A serious Uber or Lyft crash can leave you hurt, shaken and unsure what to do next. You may still feel overwhelmed while trying to figure out how to handle your injuries and everything that follows the accident. Taking the right actions early can help you protect important information while you focus on recovering.
Here are the things you should do immediately after a serious rideshare accident.
Report the accident
Make sure the crash gets properly reported, even if you were only a passenger. Call law enforcement when appropriate and ask how to obtain the police report later. If the rideshare driver already reported the crash, you can still provide your own account as an injured passenger or witness.
If your condition allows, gather:
- The driver’s name and contact information
- The other driver’s information
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- The Uber or Lyft trip information
Ohio law requires a rideshare driver to provide insurance information after an accident. The driver must also disclose whether they were logged into the app or providing services when the crash happened.
Preserve evidence from the scene
Save information that could help document what happened before it disappears or becomes harder to obtain. If your injuries allow, take photos of the vehicles, accident scene and visible injuries. Save your trip information from the app, along with any messages or other records connected to the ride.
You should also write down what you remember about the crash while those details remain fresh.
Get medical attention
Seek medical care as soon as possible, even if you initially think your injuries seem manageable. Some serious injuries do not cause obvious symptoms right away, so an early medical evaluation can document the injuries you had after the crash. If your condition later worsens or new symptoms appear, those early records can help show that your injuries began with the accident.
Your medical records also document the care you received after the crash, including your treatment, follow-up appointments and any restrictions your doctor gives you. Keep those records and follow your doctor’s instructions as you recover.
Be careful with insurance communications
Think carefully before giving an insurance company a statement or accepting an offer. You may receive questions about the crash soon after the accident, but you do not have to rush into decisions while you are still dealing with your injuries. Avoid guessing about fault or making statements about the full extent of your injuries before you understand your claim.
Give yourself room to recover
After a serious rideshare accident, you may have a lot to handle while also trying to recover from your injuries. Getting medical care, reporting the crash, preserving evidence and dealing carefully with insurance communications can help protect your interests during this difficult time. If you have questions about your claim, consider reviewing your accident records with a personal injury attorney who can explain your options and help you decide what to do next.