships:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
King County Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Federal Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association