Though it was launched three years after Uber, Lyft has managed to make a name for itself in the US ridesharing industry. As of 2020, Lyft had a 29% market share. A 2022 report states that Lyft had 20.3 million active riders and generated $4 billion in revenue.
But there might be cracks even in the strongest armor. This is true in the case of Lyft as well. Driving under the influence of alcohol, aggressive driving, and getting hit by a fellow motorist are a few ways you can get hurt when using Lyft.
Nobody is prepared for accidents. You may be wondering what to do after a Lyft accident. This article sheds light on that. It lists the steps you must follow immediately after a Lyft accident. Following these tips not only gets you on the path to recovery quickly but also helps strengthen your rideshare accident case.
Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a Lyft accident.
Step 1: Get to Safety
Get to a safe distance away from the vehicle(s) involved in the accident. Rideshare accidents often happen in the middle of the road. You have to get away from the traffic or any badly damaged vehicle(s).
Step 2: Call 911
Alerting the concerned authorities legitimizes the accident. The 911 operator will inform the local authorities about the accident. If you’re injured, this is also the quickest way to receive medical treatment.
Another advantage of this is the report the investigating officer drafts, called the police report. The police report contains all the information pertaining to the accident. Police reports are often considered evidence by lawyers and insurance companies.
Step 3: Seek Medical Assistance
Whether your injuries are minor or major, it is important to obtain medical assistance as soon as possible. Receiving adequate medical assistance starts the recovery process.
Then, there are hidden injuries. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and internal bleeding, don’t show immediate symptoms. By the time the symptoms pop up, the injury will have gotten much worse. This is why it is essential to approach a medical practitioner to get a diagnosis for your injuries.
Receiving medical assistance is also proof that you suffered injuries. The medical reports and bills will be used when calculating compensation.
Step 4: Snap Pictures
Take photographs of everything you think is important. If you’re immobilized, ask for help from someone. After a rideshare accident, you should snap pictures or record videos of
- Your injuries
- The license numbers of the vehicles involved
- Damaged property
- The accident scene (Tire marks and run-over street signs)
- The drivers involved in the accident
The pictures or videos taken here will be used as evidence in your rideshare accident case.
Step 5: Approach Witnesses
This is part of collecting evidence. Eyewitness accounts carry weight in a Lyft accident case. Approach eyewitnesses and request their statements. If possible, collect their contact information so that you can get in touch with them later to collect their statement.
Step 6: Consult a Lawyer
This is a step you cannot ignore. You need a lawyer, particularly one with expertise incar accident injuriesand rideshare accidents, to handle your case. They will know how to take advantage of the evidence you have collected in steps 3 and 4.
Not just that, your lawyer will also be handy during the negotiation process. They will shield you from the dirty tricks of the insurance adjusters. During the negotiation process, they’ll also argue hard to make sure you receive just compensation for your injuries.
Final Thoughts
Following these six steps after a rideshare accident is crucial, not just in terms of recovery but also for legal purposes.
Rideshare accidents are traumatic events. If you’ve suffered any kind of injury, it’s important to seek medical assistance, collect evidence, and get in touch with a lawyer.
