In recent years, rideshare services have become common – and convenient – alternatives to public transport and traditional taxis. However, this isn’t to say that your safety is guaranteed when using a rideshare service. Not only are you liable to be injured as a result of negligence on the part of a rideshare driver, you may also find yourself hurt as a result of another motorist’s poor driving. So, should you ever find yourself the victim of a rideshare accident, put the following pointers to practical use.
Take Stock of Your Injuries
In the immediate wake of a rideshare accident – or any automotive accident, for that matter – it’s important to be aware of just how injured you are. Since you’re liable to be feeling a rush of adrenaline, there’s a good chance that you may not initially realize how severe the injuries you’ve incurred truly are. With this in mind, take care to thoroughly inspect yourself for injuries, and should you come across any, make sure to photograph them. The more expedient you are in photographing your injuries, the clearer a picture you’ll be able to paint for the police, attorneys and any other relevant parties.
However, if you’re unable to inspect yourself for injuries or photograph your injuries without causing yourself considerable pain or discomfort, simply wait for the police and emergency services to arrive on the scene. While taking stock of your injuries is certainly important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of injuring yourself even further.
Alert Law Enforcement
It is imperative that law enforcement be made aware of the accident. For one thing, most states require people to alert the police of any accidents that result in personal injury and/or property damage. So, by withholding the accident from police, you may be in violation of the law.
Getting in touch with law enforcement also ensures that an official police report of the incident will be made. Should you decide to file a car insurance claim or take the responsible party to court, you’re unlikely to get very far without a police report.
Document Your Recollection of the Accident
In addition to documenting any injuries you incur, it’s also a good idea to document your version of events. Not only will this prove helpful to law enforcement and insurance companies, a clear accounting of the incident is also liable to serve you well in court. So, provided you’re in any condition to do so, type up your recollection of how the accident unfolded at your earliest convenience. To help ensure that nothing gets left out or forgotten, consider making a recording of your version of events immediately after the accident and then formally typing it up at a later time.
Exchange Contact Information with Everyone Involved
Since car accident damages are often covered by the insurance companies of the responsible parties, you’d do well to exchange insurance and contact info with everyone involved in the accident. For example, if the accident was the fault of your rideshare driver, their employer will likely be the one to cover any medical bills or other expenses you incur as a direct result of the accident. Similarly, if another motorist is to blame, you’ll need to file a claim with their insurer. Should any of the involved parties prove unwilling to provide their insurance info, simply wait for the police to arrive and request that they obtain this information for you.
Contact an Attorney
If the person responsible for causing their accident and/or their insurer have consistently given you the runaround, a knowledgeable attorney can be an invaluable ally. The right lawyer will be able to get you the compensation you’re owed in a timely and minimally stressful manner. Mile High City residents who have been injured in rideshare accidents shouldn’t hesitate to seek out skilled rideshare accident attorneys in Denver, CO.
There’s no denying that rideshare services have made getting around a lot easier. Whether you’re jaunting around town or navigating an unfamiliar locale, a good rideshare service can prove tremendously convenient. However, as is the case with everything automobile-related, accidents are always a risk – whether they’re the fault of your rideshare driver or another motorist. Anyone who finds themselves involved in such an accident will be well-served by the advice outlined above.
