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Ride-sharing apps have made travel possible for many people in some rural communities who otherwise would have no means of transportation. In North Mississippi, there is not exactly a plethora of taxi services or public transportation options.
For people without easy access to other means of transportation, apps like Uber and Lyft can be lifesavers, which makes the prospect of getting in a car wreck while riding in an Uber or Lyft even more disorienting.
Being in a wreck while riding in an Uber or Lyft is not something most people expect, so it can be difficult to know what to do first. Knowing which parties are responsible for what, can help prevent you from getting stuck with a pile of medical bills. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to protect yourself if you are in an Uber or Lyft accident.
Contact Emergency Services
The first thing you want to make sure of is that everyone involved is safe and in stable condition. Following that, calling 911 will bring the accident to the attention of the relevant authorities. This attention is important for several reasons.
First, once those authorities arrive, they can establish a timeline and gather evidence. The faster that authorities arrive at the scene, the less time other parties have to manipulate evidence.
Calling for medical attention also allows you to establish that any injuries you suffered were actually caused by the wreck. If you wait too long after the wreck to get a diagnosis, the at fault insurance provider may not consider your treatment.
Report the Accident to the Ride-Sharing Service
Whether you are using Uber, Lyft, or some other third-party service, there should be a place on their app or website where you can report an accident. The larger the company, the more likely it will be to offer a larger settlement.
Especially well-known companies like Uber and Lyft are known for their generous payouts following accidents, so make sure to report back to them as soon as you have notified the authorities.
Write Everything Down
When an accident occurs, it is necessary to gather as much information as possible so that authorities can best determine what actually happened. As a passenger of Uber or Lyft, you are unlikely to be found at fault regardless of what happens in the accident, so it is especially advisable to get as much accurate information written down as you can.
Take pictures on your phone of the accident scene, debris in the road, marks on the roadway and your injuries with your cell phone if you are able. If you are not ask whoever comes to the scene to assist you in taking those photographs. Make sure to write down the names, vehicles, and license plates of everyone involved. You might also write a short description of the accident. If you take careful notes, they could help you later when negotiating with insurance providers or large corporations.
Refuse Early Offers
The parties involved often attempt to swiftly resolve incidents of this nature, especially the more severe ones. If you are in a serious accident while riding in an Uber or Lyft, you are likely to be offered a quick settlement much smaller than what you could potentially win in court and certainly smaller than you would if you retained counsel.
Ride-sharing companies will always look out for their profit margins before their customers, so it is best to seek out professional legal advice in order to ensure that you are getting every single penny you deserve.
Call Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman for Assistance with Uber or Lyft Accident Settlements
For residents of North Mississippi, Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman is a reliable firm specializing in personal injury cases. We have the experience and the knowledge to assist you in building the strongest case possible, and our team of well-qualified attorneys will offer personalized legal advice tailored to your specific situation.
If you or someone you know in North Mississippi has been injured in an Uber or Lyft accident, call Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman as soon as possible.
