We live in a time where arriving to our destination in a rideshare vehicle is a common occurrence. A recent survey reveals that 36% of adults have used a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft. The ease of use of the mobile applications and the convenience of the rideshare experience make it an attractive option for travelers. Unfortunately, these vehicles are frequently involved in accidents.
Motor vehicle accidents involving rideshare vehicles can be complicated and difficult to navigate because of the multiple parties involved. The injured party must deal with the driver of the rideshare vehicle, the rideshare company itself, as well as multiple insurance companies with individual interests.
What Should You Do After a Houston Rideshare Accident?
In the event that you are involved in rideshare accident, here are the specific steps you should take:
Call 911
Always call the police to the scene so they can make a report after a rideshare accident. You should be sure to stay at the scene with your Uber or Lyft driver so you can talk to the police as well. While waiting for police to arrive, document the accident scene by taking photographs and making a video with your cell phone.
Get Everyone’s Contact Information
It is important to get everyone’s information that was involved in the accident. This includes your Uber or Lyft driver, the other driver involved, any other passengers, and any witnesses that might be on the scene.
Seek Medical Treatment
It is critically important to seek medical attention for your injuries, right away! Insurance companies love to allege that the accident did not cause your injuries, and delays in medical care give them ammunition to use to drive down the value of your claim. It is crucial to have proper documentation of your injuries and treatment through medical records.
Talk to a Houston Rideshare Accident Attorney
Rideshare accidents can be legally complicated. You should schedule a free consultation with our Houston rideshare accident law firm right away in order to determine your options. We will exhaust every legal avenue to get you the money you deserve after being injured in a rideshare accident in Houston.
Are You Covered by Insurance if You are in a Rideshare Accident?
The major rideshare companies have their own insurance coverage that applies while you are riding in a vehicle driven by one of their drivers. The application of these insurance policies can become complicated quickly, which means that Uber or Lyft’s insurance company may be contacting you to settle your claim right away - which typically is not a good idea.
Uber and Lyft contract with insurance companies to provide coverage for their drivers. Therefore, accident victims face the same problems and issues they face with any type of motor vehicle accident. The insurance companies deny valid claims and underpay claims. As with other accident claims, the insurance company wants to pay as little as possible for the claim. You should be sure to talk to an Uber or Lyft accident attorney before you agree to anything or sign any paperwork.
Our rideshare lawyers accept injury cases on a contingency fee. You don’t pay our attorneys’ fees until we recover money for your claim.
Contact our attorneys at The Alfred Firm by calling (713) 470-9714 to schedule a free consultation with a rideshare accident lawyer in Houston.