03/28/2022
Uber and Lyft Car Accidents—What To Do If You Are An Injured Passenger
There are currently over 75 million Uber users and 23 million Lyft users worldwide. Considering the number of people who use rideshare platforms, it's no wonder that Uber and Lyft car accident reports are on the rise. If you’ve recently suffered damages in a rideshare accident, here is some information to help you pursue compensation for your injuries.
Can I Sue Uber/Lyft for an Accident?
In accidents caused by reckless Uber and Lyft drivers, victims have tried to sue the rideshare companies directly. But in the past, Uber and Lyft have always insisted that their drivers were independent contractors, not employees. Consequently, the companies asserted that drivers were operating as independent businesses and were responsible for whatever happened in their own vehicles.
What Should I Do if I’m a Passenger Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident?
If you were injured in a ridesharing accident, you may not know who is responsible or what your rights are under Texas law. The aftermath of an accident can be stressful as you face painful injuries and expensive medical treatment. You may need to take time off of work and miss paychecks. Our accident lawyers at VB Attorneys can help you seek legal action and financial compensation if you were injured in a rideshare accident. It’s important that you follow these steps after an Uber or Lyft car accident:
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Move the Car to a Safe Location
Make sure your driver moves the vehicle to a safe area away from traffic. They should pull off to the shoulder of the road and turn on their hazard lights to alert moving traffic. When it is safe to do so, check yourself and others for injuries requiring immediate medical attention. - Contact the Police
Call 911 immediately after the Uber or Lyft accident. In the event of a serious injury, request an ambulance as well. Stay at the scene until police arrive and thoroughly answer their questions. In the event you wish to pursue legal action, insist on filing a police report. - Gather Information
Obtain the following information about your Uber or Lyft driver: name, license number, insurance information, as well as any other parties or witnesses involved in the rideshare accident. Take pictures of any visible injuries and damage to all involved vehicles. Note the location and time of the car accident. - Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention immediately after you are able to leave the scene. Even if you do not see any visible injuries, a physician can determine whether a dormant injury is present. You may also underestimate your injuries due to the adrenaline and stress of a collision. Sometimes symptoms don't appear until hours or days later. To prevent further injury, follow your doctor's instructions, including possible rehabilitation. When filing an insurance claim, it is imperative to document your injuries.
Who is Liable in an Uber or Lyft Car Accident?
If you are injured in an Uber accident, one or more parties could be liable for your damages, including, but not limited to:
- Your Uber or Lyft driver
- Other drivers
- Public transit operators
- Commercial truck operators
- Bicyclists and pedestrians
- Product manufacturers
It is important to determine who is liable for your accident in order to obtain financial compensation for your damages and injuries. The person who caused the accident is responsible for your losses. If you have been involved in a car accident, you can turn to an accident lawyer to determine the exact cause of the accident, identify the circumstances that led to the accident and collect evidence to prove your side of the story.
Our Texas Uber and Lyft Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
If you are the victim of a car accident in an Uber or Lyft, our Texas car accident attorneys are prepared to help you. Finding out who is responsible for your crash and who will pay your damages can be confusing. Working with our car accident attorneys can give you peace of mind and confidence after a frightening and debilitating accident. Contact VB Attorneys at 713-224-7800 for a free and completely confidential case evaluation.