Riding in an Uber, Lyft, or other rideshare vehicle requires you to place your safety in the hands of a stranger. Being involved in a rideshare accident as a passenger can be jarring.
The steps you take in the hours and days after your accident can impact your potential personal injury claim and compensation process. Learn what to do if you are injured in a ridesharing accident in Texas.
Note: While taking these steps may help support your case, a rideshare accident attorney can provide more detailed, personalized guidance.
Call 911 and Request a Police Report
Your rideshare driver may not want to report the accident, especially if it was minor and the other driver is not requesting a police report. However, as a passenger, you have the right to protect your safety and call for help after an accident.
It may be a good idea to call 911 and have an officer come to the scene if you are injured in a ridesharing accident in Texas. They can create a police report of the accident that you can use for evidence in your potential case.
Seek Medical Attention, Even if You Feel Okay
You might feel that going to the hospital after a minor accident is an overreaction or unnecessary. But it is generally a good idea to seek medical attention after any car accident, even if you initially feel okay.
Doing so can help you identify potentially serious injuries that you may otherwise overlook. It can also provide you with medical documentation to use as evidence in your claim.
Preserve Details About the Trip and the Accident
If you plan to file an insurance claim or seek compensation in another way after the accident, you may want to take steps to preserve information about the accident early on. You can take screenshots of the Uber or Lyft trip information, which should include the date and time of the ride, along with the driver's name. You can also preserve other evidence about the rideshare accident, such as:
- Photos and videos of the damage to the vehicle
- Witness testimonies from those who saw the accident
- Information from the other driver or drivers involved
This information can help the insurance companies determine rideshare accident liability, directing you toward which insurance company, if any, will pay for your accident damages.
Report the Accident to the Ridesharing Company
Uber, Lyft, and other major rideshare companies have features directly within their apps to report accidents. You should generally report the accident to the respective company as soon as possible if you are injured in a ridesharing accident in Texas.
This can help you start the claims process and potentially seek compensation faster. The longer you wait to report an accident, the more challenging it might be to prove that it happened and that you were injured in it.
Assess Your Options for Seeking Compensation
Uber and Lyft insurance coverage generally applies to accidents in which a driver was actively transporting passengers or en route to pick them up. This type of compensation for accident victims may be available in your case.
While Uber and Lyft both have high-limit insurance policies, they may not fully cover your medical expenses if you were seriously injured. A rideshare accident attorney can help you explore other options for seeking compensation under Texas rideshare laws, if applicable.
Seek Legal Assistance With Your Rideshare Claim
McLaurin Law, PLLC, represents rideshare accident victims. We can help you understand what to do if you are injured in a ridesharing accident in Texas; call 713-766-5621 for a consultation.
